Cyclists from Ely were among around 850 who cycled to this year’s Reach Fair on the May Day Bank Holiday as part of a guided ride. 

The Reach Fair was first held in 1201 when King John granted a charter for the holding of a fair in the village.

Camcycle and the Ely Cycling Campaign organise the annual guided rides, with many people discovering the event for the first time.

Ely Standard: Around 850 people took part in this year's guided cycle to the Reach Fair.Around 850 people took part in this year's guided cycle to the Reach Fair. (Image: Camcycle)

Fatima Zahra rode from Cambridge with her friend Easha, who persuaded her it would be a nice way to explore further than the city.

They found the journey of around 15 miles easier than they expected.

Fatima said: “I started cycling in September to get to work and back in Cambridge, it’s accessible and easy for a beginner to get started, but I haven’t been on any long-distance cycle journeys before.

“It was a lovely day for a cycle ride. We were a bit concerned about the weather, but luckily the clouds took mercy on us.”

Ely Standard: Fatima said she found the journey of around 15 miles easier than expected.Fatima said she found the journey of around 15 miles easier than expected. (Image: Camcycle)

As well dogs on bikes, and a group of six-year-olds who were pedalling for the very first time, two Penny-farthings joined the route.

Other cyclists included King’s Lynn-based representatives the Norfolk and Fens Cycling Campaign and cycling visitors from Essex, Suffolk, and Kent.

In keeping with its 823-year-old tradition, the Reach Fair was opened by the Mayor of Cambridge, Cllr Jenny Gawthrope Wood, and pennies were thrown for children to collect.

Camcycle’s CEO, Roxanne De Beaux, said: “The Reach Ride just gets better and better: today has been an amazing success.

“Camcycle would like to thank all those who make this event run so smoothly – our brilliant staff and volunteer teams, our busy team of roving mechanics from Outspoken Cycles, Cambridge City Council who support this ride and Cambridgeshire County Council who were busy mending potholes near Reach just last week.

“We’re delighted that so many people enjoyed riding with us and hope it’s just the start of a wonderful summer of cycling around Cambridgeshire.”

The 17th annual Reach Ride is planned for Bank Holiday Monday May 5, 2025.