So excited for this one. Some rides you just know are going to be one of those evenings.

On 1st July we're taking the Cotic CC owners ride to London for the first time, and we're throwing the doors open. For this one, you don't have to own a Cotic to come. If you have an Escapade, a Cascade, or even a Solaris, join us! Maybe you have an old Roadrat or X? Fantastic! Come along. But, even if you don't, come along anyway. Bring yourself, bring your bike, bring any friend who's been curious about what we do.

The route has been put together by Philip and Andrew from North London Dirt, two of my favourite people in bikes, and two people I genuinely don't get to ride with anywhere near enough.

They've built something that starts at Clissold Park in Stoke Newington (N16 9HJ), winds out through Hackney and Walthamstow, and comes back around. It's about 26 miles of proper London mixed surface riding on a summer evening. I cannot wait.

And I'll be on the new Escapade.

I want to talk about the Escapade. It looks stunning. The feel through the bars is something else; composed, alive, full of charisma. We've been working on this bike for a long time, and I'm really looking forward to showing it to you in the metal. Come and have a look. Ask questions. Have a go if you're my height!

The Plan

Roll out from Clissold Park, Stoke Newington, N16 9HJ at 7.30pm. Philip and Andrew will be there from 7.15pm.

Coming from central London? Join me outside Via Atelier, Coal Drops Yard, Kings Cross from 6.30pm. We roll at 7pm and meet the group at Clissold by 7.20pm.

This is a social ride, not a guided one. You're responsible for your own bike and safety. Helmet is non-negotiable. Bring a spare layer, a multi-tool, and puncture kit.

After

We're heading to the pub in Stoke Newington after the ride. There's space out back for bikes. With any luck we'll be standing outside in the warm, talking nonsense about bikes and tubes and geometry until someone (probably me!) has to get the last train.

Tickets

30 spots. £5 per ticket, all of it to Parkinson's UK.