Every cyclist remembers their first big ride — the nerves, the excitement, the moments of doubt, and the unexpected joy. For many, the is more than just a night ride to the seaside — it’s a rite of passage.

A couple of weeks before the event, Chris — aka Cookie — reached out to me. He’d signed up for the post-ride service we provide to transport bikes and riders back home from Dunwich, and although he wasn’t yet a TWR member, he wanted to join a ride with us beforehand to get a feel for the group. Let’s just say — he slotted in perfectly.

In the post below, Cookie reflects on his first-ever Dynamo experience. Told in his own words, this honest, humorous, and heartfelt account captures the spirit of community, challenge, and self-belief that defines what Together We Ride is all about.

So grab a cuppa (or an energy drink), settle in, and enjoy this brilliant piece titled:

Newbie at the Dunwich Dynamo

On a beautiful summer’s evening around 18:30, I encamped on the grass in London Fields – Hackney on my Jack-Jones (alone) and worried, fearing the expected 123 miles to the seaside (as I had already ridden 12 miles to the start). I’d never ridden this adventure before—and in the darkness, too? Surely this is madness.

But wait… I am filled with a sense of calmness and familiarity. Opposite me stood my first big person’s nightclub as a young man. Look—it’s All Nations, the OG reggae nightclub. But in the daylight? Yep! I remembered my brave, but failed, attempts to enter the dark, dark basement room and ‘hole ah dance’. I took that same bravery and knew I could deal wid dis Dunwich Dynamo… and overcome!

Just over there, opposite the pub, I hadn’t yet noticed the hundreds and hundreds of riders on all sorts of two-wheel propulsion: Bromptons, Roadies, Hardtails—even the odd large protest flag. And the drag from that has gotta slow them down. This seemed like a festival ready to roll.

The cyclists were lounging, resting, waiting. Some were drinking, and some were already starting off. I was thinking, “Should I go home or should I go?” Then I spotted Governor Wayne—I shouted out, but he disappeared into the crowds of hundreds. Luckily, a location pin saved me, and TWR were in full effect. We grouped and rolled out, effectively in two teams, so we could ride at a comfortable pace.

Getting out of London is always tricky—cars, buses, one-way signage. Oops, wrong way. And then on Lea Bridge Road, yep, Babylon had put a road closure in place. Not sure why, but a car and a tape were blocking the road. We jumped onto the lovely cycle path and headed out to the A406, onto Woodford, and that long, long road into and through Epping.

So many places were open en route—no need to stop at the first bright place. We rolled on (well, rode actually) to the second large-ish stop. Loads of people and refreshments. No rip-off here: reasonably priced food at this pub, free toilet, free water, and a little breather. We ate some of our own snacks too.

I think we stopped four other times throughout our ride—some longer, some shorter—but all easy and welcoming, with happy and sociable people staffing these establishments right through the night. I was told the coffees were great. (I’m not much of a coffee drinker—mad, I know. How do I manage to cycle then?)

A petrol station wasn’t open at 06:45—missing out on all that passing trade. Their loss! But a local, old-fashioned corner shop—like the ones in London—was open and definitely not missing out on this lickle bounty of passing cyclists. Good job too, as our snacks, sweets, and drinks were depleted. We stocked up and made the final push in the nearing and brightening daylight.

We did buck up on a MAD pothole while descending in the darkness—wooi! That was pretty sketchy… but also a rush and fun too. Phew.

You couldn’t see the sea as you approached down a narrow car park road. That was a bit disappointing. It looked like some Mad Max-style desolate and lonely landscape, with weary-eyed persons all muttering, “Get me home,” lol. AND some were even swimming in the SEA!

So… will I?

Yeah, you bet—I’ll be doing it again. And with my pretty wheel and valve lighting too 😊