Dunwich Dynamo - History

History

The ride originated in June 1993, when a group of bicycle messengers left London for a fun ride to the coast on fixed-wheel bikes, inviting members of the public to participate. The event was supported by a cycle shop, Mosquito Bikes of Essex Road, providing mechanical support and "controls" where riders had to check in to ensure no short-cuts. This arrangement continued for three further years. During this period the ride started from the Eastway cycle circuit rather than London Fields as at present.

Since then the ride has continued on an unsupported 'turn up and go' basis. The route was planned by the London School Of Cycling and organisation including the transport back from Dunwich at the end of the ride is arranged by Southwark Cyclists; for many years this was led by Barry Mason.

The 2006 ride had 700 participants but was marred by the death of a 38 year old participant, Andrew Rawling, in a head-on collision with a Ford Transit van in North Weald Bassett. The organisers suggested that the 2007 ride could take the form of a memorial event, but Rawling's family requested that it continue as normal without any dedication, as they did not wish the ride he enjoyed to become a campaign or protest. The number of participants has increased every year, to an estimated 1,000 riders in 2009 and 1,500 in 2011. Due to the increasing numbers of participants, the once adequate feeding arrangements have become overwhelmed and a number of "pop up" food stands have been introduced, with the blessing of the organisers, to help meet demand.

2009 was the first year that the ride was attempted—and completed—on a penny farthing. In 2011, a rider completed the event on a "Boris bike" hired in central London.