London to Brighton Bike Ride 2024 – the big day!

On the 16th June 2024 I did the London to Brighton Bike Ride in aid of British Heart Foundation. Quite a challenge, as I’m nearly 64 and have not done anything like this before!

Previous films looked at why I got involved in this challenge, and how I prepared for the event. In this film I take a look at how I got on come the big day!

[Music] The day started with a nice early coach trip from Brighton to Clapham Common. The first job was to claim my free cycling Jersey and pose for pictures. Then it was off to the starting line. Announcer – "Loving the energy here on the start line. I’m hearing a lot of positive mantras. let’s go we’ve got this." Announcer – "Ring those bell and ride away. This is YOUR London to Brighton"! And we’re off! After the start at Clapham Common, we had a clear section of road to start with. Oh God there’s some pot holes around here!! Then things got interesting at the first big junction. Like this junction, all of the junctions throughout the ride were marshalled. Some sections of London we had closed roads, some sections we used the the bus lane, and some roads had what they called "Live traffic". Obviously the organisers couldn’t shut down London for the day, so riders had to obey traffic signals and Marshals. We always had a big clump of Lycra clad two wheelers at Junctions, but once through, the group spread out again. At times we had to squeeze through parked vehicles, and not get flattened by cars. I did the ride with my daughter’s partner Nath. It was his third time doing the ride. This is Nath and my daughter Alice crossing the finish line last year. The route went from Clapham Common, through Summerstown, Tooting Broadway, Mitcham and Carshalton to rest area one at Woodmanstern. Things went well until we got to Carshalton, when it started raining. It’s only a little shower – it’ll be fine! Thankfully, it was a short downpour lasting about 8 minutes. it wasn’t long before the rain stopped and the city started fading Into the distance in the rear view mirror. We started seeing countryside, the sun came out and it was time for a quick pit stop at rest area one. Gosh -checkpoint number one – 10 miles. Prior to the ride, I found out the hard way that as well as water, you need food to keep you going My main source of energy on the ride was loads of homemade flapjacks, and chocolate. The bananas got squished unfortunately! The second section took us from Woodmansterne, through loads of country lanes, under the M25, through the north of Redhill and under the M23 to rest point 2 at the Dog and Duck near Outwood This is where I found out I had a flat on the rear wheel so rather than wait in line for the busy mechanics, Nath and I replaced the inner tube . Then it was back on the road. So we just left checkpoint number two, we’re somewhere south of the M25 heading towards Gatwick. I had a puncture which me and Nath repaired at the checkpoint and Nath didn’t manage to get a burger. He was looking forward to it and everything. Oh dear I don’t know what happened there. For me, the thing that characterised this section was the way people were starting to come out and cheer riders along. The sun was shining, so people had put chairs in their driveways and were enjoying the weather, a nice glass of something cold and cheering us on our way. This wonderful atmosphere helped my motivation no end. Section three took us from the Dog and Duck, along loads of country lanes, through a few small hamlets and up Turners Hill. Somewhere before Turners Hill was the halfway point. Note to organisers for the next time – put up a sign marking it please! Turners Hill was the first hill I didn’t make it up, but I made it nearly to the top! This wasn’t an official rest area, but most people use it as one. The church was offering free water refills, and had set up refreshments for people. St John’s ambulance had set up a first aid point and the pub was doing a roaring trade! The official rest stop 3 was just down the road at Ardingly Showground. There, we were entertained by Lancing Brass Band while the mechanics checked my gears and brakes. The fourth section was from Turners Hill / Ardingly Showground, through Haywood’s Heath and a load of pretty villages to a rest stop at Wivelsfield just before Ditchling Common. Very pretty Village – not sure how far we are from Ditchling. So today in London we had rain and hailstones, now we’re getting further south and it’s beautiful sunshine! Nath could be anywhere! It’s lovely when people come out just to cheer you on! Rest stop four was before the ride up the big hill of Ditchling Beacon We were 41 miles, in with a big challenge ahead. So I did just that – rest! So we’ve just had a little bit of a stop at Ditchling common. Just about to go through Ditchling Village, then attempt at Ditchling Beacon. OK – Village of ditching. 44 miles in, 10 to go. These guys look like they are riding an ice cream cart, but it’s for Boodles Rose wine. I understand they had a long day, but did finish Ditchling Beacon – the biggest hill on the ride. Now you’ll probably notice that most people are walking. The reason is that it’s flipping steep! Between Underhill Lane Car Park and the top of the beacon it’s only 1.14 km as the crow flies, yet the elevation increases by 134.7 Metres. This is it on Strava, so you could be forgiven for walking it. The group we were in started later. All of those keen to make it to the top were in earlier groups and had long since made it to Brighton. Everybody has their reasons and motivation for doing the ride. Many people do it to raise money for their charities in honour of loved ones they’ve lost. Often in tragic circumstances Everybody regards it as a personal challenge, and sets their own goals. On the walk up to the top, I spoke to a few first timers. As well as having the motivation to raise money, and the personal challenge of making it to the end, many I spoke to also view doing it as part of making big life changes. The ride takes place on Father’s Day and one guy I spoke to put this very succinctly by saying:- [Applause] [Cheering] From the Beacon, it’s a quick 8 mile downhill whizz through Brighton to the finish line. So under eight miles to go. Top of ditching Beacon. Lovely views! I can see the sea! [Music] So the big questions of "Did I enjoy the day", and "Would I do it again"? Well, I did enjoy the day! I loved the positive atmosphere, and all of the motivation from everyone involved. Especially the people who came out to cheer us on. I’m really thrilled I actually managed to finish the ride. Quite achievement for an unfit old man! Question two – I’ve already signed up for the ride and booked my accommodation. So see you next year then!