Plenty of time to pile on the miles

Hundreds of MCN readers have already completed our #ride5000miles challenge – and it’s not too late for you to join in the fun. Since launching our 2018 campaign in March, 3000 new members have signed up, boosting numbers to almost 7000 mile-munchers.

“R5K is always in the back of my mind whenever I get the bike out, and helps me clock up the miles,” says one of R5K’s most prominent members, Chris Hood. “The sticker is on the back of my helmet too! It’s often a point of conversation with other riders when we meet up, and I have personally met some riders through being recognised as part of the group.

“I got 5000 miles under my belt this year by May and have clocked another thousand since. It’s a great online community, made some friends and still inspires me to ride more!”

GET MORE FROM YOUR RIDING

• Keep your bike clean this summer
• Perform the perfect u-turn
• Keep safe on the road as a new rider
• Download your R5K certificate
• Riding skills to brush up on

If you haven’t joined #ride5000miles yet there is still time to sign up. The challenge is simply to cover 5000 miles in one year, starting at any point you deem. To register, all you need to do is sign up to our Facebook group, post your mileage and take it from there. You’ll find yourself part of one of the UK’s nicest biking community.

“I spend a good proportion of my time working abroad,” says member Andy Reohorn. “I think #ride5000miles has been an incentive to get out on my bike whenever I’m home. I’ve clocked 2350 miles so far, more than I rode in the previous 18 months by far. I’m hoping I’ll hit 5k before the end of the year.”

“It’s been a wonderful experience,” says member Mike Britt, who was one of the first members to join and hit his 5000-mile target last month. “I’m loving this group. It’s been a real inspiration to share positive riding vibes with others. I don’t mind what the eventual miles tally is ­– I just want this to continue next year.”

One of Mike’s recent posts turned viral when he decided to bunk off work to add to his tally. “Stress is a s***,” he wrote. “I woke up this morning dreading the thought of going into work. So, I didn’t. I had a ‘sod that’ moment and went to the seaside for an ice cream. I feel better about work tomorrow now. Two wheels have been my therapy for years.”

What is R5K?

And if you fancy having your own adventure, why not join our #ride5000miles Facebook page. The aim is to encourage riders to cover 5000 miles in a year. See how others are getting on at our #ride5000miles page.

How do I do it?

Make a note of your mileage at the start of your biking year. Take a photo at the start and end of the challenge.

Five reasons to sign up

1. It’ll make you a better rider.

2. You’ll know your bike better than ever, and enjoy it more.

3. It’ll make you ride to places you’ve never been before.

4. Be part of a top biking community.

5. Share tips on where to ride and what kit can go the distance.

#ride5000miles Facebook group · 7,228 members Join Our Facebook Group Here The official group for MCN’s #ride5000miles challenge, and the central social media hub for the campaign. Join to interact with others doing the same…