Ilford cyclists to take on RideLondon 100
Published: 27 May 2022
A group of female cyclists from the Muslim community in Ilford will take on one of their most formidable challenges to date when they hit the streets of London and Essex in this weekend's RideLondon 100.
RideLondon, an annual cycling extravaganza, comes to Redbridge on Sunday 29 May. Members of the public and charities will take part in the RideLondon 100, 60, and 30-mile amateur sportives through parts of central London, Woodford and Essex.
The group are part of Cycle Sisters Redbridge group, which rides on Tuesday and Saturday mornings. Rides meet at 9.15am at Valentines Park for a 9.30am start and generally return by 12pm.
This fearless group of cyclists, who will tackle 100 miles of urban and suburban terrain in RideLondon, comprises Kulsum Patel, Shamsia Ahmed, Humira Shahzad, Shahnaj Begum, Syeda Akter, Shaba Noore-Parvin and Nahida Hussain.
Nahida Hussain got involved in cycling five years ago after completing a free course run by Redbridge Council and Sustrans.
Speaking ahead of a 40-mile training ride at Fairlop Waters, Nahida said: "As a group, we're looking forward to the challenge of cycling 100 miles this Sunday. We know it will be challenging, but we've put the training in, which should stand us in good stead.
"I only started cycling in 2017 after I got in touch with Redbridge Council and. I can't believe how far I've come in that short space of time and that I'll be taking part in this Sunday's RideLondon. It also proves that other people can do it if we can. The main thing is to start cycling at your comfort level and make sure you have fun while you're doing it.
"If you want to take up cycling, get in touch with us at Cycling Sisters or the cycling team at Redbridge Council, and we'll be only too happy to help. You'll also gain a new social circle and some new friends."
The Deputy Leader of Redbridge Council, Cllr Kam Rai, said: "I want to wish Redbridge Cycle Sisters and all local people taking part in RideLondon the best of luck this Sunday. It’s inspirational to see so many Redbridge cyclists signing up and taking on the RideLondon challenge.”
"Taking up cycling is good for your health, fun for all the family and is an eco-friendly way to get around the borough. As a council, we want to make it as easy as possible for our neighbours across Redbridge to live healthy lives, whether it be by running free cycling training, rolling out outdoor gyms in our local parks or opening new swimming pools across the borough.”
Redbridge Cycle Sisters start from Valentines Park and are mostly intermediate rides (6-12 miles) with some occasional longer challenge rides (12+ miles). Typical destinations include Wanstead Park, Fairlop Waters, Hollow Ponds and Ray Park.
Redbridge Council is supporting a crowd zone at Woodford Green Cricket Club, IG8 9EZ. To watch the cyclists passing by on the Woodford Green High Road, feel free to stop by Woodford Green Cricket Club from 10am to enjoy an enviable position.
Their clubhouse will be open to all, members and non-members alike, for refreshments and facilities. They will also be putting on some soft play cricket for any young people that would like to join in. All are very much welcome!
Find out more about RideLondon and cycling in Redbridge.
