Another 30th Milestone for the 8th challenge, it was the British Heart Foundation’s 30th time of running the London to Brighton Bike Ride – unfortunately for me it was yet another early start!
The story for this challenge really started 2 weeks beforehand when I started my training. No long term training plan – just an intense 2 week bikefest. Big thanks to Southwater Leisure Centre for the use of their exercise bikes.
Even worse, was the fact that up until 7 days before the race I didn’t even have a bike! So off I went to Southwater Cycles and being the great team they are, they agreed to support the DO30 campaign with a free loan of a bike and helmet (essential for any bike ride).
I finally picked up the bike only 4 days before the race and had 2 short rides on it. Knowing how much it was going to hurt my rear end, I wasn’t going to spend too long on the bike before the big race! On a side note, I’ve no idea how these top riders enjoy sitting on something that feels like a rock for several hours at a time!
Anyway, on race day, I was joined by 26,999 other cyclists and it was great to see such a wide range of people taking part.
The first 10 miles was a bit of a mare, as I kept having to stop at various pinchpoints as we rode through the streets of London, but once we hit the countryside it was a clearer run. It is true to say that once you learn to ride a bike, you never forget, however some need a little more practice using cleats, as I did see the odd rider fall over – I was so glad I chose not to use them.
As we reached another couple of pinch points en route, going up a couple of hills, I got chatting to a few people. One nutter said that he had hoped it was going to be a little quicker because he was going to Brighton and then cycling all the way back to London. It then dawned on me that in September I will be travelling 190miles along the Coasto to Coast route! So today was just a warm up really…
I was heading for half way and reaching familiar territory, as I cycled along the roads that I usually take to get to work around Copthorne and Turners Hill. I had my first real stop here as I was a little hungry. I noticed a lad on his own selling a few bits and pieces and bought some bananas, a bottle of water and some horrible chocolate rice thing that people seem to eat for breakfast! Chatting to the lad, it turned out it was his birthday and he went to Imberhorne School, so Happy Birthday to him and I hope that he spoke to Mr Hill to say he saw me. Just before I went I told him he needed to put up his prices!
Anyway feeling good again, I headed to the BIG HILL, climbing steeply up to Devil’s Dyke. I’m not ashamed to say it, half way up I had to walk, mainly due to the fact I hadn’t really eaten since 6am – well that’s my story and I am sticking to it!
I stopped, as expected, at marshall point: 130
I then glided, hitting an extremely fast pace down the hill into Brighton and to the finish line, past the site of Challenge 1 and finishing in a time of 4 hours 54 minutes.
I was happy to have completed another challenge. However, I must convey my sincere condolences to the family of the person that died during the event. I hope his family can be proud of what he achieved.
As for me, I move on to challenge number 9. Yet again I hope that my efforts inspire you to DO30, so please sponsor me and help me support 30 charities.
Just go to www.justgiving.com/do30
