Foulness Bike Ride - What the riders have to say

Meet Jed Brooks, this year’s rider number 1, and staunch supporter of the Foulness Bike Ride. We asked Jed to share his experiences as a rider.

Hi everyone, Jed Brooks here! You could say I’m a bit of a Foulness Bike Ride enthusiast – so much so, I was the first one to click ‘register’ for this year’s event, bagging myself the coveted Number 1 rider spot!

Now, you might wonder why I was so eager. Well, it’s become a bit of a tradition! As a member of the Rotary Club (I was District Governor for Essex and Herts, and now I’m on the co-ordination team, helping mentor others), I have the ongoing privilege of signing up first. It’s a great way for us to test the registration process and, of course, nab that first rider number!

And honestly? The online registration is a breeze. It’s so quick and straightforward; they’ve made it incredibly easy to get involved. This is brilliant because the ride supports causes close to my heart. Last year, for instance, Rotary helped raise an incredible £50,000-£60,000 towards the Spotlight Appeal for Mid and South Essex Hospitals. That appeal is aiming for £600,000 to fund four new treatment machines, and my personal fundraising from the Foulness Bike Ride contributed £750 towards it. It feels good to give back.

Come Ride Day: Smooth Sailing from the Start

For those new to the event, you might be picturing chaos, but it’s anything but. The organisers have it down to a fine art. They use staggered start times, which is really smart as parking on site is limited. When you register online, you pre-select your slot. I always pick an early one because my wife, Linda, is a dedicated steward for the event. This means we can arrive together, I can get my ride in, and then I’m free to support her and the other volunteers.

It’s as simple as parking up, lifting your bike off the rack (if you’ve brought it by car, like I do), and walking it over to the volunteer desk. The friendly team there will register your arrival, check your number, and then you head to the starting arch. They often snap a few photos, and then, when it’s your designated start time, they guide you on your way. Easy!

Out on the Course: Fun, Freedom, and Friendly Faces

Once you get started, the atmosphere is just brilliant. There’s a real buzz of excitement. You see absolutely everyone: youngsters on their first big ride, families with kids in trailers, groups of friends laughing, work teams out for a bit of bonding, and dedicated cycling enthusiasts. It’s such a diverse crowd, and that’s part of the magic. Whether you’re on a trusty two-wheeler, a three-wheeler, a unicycle, an electric bike, or a bike specially adapted for disabilities – everyone is there for a fun ride and a good day out. There’s no racing involved; it’s all about enjoying the unique experience of cycling on Foulness Island.

The ride itself offers great flexibility. You can decide how far you want to go. Foulness Island can get a bit windy, so if the wind is in my favour, I might decide to do three laps of the course – and there’s no extra charge for choosing different distances, which is fantastic. There are always encouraging stewards dotted along the way, cheering you on, and there’s even a bicycle repair point at the start of the lap circuit, just in case you need a quick tweak!

To keep my energy levels up, I usually ride a borrowed hybrid bike – the electric assistance is a welcome bonus! It has a handy basket where I pop my drinks and snacks. However, I always make a point to stop off at the Foulness Island Heritage Centre. It’s a great spot to have a look around, learn a bit about the island’s history, and grab some extra refreshments.

More Than Just a Ride: Community, Charity, and Coming Back

I genuinely look forward to the Foulness Bike Ride every year. It’s a fantastic day out, and Linda and I both enjoy the opportunity to meet so many different people. There’s a real sense of community spirit.

And, of course, knowing you’re doing it for a charity of your choice makes it even more special. It feels great to help others. You never know what’s around the corner in life, so contributing to causes that support people is so important – you might need their help yourself one day. As a Rotary Club member, I’m honoured to be part of such a well-organised event that does so much good. Rotary itself is a fantastic network; you can travel almost anywhere in the world and be welcomed by fellow Rotarians.

My Tips for You: Get Ready to Ride!

So, as a seasoned participant and the proud owner of the rider number 1 spot, what advice would I give to anyone thinking about taking part for the first time?

Firstly, register early! It helps the organisers and secures your preferred start time. Secondly, on the day, leave a bit earlier than you think you need to. This helps avoid any unexpected traffic and gives you plenty of time to get sorted without any stress. Thirdly, give your bike a quick check-over before you come – make sure your tyres are pumped, and your brakes are in good working order. And finally, be prepared for the British weather! Pack layers, maybe some rain gear (just in case!), and definitely sun lotion. There is a section of gravelled area on the course, so bikes with slightly thicker tyres tend to fare a bit better, but honestly, all bikes are welcome and manage just fine.

This ride is for everyone. Whether you’re a family looking for a fun day out, a group of friends wanting a leisurely pedal, a work team aiming for some fresh air and team building, or a keen cycling enthusiast – this event caters to all.

So, what are you waiting for? Head to the registration page, get yourself signed up, and come and join the fun. I promise you won’t regret it. I’ll see you on Foulness Island!

But my biggest tip? Just do it! So many people lack a bit of confidence, but everyone at the Foulness Bike Ride is there to encourage you and make sure you have a safe and enjoyable experience. You’ll wonder why you didn’t do it before!

So, what are you waiting for? Head to the registration page, get yourself signed up, and come and join the fun. I promise you won’t regret it. I’ll see you on Foulness Island!