Another year (2001), and another challenge. This year the London-Brighton Cycle ride, 58 miles (give or take!)
Sunday dawned overcast and blustery with the forecast suggesting that the weather would remain like that for most of the day. With a slight northerly breeze the temperature stayed at about 15deg which was about right for cycling. Those that had done the ride last year, in very hot weather, said that it did not seem as well attended this year, but that this was probably due to the 6000 additional cyclists that just turned up on the day last year and didn't fancy it this year because the weather was not so good !
I gambled that the weather would stay cool so the long sleeved CoolMax running top went under the cycling top, with a waterproof jacket to keep out the early cold and any rain. This combination proved an excellent solution for the day, along with the 6 panel cycling shorts. (Note: Well worth investing in 'proper' kit for distance events - comfort makes it all the more enjoyable!) The cycling top has 3 big pockets in the back - enough for muesli bars, waterproof top (I took it off after 25 miles) and mobile phone for arranging meeting the family at the end, or emergency use, and money.
In order to get to the start line by 8am, I wanted to catch the 5.30am train from Leighton. However, on a Sunday this is a bus, and the 'Consumer Services' desk said that no bikes were allowed on the bus. So, I had to put the bike on the back of my car and take it to Tring Station from where the trains started, and would then have to collect the car on the way back from Brighton. The 6.15am train was at the station so I boarded up and settled down to an early banana. We left on time and quickly accumulated a carriage full of bikes. Then we got to Harrow & Wealdstone. Overrunning work on the line then held us up for over 20 frustrating minutes and my tight schedule was dashed before a wheel had been turned. We pulled in to Euston at 8am (my start time), and I rode across town behind a group who seemed to know their way to Clapham. The first accident of the day occurred on Vauxhall bridge with two bikes colliding !! At the start I joined the end of the 8am start queue that was still filing through the gate at 8.30. Having had my official card stamped we were off ...
The early part of the ride was obviously through the streets of London and involved carefully negotiating red lights, avoiding early morning traffic, and resisting the smell of cooking bacon coming out of kitchen windows! The sheer numbers of bikes tended to overwhelm the traffic at some junctions but others were manned by marshalls who stopped the bikes to let traffic through. This technique was used all along the route at strategic road juntions and made for a bit of a stop/start day. As in the London Marathon, the sheer numbers of bikes meant that a good, steady pace could not be maintained but it did prevent an over exuberant start. Nonetheless, I stayed out in the 'fast lane' and tried to go as fast as safely possible. 95% of the riders were using mountain bikes which didn't seem that suitable for a long run on the roads. The tyres were so chunky that they hindered downhill speed and the gearing appeared too low for going at speed on the flat. My racer, though old and heavy, seemed much more suitable. Once out of the town the route took us out along the small country roads and the first real hill saw everyone getting off and walking. The road was so narrow that once a few had got off there was nowhere for the rest to go so everyone had to dismount. This happened on a couple of occasions, and while it was a bit frustrating, it did give a bit of a breather and the chance for a chat and a laugh with other riders. Back on the open road there was just enough room down the right hand side of the road to ride single file at a good pace and I soon tagged along with a couple of 'proper' cyclists - good bikes/fancy kit etc and we cracked on at a good pace. I kept losing them at the points where we got bunched up at junctions but we seemed to be able to find each other again soon afterwards. I took a large litre bottle filled with carbohydrate drink and this enabled me to keep going all the way to Brighton. There were huge refreshment stops along the way, swarming with riders and with a very tempting 'burger' smell wafting over the road, but I resisted and fought my way through the melee at each one. I made surprisingly fast progress, mostly due to draughting along behind my new chums, and had covered 35 miles without feeling at all tired. The unknown route and concentration required to avoid hitting other bikes/street furniture etc also helped take the mind off tired legs. The downhill speed was tempered by thoughts of a couple of riders that had come off at speed, resulting in serious injury and requiring hospital treatment. The excellent quality and quantity of marshalls helped to warn of dangers along the route as well as arrange treatment for the casualties. The final few miles into Brighton is preceded by a very steep climb to the Ditchling Beacon. The challenge is to cycle all the way up. I was still not too tired at this point so thought it wouldn't be too bad .... Again there was only enough room to squeeze through single file on the right hand side of the road due to the number walking up, and it consequently relied on none of the riders stopping ! The hill is one of those infuriating climbs that consists of continual bends and more climbing. Just when you thought you had reached the top, another bend revealed another short climb and another bend. The optimism starts to fade after a few hundred feat and the hard work begins ... By the top it has become hard labour and a mental battle ... Finally the crest and hordes of cyclists everywhere. I fought my way through, rode along the ridge and had a drink. Going down into Brighton was the reward for all the effort. I clocked 47mph, limited again only by the need to avoid other riders. A gentle ride through the streets of Brighton was a nice warm down - although this was spoilt by the need to dodge amongst the lunchtime traffic. Nearing the sea front a lane had been coned off allowing the riders safe passage to the front, and the 'finishing straight'.
Another enjoyable event very well organized and marshalled. The 'training' made it all the more enjoyable with no subsequent stiffness or aches ! Due to the numbers and route down country lanes, it is not an event to measure your fastest time over 60miles (much like the marathon), but a great day out with a 'bit' of exercise thrown in. Perhaps a team for next year ?? Many thanks to all who have sponsored me. The total raised around £700.