London-Brighton anyone?

London-Brighton anyone?

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Discussion

clonmult

Original Poster:

10,529 posts

216 months

Wednesday 28th February 2007
quotequote all
Anyone here considering doing this little jaunt?

We've got a bunch of about 7 of us from the office for a mild corporate do, so should be most enjoyable. Am somewhat, er, miffed that Southern trains have a blanket ban on bikes going in and out of Brighton on the day.

mat205125

17,790 posts

220 months

Wednesday 28th February 2007
quotequote all
When and where (don't say London to Brighton )?

Is this an official event, or an off your own back trip?

What mileage will be covered?

clonmult

Original Poster:

10,529 posts

216 months

Wednesday 28th February 2007
quotequote all
Its an official ride for the British Heart Foundation, its done pretty much every year.

Sunday 17th June, about 55 miles, and theres about 27,000 people taking part.

If I can get this one under my belt, and if I can get a decent amount of sponsorship out of friends/family/work, then I may consider working up to the London-Paris ride, which is for another health charity. 300 miles over 4 days, finishing in paris so you can see the end of Le Tour. Catch with that one is that you HAVE to get over £1k sponsorship.

option click

1,173 posts

233 months

Wednesday 28th February 2007
quotequote all
I wouldn't recommend the L2B based on past experience.
Far too many people turn up, a high percentage being complete muppets who cause plenty of accidents.
Getting back from Brighton is an absolute nightmare on the day.

You might want to consider the Capital to Coast ride instead
It runs couple of weeks after the L2B
Hampton Court to Hove, ~2,000 riders, no train bans and a really nice atmosphere.
www.capitaltocoast.org.uk/

I know which one I'll be doing this year

clonmult

Original Poster:

10,529 posts

216 months

Wednesday 28th February 2007
quotequote all
We've already commited a bunch of us here from the office, no turning back now.

The C2C looks quite good, about 2000 riders taking part.

As for the L2B, we've given up the idea of coming back on the same day (I was thinking about cycling back, but that could be stupid), so the bunch of us will find a b&b, and probably have a good few bevvies on the evening. Perfect way to recoveer after a 55 mile bike ride

option click

1,173 posts

233 months

Wednesday 28th February 2007
quotequote all
clonmult said:
was thinking about cycling back, but that could be stupid...

uh-huh, I tried that the year before last (my first L2B). Got about halfway back beforehaving to phone the missus to come and get me

mat205125

17,790 posts

220 months

Wednesday 28th February 2007
quotequote all
Have none of you lot got a mate who would come and fetch you in the car? That'd be the one way that I would consider doing it.

Is it organised as a fun charity event, or a more formal race? I'd be doing it on my mountain bike either way .... shocks locked and slicks fitted natch'

JPJ

421 posts

256 months

Wednesday 28th February 2007
quotequote all
I'm also doing it as part of a small group, and we've gone for the 6am start in order to avoid the worst of the crowds (not sure what the body is going to think to getting up and riding quite so early though!)

We've sorted a van/support driver to collect all the bikes at the end, and we're going to drop a car down there the day before to get us back on the Sunday.

mat205125

17,790 posts

220 months

Thursday 1st March 2007
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Is there a link that we can get entry details from?

clonmult

Original Poster:

10,529 posts

216 months

Thursday 1st March 2007
quotequote all

sarkmeister

1,678 posts

225 months

Wednesday 11th April 2007
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I did the London to Brighton a couple of years ago. Was really good fun. I hadnt ridden a bike for years before but still managed to get a good time.

However, thousands of people take part, so the start is a nightmare. Also, there are a few monster hills, especially the Beacon near the end.

Id definitely recommend it though.

thesilverfox

119 posts

239 months

Sunday 22nd April 2007
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rode it about 5 time now, we just ride back again to the common.the ride back is OK as most of it is on the old main A road which runs along side the new one, up to the point you get to Gatwick Airport

White_van_man

3,846 posts

256 months

Monday 23rd April 2007
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L To B is the le mans weekend so i cant do it this year the c to c looks good

glassman

23,098 posts

222 months

Monday 23rd April 2007
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I did the L2B bike ride a few years ago - on a bike that I built... Got there without even a puncture while my mates were getting broken chains and slipping brake cables...

The last descent is about the fastest free-wheeling I've ever experienced!

The old rear end gets a bit of wear over the journey; just don't mention sore bum and Brighton in the same sentence.

rameshuk

591 posts

269 months

Thursday 26th April 2007
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Getting back

There is a coach service normally for you and your bike.

You pay around £15. I believe the coaches go back to Victoria / Clapham .

whatever

2,174 posts

277 months

Friday 8th June 2007
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I'll be doing the L2B this year - there's about 20 of us from our company (including friends, partners etc) entering.

It's my first year for the L2B, though I have done a similar event in the past elsewhere. Unfortunately I was somewhat more regular in my cycling at that time...

WeirdNeville

6,003 posts

222 months

Saturday 9th June 2007
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I did it 2 years ago on a Fixie! That was hard core. The never ending track stand up the beacon while all around me walked was particularly memorable.

It's a great day out, but go for the atmosphere, not to "do a time". And remember to take plently of fluids, at least 4 litres per person and fill up en route too. It can be a long hot day!