Well on the 17th June it was the London 2 Brighton bike ride for the British Heart Foundation.The day started with my alarm call at 4.00am. Up wash, have a light leisurely breakfast (who can eat at that time of the morning) then load the bike on the car, ensure we've all the right paper work and supplies, which included Mars Bars and plenty of drinks, then at 5.00am off we set to Clapham Common with Gillian my wife acting as chauffer.
Although my set off time was 7.30am, I managed to get into the 6.00am start, however, we didn’t get away until 7.00am. The weather was a warm 14C and overcast and a cooling breeze, as the ride continued, the sun rose along with the temperature and my first stop was at about 9.30am for a drink, Mars bar and a cigarette (not used to all the fresh air). This kept me going till my next stop at 12.00am when I stopped at the in-laws (who just happen to live on the route 26 miles from the start) for brunch of bacon and sausage rolls with lots of tea.
I started the 2nd leg at 12.30md, with the expectation of reaching Brighton around 17.00hrs, however, when I went to start the second leg I noticed my rear wheel was off centre so had to make some adjustments (I hadn't realised at this point that the axle had broken), on we went but I found it was difficult to pedal, I didn't know if I was just tired but had felt good until the stop, I decided to call in at one of the cycle repair stations to get the bike checked and was advised that the axle was broken, I was also advised that it would get me to Brighton, but it wasn't worth repairing. Off I set again, along the straight and down hill wasn't too bad but uphill was impossible as the brakes were binding. Well I persevered the weather had cooled down now and rain was threatening, at the 50 mile mark, is the start of the worst hill on the route “Ditchling Beacon” (anyone who wants a nice day out should take a drive and admire the view from the top, don't walk or cycle unless your fit). Normally, everyone stops to take a rest and take stock of what's ahead, so after a 10 minute, stop, on we went, some, the fittest 10% may manage to cycle up, while the rest including me push our bikes the mile up the 600 foot 1 in 5 torture trail to the top. Then it was down hill all the way for the last 7 miles and I arrived in Brighton at the finish line at 6.00pm, absolutely shattered, thirsty and exhilarated, our prize, the finishers medal and the knowledge you have finished, the aim of all 3,000 cyclists and of course the sponsorship for the BHF.
Although my set off time was 7.30am, I managed to get into the 6.00am start, however, we didn’t get away until 7.00am. The weather was a warm 14C and overcast and a cooling breeze, as the ride continued, the sun rose along with the temperature and my first stop was at about 9.30am for a drink, Mars bar and a cigarette (not used to all the fresh air). This kept me going till my next stop at 12.00am when I stopped at the in-laws (who just happen to live on the route 26 miles from the start) for brunch of bacon and sausage rolls with lots of tea.
I started the 2nd leg at 12.30md, with the expectation of reaching Brighton around 17.00hrs, however, when I went to start the second leg I noticed my rear wheel was off centre so had to make some adjustments (I hadn't realised at this point that the axle had broken), on we went but I found it was difficult to pedal, I didn't know if I was just tired but had felt good until the stop, I decided to call in at one of the cycle repair stations to get the bike checked and was advised that the axle was broken, I was also advised that it would get me to Brighton, but it wasn't worth repairing. Off I set again, along the straight and down hill wasn't too bad but uphill was impossible as the brakes were binding. Well I persevered the weather had cooled down now and rain was threatening, at the 50 mile mark, is the start of the worst hill on the route “Ditchling Beacon” (anyone who wants a nice day out should take a drive and admire the view from the top, don't walk or cycle unless your fit). Normally, everyone stops to take a rest and take stock of what's ahead, so after a 10 minute, stop, on we went, some, the fittest 10% may manage to cycle up, while the rest including me push our bikes the mile up the 600 foot 1 in 5 torture trail to the top. Then it was down hill all the way for the last 7 miles and I arrived in Brighton at the finish line at 6.00pm, absolutely shattered, thirsty and exhilarated, our prize, the finishers medal and the knowledge you have finished, the aim of all 3,000 cyclists and of course the sponsorship for the BHF.
After a very early start we managed to get home at 23.00hrs, a long hot soak a quick sandwich and off to bed, the end of a perfect day.
To all that sponsored me THANK YOU.
One final note, as you can see I quite like cycling, however, I cannot abide those who profess to be professional cyclist being members of cycling clubs who think that they own the road and feel that they do not have to abide by the highway code, they give cycling and cyclists a bad name, I also do not have time for the vehicle drivers who do not give consideration to the cyclist, Cycling can be a good way to keep fit and see our wonderful countryside. Please be considerate to all road users.
