RideLondon-Surrey 100 (2019) Anyone?

[Racing roadkill]

Is there an upper age limit?

Not officially. There’s a minimum age of 16 years old for the 46, and 18 years old for the 100, but no upper age limit.

 

[Racing roadkill]

Is that unusual? I think I've seen a similar email in a previous year or years.

This is the latest I’ve seen that type of email. I’m not surprised that it looks like they may be short on sign ups. ‘New Years resolutioners’ may have boosted the numbers, but with the reputation the event has earned, regarding crashes and deaths, coupled with the fact that the ‘2012 effect’ has diminished, it’s not altogether surprising that the event may have lost its mass appeal a bit.

 

[lazybloke]

And some may have been waiting to see if Velo South is running in 2019 - would make a change

 

[PaulSB]

Is that unusual? I think I've seen a similar email in a previous year or years.

I don't know if it's unusual. I haven't had the email before at this stage.

 

[Racing roadkill]

And some may have been waiting to see if Velo South is running in 2019 - would make a change

The Velo South won’t run.

 

[GM]

I don't know if it's unusual. I haven't had the email before at this stage.

I got that email yesterday, which gave me a glimmer of hope. After 5 attempts it might be my lucky year.

 

[PaulSB]

I got that email yesterday, which gave me a glimmer of hope. After 5 attempts it might be my lucky year.

Agreed. I've got in once and would very much like to again.

 

[EltonFrog]

I’ve had the email too, I think it’s more likely that they want to boost the numbers of those disappointed of not getting in on the ballot so more charity places get taken up.

I’ve had those last minute sign ups every year except the first.

I rode the event for the first four years, the last two were a pain, crashes, hold ups too many riders, ain’t bothered to do it again. Shame, the first year was fab.

They should do the sign up the same as the New York 5 boro’s or the Cape Argus, first come first in.

 

[PaulSB]

You were surprised last year (actually year before last) when you got a similar email.

That's the joy of getting older - life is full of surprises............. possibly as the memories decline!

 

[mjr]

I’ve had the email too, I think it’s more likely that they want to boost the numbers of those disappointed of not getting in on the ballot so more charity places get taken up.

I’ve had those last minute sign ups every year except the first.

I rode the event for the first four years, the last two were a pain, crashes, hold ups too many riders, ain’t bothered to do it again. Shame, the first year was fab.

They should do the sign up the same as the New York 5 boro’s or the Cape Argus, first come first in.

First come would disadvantage those with jobs or family commitments near opening time, plus generally disadvantage those on slower Internet mostly outside London, plus increase the risk of an overloaded website collapsing embarrassingly, none of which the organisers including London And Partners and London Marathon would want IMO.

The ballot probably has flaws but there seem to be enough first come events already.

 

[lazybloke]

They should do the sign up the same as the New York 5 boro’s or the Cape Argus, first come first in.

They do have the 200 Club which guarantees 800 riders a place and a VIP experience, for "only" £250 each, although it seems to be only for pairs.


I'd be happy with "first-come, first-served" , preferably with tickets released in phases rather than a single bun fight.
Or just tweak the ballot to prioritise those who have been rejected previously - that would feel fairer than the present system.
And also have a queuing system for any cancellation places.

A charity place isn't bad if you have generous friends/family/employer/colleagues, but I've done two charity rides since 2014 so I'd have to set myself a much bigger challenge before I'd feel comfortable seeking donations again.

 

[Sniper68]

I too got that email and don't recall getting it any other year.

 

[172traindriver]

I was surprised to receive an email yesterday suggesting I encourage a friend to enter the ballot which closes on January 4th. Clearly fewer than 80,000 entrants to date.

It would be interesting to know how many have entered the ballot so far, but I don't suppose this will ever be made public.
They won't have problems filling the 25,000 spaces no doubt.
I do wonder if it's losing a bit of it's appeal though, as people have said there are always some nasty incidents and scores delayed due to the overcrowding or incidents for later starters.

 

[PaulSB]

I think the interesting point is the email has been sent. There must be more than 25000 already in the ballot so why reveal it is less than the 80000 cut off?

Poor marketing in my view unless there are fewer than 25000 entrants to date which would be unprecedented drop off for such an event.

 

[lazybloke]

Difficult to discuss numbers unless you have details of the breakdown. 200 club. Celebs. BC—affiliated teams. Charity dudes. Ballot plebs. And probably more that I missed.

I don't recall the breakdown ever being revealed.