Supporters looking to cheer on cyclists taking part in this year’s Ford RideLondon-Essex 100, on Sunday 28 May, will be able to watch from two locations on the route thanks to vintage travel on the Epping Ongar Heritage Railway.

Operating on what was formerly the final stretch of the Central Line, the Epping Ongar Heritage Railway connects Epping, the 25-mile point of Ford RideLondon-Essex, and Ongar which the route goes through twice, at miles 32 and 73.

Due to the road closures put in place to ensure the safety of participants, there had previously been no way to travel between Epping and Ongar during the event.

The opening of the Epping Ongar Heritage Railway now ensures spectators can journey in style between the two towns and cheer on participants at two key locations on the route. The journey involves travelling by vintage bus from Epping to North Weald and then making the rest of the way to Ongar by steam train.

Services will operate regularly from 09:30. To book, visit eorailway.co.uk. Tickets can also be purchased on the day.

Epping is accessible from central London by the Central Line and offers a great spot to watch the event. The town will have local entertainment and businesses along its historic High Street will be open to purchase food and drink.

Ongar, another historic Essex market town, is also a great place to watch the event with riders passing through twice. It has a number of food and drink establishments on its High Street and activations will be held on the day.

For more information on the Epping Ongar Heritage Railway, click here.