Virtual Babble Ride Across Britain Challenge Takes Cyclists on a Virtual Tour Across the UK

Threshold Sports, in collaboration with ROUVY, has launched the highly anticipated Virtual Babble Ride Across Britain Challenge, offering cyclists a unique opportunity to experience the UK’s most iconic cycling routes from the comfort of their own homes using state-of-the-art Augmented Reality (AR) technology.

The challenge, running from January 29th to March 3rd, 2024, allows riders to immerse themselves virtually in the beauty of Britain and enjoy the landscapes that have made the Ride Across Britain event legendary since its inception in 2009. Participants can traverse key sections of the nine-stage Ride Across Britain route, providing an experience closely resembling the real journey from Land’s End to John o’ Groats.

Threshold Sports, known for hosting extraordinary challenges for people of all abilities, aims to enable riders to achieve their full potential. With the launch of the Virtual Babble Ride Across Britain, cyclists can now train for the event in September 2024 or simply explore the stunning routes traversed in the Ride Across Britain from their own homes.

ROUVY, the immersive indoor cycling app, offers over 1,300 realistic and immersive rides worldwide. Using actual video footage, ROUVY replicates the feel and emotions of riding real-world routes, allowing cyclists to train, have fun, and explore different terrains without leaving their homes.

The Virtual Babble Ride Across Britain Challenge will showcase seven key sections of the Babble Ride Across Britain route, including Bodmin Moor in Cornwall, Cheddar Gorge in Somerset, and the Cairngorms National Park in the Scottish Highlands. Participants will experience a combination of stunning scenery and varied elevation throughout the challenge.

All riders who complete the six routes within the challenge will receive an in-app Virtual Ride Across Britain jersey and will be entered into a prize draw for a chance to win one general entry to the Babble Ride Across Britain 2024 classic 9-day package.

Nick Tuppen, CEO of Threshold Sports, expressed excitement about the partnership with ROUVY, stating, “Rouvy gives us a chance to replicate the majestic views, leg-sapping climbs, and sweeping descents of the route in full HD. It’s the perfect complement to the live event in September as it kicks off the training and fosters the community, which are both key to completing RAB in real life.”

Petr Samek, CEO of ROUVY, emphasized the platform’s commitment to realism, stating, “We use actual video footage to create a cycling experience that simulates the feel and emotions of riding real-world routes from home. So we are thrilled this partnership enables us to bring to life the breathtaking scenery, iconic landmarks, and historic sites of Britain.”

Matt Parker, CEO of Babble, the Title Partner of Babble Ride Across Britain, highlighted the value of the virtual experience in supplementing training and preparing riders for the event. “While it can never replace the sun, wind, and rain of the ride itself, or its wider charitable impact, it is an incredibly valuable way to supplement training, get into the right mindset, and experience the ride as close to reality as possible,” said Parker.

With the Virtual Babble Ride Across Britain Challenge, cyclists can embark on a virtual tour across the UK’s most scenic routes, setting the stage for an immersive and exhilarating cycling experience like never before.