More than 20,000 cyclists will head into Essex on Sunday 29 May 29 with RideLondon, the world’s greatest festival of cycling, coming to the county for the first time.

Cyclists taking part in the RideLondon-Essex 100, 60 and 30-mile challenge rides will enter Essex from London and do varying routes within the county, depending on the distance they are taking part in, before returning to London for an iconic finish at Tower Bridge.

In total, 65 miles of the RideLondon-Essex 100 route is in Essex and local businesses are preparing to do things a bit differently to welcome the cyclists, as well as the spectators and locals who are supporting the event.

Essex hospitality

One of those businesses adapting their usual service for the day is The Rabbits, a popular pub and restaurant in Stapleford Abbotts. 

The Rabbits is located roughly 75 miles into the RideLondon-Essex 100 route and 35 miles into the RideLondon-Essex 60 route, at a point where many riders will be looking for that last bit of energy to get them to the Finish Line – and that’s what The Rabbits plans on providing.

The venue is making use of its beer garden and car park to provide the perfect pitstop for riders, where they will be able to buy burgers (both vegan and beef), hotdogs, chips, energy bars, chocolate, sweets and a variety of drinks. The pub will signpost the venue from the route and will also have toilets, a bike pump for those needing some mechanical assistance, and plenty of seating so riders can have a bit of a rest before tackling the final 25 miles.

Sharise from The Rabbits looks forward to giving riders a taste of “how picturesque the Essex countryside really is and providing first-class Essex hospitality before they return to London.”

The Rabbits will accept both cash and card payments on the day.