However, the event is something that everyone should do at least once. Ok, it's all on roads and our bikes are not ideally suited, but the pace is manageable - at least up to the point when the roadies put their foot down on their 8kg bikes with massive road gears.
Verity and I got our registration in early and we had been looking forward to the ride to Brighton for a good few weeks. The day of the event came and we cycled down to the station to catch the 21:37 to London. Temperatures were forecast to be about 9 degrees overnight, so I had decided to wear shorts and a short sleeved top. No rain, so I left the outer layer at home. Arriving at London Bridge we were met with an icy blast of very fresh air that made me think I had made a poor decision. We stocked up on coffee and croissants and killed some time before a last-minute cycle across town to the start. Timed to perfection, we arrived at 23:58 to be greeted by Simon (organiser) and David (good mate) who both accused us of being late !
The start is always impressive. The lights change at the top of Constitution Hill and the traffic stops, Simon and his traffic guides jump out, block the road and about 100 nutters in reflective clothing pull out and head towards Brighton.
The skeletons close in for the kill .. re-grouping stop in Mitcham, 01:08 am.
We take the quieter roads via Sloane Square to Chelsea Bridge and then south across Clapham Common, Balham, Tooting, Mitcham and 'out of town' via Coulsden and the gentle pull up the North Downs to meet the A217 for the blast down into Reigate and the first attempt to try and set off a speed camera. (bugger, it was switched off). All is going well and pedalling feels easy as we enjoy the peace and quiet of Lonesome Lane and into Horley for the tea stop at the Scout Hut.
With a clean, dry top and some long fingered gloves on, a belly full of sandwiches, cake and tea, we prize ourselves out of the warm and back onto the road. With a great deal of surprise we get into the swing again very quickly and are soon warmed up and chatting away as we make our way across to the short and unnecessary climb into Turners Hill. After this, the easy bit kicks in, with a pretty-much downhill section through Ardingly to Lindfield, across the A272 and down Slugwash Lane to Wivelsfield. Dawn is breaking already and the shadow of the Downs emerges from the gloom. Those who haven't climbed Ditchling Beacon before are probably feeling a bit apprehensive about now, but there's no need because it is just a hill and it's not that steep or that long. The only issue is that you've already done 80km and not slept for 24 hours !
The final snack before the Beacon. 06:25 am and still looking good. Oops, already eaten mine ...
Verity, Dave and I set off in the middle of the pack up Ditchling Beacon and quickly settled into a good pace. We pass a few people walking, we pass a few people pedalling, we pass one elderly gentleman who was wheezing like he was about to expire and one chap remonstrating with his imaginary alter-ego as he talked himself up the slope. A few short minutes later, and with what appeared to be mimimum effort, we arrive at the top and gaze down at the English channel, Brighton and the finish. Shortly afterwards, wheezing gentleman arrives. Respect - he was over 70 year's young and rode the whole way.
Verity arrives at the top in good shape (at centre) while Dave, resplendent in his custom 'Fridays' ride jersey, looks on with approval (second from right).
The last bit always seams windy as you pedal across the Downs, over the A27 and into Hollingbury. One last small climb (always against the wind) is the last bit of effort before a freewheel down into Brighton and one last chance to set off a speed camera. The extra weight carried by Dave and I allowed us to leave Verity in the dust on the descent and, Hoorah, off went the camera. I didn't look round but Dave did, so perhaps there may be a photo-fit picture on the news later and a ticket in the post.
Molly, Anne and Chris greeted us at the cafe and we shared a well-earned breakfast before the drive home to grab a few hours sleep.
I cannot tell you how much I enjoy riding my bike and much of that enjoyment comes from the people with whom I share the experience. I enjoyed Verity and Dave's company very much and every event successfully completed is an achievement in one way or another. A huge thank-you to the support group and welcoming party, without whom things like this can never take place.
Final stats - just over 100km, up three little hills, riding for most of the night, no punctures, no accidents, four Mars bars, two bananas, four litres of juice, two sandwiches, two pieces of fruit cake, two granola bars, two croissants, one tea, four coffees, two bagels, four eggs, four sausages, four bits of bacon (fat taken off two of them!), two bits fo fried bread (two uneaten!!) and some beans - no problem.
