“Loved my first ever ride under the stars - As a beginner at this did not feel intimidated at all, more people need to support events so we can have more. Thanks Andy for letting me go early so I finished before sunrise:) ”

“I agree with Sue and Alden - I did the 200km last month and was dropped on last lap - too far for me - but thought i'd be good for 105km. But the pace was too high and although I kept up for 40km by then the group was well splintered. Can't blame the 210km riders -they had places to go. Needs to be split by speed rather than distance. Maybe the 210km was unnecessary - better to arrange everyone to finish about 9 -9.30 pm for a party after. I'll be better/fitter/faster next year inshallah.”

“Worst run group ride ever - Ride captain did not control the ride at all. Group was splintered into numerous packs in the dark and without direction. Ride captain stayed with fastest couple of cyclists and left the main group to their own fate. Riders allowed to ride in opposite direction at night without lights. No control at the end to ensure all riders made it back. Support vehicle not seen past half way. I will never ride with this group again.”

“A group ride which unfortunately became a race.... - The 210km/105km group was not well controlled. Instead of a controlled break into fast and steady groups at the 40km mark, it became a bit of a race, winding up to more than 35+kph. This event was supposed to be a group ride, so conceivably leaving riders spread over 70km of desert in the dark was not an ideal situation in terms of safety and/or planning. Otherwise a decent ride. ”

“Nice ride, well organised - Great variety, allowed for inclusion of all abilities. Nice one again Andy...”

“Tough ride, Great experience - Cracking pace for the 105 group, maybe a bit too cracking... got dropped after the first climb, but had a great, challenging ride anyhow. Doing the course at night was a real novelty - but there were a few issues in the pack with little warning from the front for obstacles, turns etc. Probably needed a sign for the small loop as the front guys sped on past. Kudos for those guys who went on to do the 210km - you are MACHINES! Thanks Andy, will do it again.”

“A great event for riders at every level! - Thank you so much to all involved but specifically to the marshals who stayed with me as I did my first ever 50km ride. Constantly asking if I need more water, and if I am OK- never rushing or being impatient! I enjoyed it - and it is thanks to people and events like this that I would pursue cycling again.”

“Good first ride - Competed in the 36k stick with my son ( his first ride.) We thought it was a well organized event and we thoroughly enjoyed ourselves staying in the lead pack for the majority of the ride. Sam who was the group leader was very encouraging and supportive. BBQ afterwards was good. Will do again.”

“Great Event, even better food!! - I really enjoyed the event, it was well suited for experienced as well as un-experienced riders. My wife did her first 50km and she was well supported by marshals and the food at the end was well worth the cycle!! Thanks for a great event.”

“Groups from the start - Could have done with separating at the start into groups of similar speed, as the predicted steady/slow group never materialised, rather people got dropped off in ones and twos depending on how long they could keep up for. When you're riding around a public track one your own without any assistance it becomes an expensive BBQ! Food was excellent however. Shame the showers were out of order.”

“Sorry Andy, not up to usual standard - If I had known it was a group ride at 30-32 I would not have entered. We rode the whole 105 on our own. The only reason we didn't pack it in after the stick was because Paul was out on the course. Very dark around the loop and no signs to say which way to go on the new bit. Stopped to help two guys who were dropped with a puncture. Thought that wasn't meant to happen. Basically paid for a ride around the cycle path that I could do any day. A bit of a non event at the end by the time we finished.”

“Good Idea, excellent Course, too expensive - Poor information on the course.Would be good to get a small paper with course information and contact numbers. No mobile number handed out of support car. Bad barbecue quality! No lights to see the food...Would be nice to have non alcoholic bear also. No goody bag as announced (but not necessary) Not necessary to hand out a T-Shirt, preference: lower price No shower possibility afterwords (showers were out of order) ”

“Lovely evening ride - The event uses the fabulous Dubai Cycling Course at Al Qadra. Brilliant. The after event BBQ food was excellent. Tasty and varied. The cycling:nice group of people doing different distances. The support car, and care taken, to make sure everyone finished their routes was impressive. This event will grow in numbers, but having said that being in a relativley small group was actually rather nice. Well done. Good job. Look forward to next year and similar events(?).”

“Needs improvment - More peaple to participate. More value of money. Better orgnisation and signage.”