If there’s one thing Milton Keynes does exceptionally well, it’s cycling.

With more than 200 miles of Redways weaving through parks, lakes and green spaces, the city was practically built for two wheels. And this June, local charity Ride High is inviting residents to put those Redways (and their leg muscles) to good use as the much-loved Ride MK Cycling Festival returns.

Taking place on Sunday 14 June, the annual event brings together cyclists of every age and ability for a day packed with fresh air, community spirit and fundraising — all in support of vulnerable and disadvantaged children across Milton Keynes.

And whether you’re a lycra-loving road cyclist, a weekend rider who dusts off the bike when the sun appears, or a parent looking for a family day out, there’s a route with your name on it.

Four Routes, One Great Cause

Starting and finishing at Ride High’s base in Loughton, Ride MK offers four different challenges:

100km Road Route

Sponsored by SIS, this is the big one. Riders will take on a challenging route through the rolling countryside of Buckinghamshire, Bedfordshire and Hertfordshire.

50km Road Route

Sponsored by Bailey MK, this scenic ride offers plenty of countryside views without quite the same endurance test as its longer sibling.

25km Redway Route

Thanks to Cranswick Convenience Foods, families and casual cyclists can enjoy a relaxed route showcasing the very best of Milton Keynes’ famous Redway network.

Ready Set Go Route

Sponsored by Brioche Pasquier, this just-under-2km route is designed especially for younger riders keen to experience the excitement of a cycling event.

Whether you’re chasing a personal best or simply enjoying a leisurely ride with friends, every mile completed helps support local children facing some of life’s toughest challenges.

More Than Just a Bike Ride

What makes Ride MK different is the impact it creates long after the finish line.

Ride High supports vulnerable and disadvantaged children across Milton Keynes through a unique programme that combines horses, therapeutic support and youth work. The charity helps young people build confidence, improve wellbeing, build resilience and develop the skills they need to thrive.

Participants are encouraged to raise sponsorship, with suggested fundraising targets ranging from £50 to £150 depending on the route chosen. But organisers stress that every contribution matters.

Because every pound raised helps Ride High continue its life-changing work with local children and their families.

A Festival Atmosphere Awaits

The cycling may be the headline act, but the fun doesn’t stop when the helmets come off.

Throughout the day, visitors can enjoy food vendors, music, family activities and the chance to meet some of Ride High’s much-loved horses. Supporters are encouraged to come along, cheer riders across the finish line and soak up the festival atmosphere.

Every rider will receive a commemorative Ride MK medal, plus a choice of a celebratory beer or a well-earned ice cream (both equally valid recovery strategies, depending on your age and preferences).

Young cyclists taking part in the Ready Set Go route will also receive a special goody bag.

Bringing Milton Keynes Together

For Ride High, the event is about much more than cycling.

Helen Cook, Fundraising and Marketing Manager at Ride High, said:

“Ride MK is one of our favourite days of the year because it brings together everything that makes Milton Keynes special – community spirit, the fantastic cycling network we have on our doorstep and people coming together to support local children.

“Whether you’re aiming for 100km, enjoying a leisurely ride on the Redways or encouraging a young rider around the Ready Set Go route, we’d love to see you involved. It’s a brilliant day out, and every mile ridden helps us support children who need us most.”

Ride High has also thanked sponsors Bailey MK, SIS, Cranswick Convenience Foods and Brioche Pasquier for helping make the event possible.

Ready to Ride?

Online registration closes at midnight on 7 June, with limited on-the-day places available for the 25km Redway Route and Ready Set Go Route.

So if you’ve been looking for an excuse to get back on your bike, this might just be it.

You’ll enjoy a great day out, support a fantastic local cause and remind yourself why Milton Keynes remains one of the UK’s most cycle-friendly cities.

Not bad for a Sunday.

To register or find out more, visit www.ridehigh.org/ridemk.