London to Brighton post event report

After the previous few days of rain and dismal grey weather, there was a tangible sense of relief at the sunny and calm conditions that greeted arrivals in Kingston early on Saturday morning.

As cyclists congregated at the Tall Stories headquarters and made final preparations and kit checks, team guides introduced themselves and teams were formed. A breakfast of fruit and muffins was provided during briefings, and teams got to know one another briefly ahead of the event.

Geoffrey Dennis, CEO of CARE UK, said a few words to highlight the importance to CARE of the money the event was to raise, providing extra motivation as teams took to their bikes and set off on the start of the long journey.

The 54 participants were split into six teams and start times were staggered according to ability- which meant the first leg of the journey saw a lot of overtaking! Teams paced themselves for the journey ahead as they took the route South from Kingston, enjoying the increase in fresh air and decrease in noise as they left London behind.

After the first 27 kilometres, teams congregated off Ranmore Common for an early lunch of sandwiches, energy snacks, teas and hot chocolates. High spirits were in plentiful supply and cheers were raised for the later teams while people compared notes from the first leg of the journey. After the short rest and recuperation, it was off again as cyclists wound through the idyllic countryside- some pedalling at speed and others stopping to admire the bluebells along the way!

The second and longest leg saw a marked difference in arrival times as the faster teams set their pace ahead of the ‘fun’ groups. By the time the last team arrived at the second tea stop at Slougham common, the first teams were almost in Brighton! Energy levels may have waned somewhat by this point but morale remained sky high as teams set off following more drinks and snacks with jokes and smiles, ready to take on the final leg.

The last stretch may have been the shortest in distance but for many teams it took a little longer, with a few ‘pit stops’ for various punctures and ceased gears. All cyclists made it up the final upward push- the notoriously exhausting Devil’s Dyke- one way or another, to the fantastic viewpoint overlooking Brighton and the 5 mile downhill stretch ahead. For many this was a major highlight of the trip, as the sunshine, views and the wind at their backs as they descended into Brighton brought the trip to a fantastic end.

Supporters gathered at the finish line at Brighton Pier to cheer the cyclists’ arrival, and  all were rewarded with champagne and chips. After photos at the finish, medals were awarded as more teams arrived to join the celebrations.

 A fabulous day was had by all. The oldest participant, John Broughton (59) said, “It was a lovely ride - well organised and everyone was really friendly and supportive. I’m quite impressed with myself for finishing!”

Another participant, Ben, added “I had a great time... The route was obviously very carefully thought out, being very scenic and relatively traffic free and the guides were very friendly and helpful. The organization was excellent, with a good breakfast send off, an exemplary range of retro-style snacks at the stops, and champagne and chips at the finish by the pier. CARE even thoughtfully arranged sun and a tailwind for the whole day! I will certainly be very keen to join in again next year.”

CARE Challenge Events Manager Neil Munro summarized, “It was a fantastic event. We had perfect weather and even better- 54 fantastic participants. Enormous thanks go to all who took part and helped CARE to raise over £12,000- a wonderful sum, especially for our very first London to Brighton bike ride. Hopefully next year will be even bigger and better and we hope to see many of the same friendly faces back again!”