Dunwich Dynamo: A Ride Two Years in the Making
I first heard about the Dunwich Dynamo two years ago, when some local cyclists I knew were planning to ride it. It sounded like such an amazing challenge, unlike anything I’d done before. They were riding to London from Norfolk, doing the Dynamo overnight, and then riding home from Dunwich!
Back then, I had just completed my longest-ever ride: a flat 200-mile loop around Norfolk, and I’d struggled to finish. The Dynamo version they were doing would be nearly 50 miles longer. But that wasn’t even my biggest worry. It was overnight—and I was still coming off strong medication that made riding through the night unsafe. So I had no choice but to sit it out and watch from afar.
This year, everything changed.
Off all medication and feeling much fitter, I finally felt ready to take it on. My goal? Start riding from Norfolk on Saturday, arrive in London with plenty of time to enjoy the atmosphere, then cycle overnight to Dunwich to start my birthday with a sunrise on the beach — my favourite time of day—and finish strong enough to celebrate still!
We set off from Norfolk just after noon in the summer heat, taking it slow and steady. After about 90 miles we hit Greater London—and I started to worry. Dynamo riders were already heading out, and I worried I’d be the last one to leave! But I’d seriously underestimated how many cyclists take part. As we arrived at Pub in the Park, there were bikes everywhere. Having time for a pizza, some cold drinks, and soaking it all in before heading out around 8pm.
The first bit out of London was tough—stop-start city traffic is not my thing—but soon enough it quietened down. Except for the bikes. A never-ending stream of blinking red lights ahead, with the odd disco-bike thrown in! I felt very underdressed with just a couple of pink glow sticks between me and Minicorn.
The roads were practically car-free, and the miles ticked by with only the sound of cyclists, the night and occasional cheering from roadside supporters. One of the best stops was Sudbury Fire Station—burgers and chilli, thank you very much!
By then, it was getting cold. I was so glad I packed layers—what had felt excessive eight hours earlier turned out to be essential. Wrapped up, we tackled the final 50 miles in the dark.
Sadly, there was no magical sunrise as it was very cloudy—it just faded from black to grey—but we reached the beach around 4:30am, and I sat amongst fellow riders soaking it all in. After some very welcome breakfast, we set off for the ride home.
During the night I kept reflecting on how much has changed in just two years. Being able to do this ride felt like such a privilege. Not just to finish it feeling strong—but to even attempt it in the first place.
And the rest of my birthday? I came back to the beach—for a pub meal, a walk, and two ice creams. Honestly, what more could a girl ask for?