I wasn't even drunk

[HeyWayne]

...when I agreed to have a go at the London to Brighton bike ride.

Went to a friend's birthday party on Saturday night and was talking to another friend (also sober), and he asked if anyone else wanted to do the London to Brighton bike ride with him. I said yes.

I've always quite fancied doing it - trouble is I'm so unfit, so have 4-5 months to get myself back up to some semblance of my former self and get training.

Haven't been on my bike for a couple of years now so looking forward to literally getting back in the saddle.

Anyone got any tips - apart from "don't do it"?

Oh, it's yet to be confirmed as the registration doesn't start until March, but I'm hoping I can go.

[piskieinboots]

You'll fit on the Harley - no worries

[Two_Sheds]

I've done it twice (and one 100 mile day-ride by the same organisers).

My tips:

- suncream (I got very badly burned where my top rode up)
- Vaseline on the bits that will chafe
- proper bike shorts with padding (Sportsworld do them about £8)
- take watered down orange juice instead of plain water (for the salts/sugars). Or energy drink, but it's dearer
- service your bike & take puncture kit (or better still, fit some Slime tires)
- there are plenty of stops, but save time if you can by eating bagels, bananas etc on the bike
- training: I only did 20 milers as training, but I did them slow/fast/slow (interval training). Adding weight to the bike is a good idea too


this is very important:
- bag an early slot with the fast riders. If you start off later you will end up walking most of the route, because later in the day the route gets clogged up with people joining the ride unofficially. You will also hopefully avoid all those blocking the road fixing punctures


You'll find loads of "how to ride the London-Brighton" on tinterwebby. Here's one: Before40 - London To Brighton Bike Ride

Are you booking a hotel?

[HeyWayne]

You'll fit on the Harley - no worries

Now that'd be an idea - unfortunately, it's pedal power only.

[Two_Sheds]

The first half of the ride is great fun, you're on a real high. The worst bit is realising you are nearly there, and then having to climb Ditchling Beacon !

Most people walk it, but if you have low gears it's easier to ride it (slow but steady). You get a massive cheer at the top if you bike it

then you get over the hill and you can see the lovely sea, with people cheering you all the way to the beach, it's the best feeling in the world. Get yourself a hearty breakfast & a pint at one of the many seafront cafe bars


I'm jealous: I've nearly almost booked it myself

(not my pic, but you get the gist)

[HeyWayne]

Just found out - I'll be part of a team. No pressure then! I'm pretty much guaranteed a place too as they have a priority entry.



Cheers TS - I had a feeling you may have done something similar.

Now I just need to:

Find/buy a helmet for my U2 massive heed!
Buy some shorts.
Service my bike.
Get some road tyres (it's a bruiser of a mountain bike with big nobblies on at the moment).

My brother lives in Brighton so I might have someone there to greet me (LadyWayne and Bean may travel down) and the train runs almost to my door so I can get on the train back.

Nervous already!

He did warn me about the steep hill toward the end - that'll be it then.

[Two_Sheds]

oh, and padded mitts. The sweat & handlebars will give you blisters otherwise

[HeyWayne]

oh, and padded mitts. The sweat & handlebars will give you blisters otherwise

Yeah - got them already.

Oh, that reminds me I need to get some bar ends too. My wrists 'urt otherwise.

[Two_Sheds]

iPod?

...only left ear plugged in, so you can still hear traffic etc.

[HeyWayne]

Good idea - might invest in a Camelbak too as I tend to sweat quite a bit. That, plus two water bottles (the 1ltr ones) and I might just stay hydrated.

I'm quite excited already!

Any idea who makes the biggest cycle helmets? My old Specialised is a bit tight and needs replacing.

[Rhona]

Well done for saying you'll do it! You'll feel amazing when you complete it.

Mr R is a pretty keen cyclist, and has done a few of these things. I'll ask him if he's got any tips. I have none (only done a bit of trundling around the Peak District) other than, predictably, take plenty of nice high energy food and drink.

How far is your commute? Could you fiddle with it so you can cycle part way there and back? I have a friend who cycles to the train station about 15 miles away, then leaves bike and gets the train. You can build that into your training regime maybe?

[Two_Sheds]

Any idea who makes the biggest cycle helmets?

I have a big nut too, for a girl.
Met Testagrossa

or from £40 on eBay, not much of a saving

Or Bell Triton XL, £31 ish

[sweetiepea]

What a challange Wayne! A friend of mine used to do a lot of long distant cyles races and couldn't get enough of them. They're hard work though. Full credit to you for taking it on, and the best of luck with it too.

[HeyWayne]

How far is your commute? Could you fiddle with it so you can cycle part way there and back? I have a friend who cycles to the train station about 15 miles away, then leaves bike and gets the train. You can build that into your training regime maybe?

My commute is cycleable - but I'm one of life's warmer people so tend to sweat a bit, and sat in an office all day with women who like it warmer than I do (I've had my pedestal fan on all last week) isn't conducive to a comfortable working day. Given that we've no shower/wash facilities at work...

When I worked in the building next to this one some years ago I used to drive to work on a Monday and take my clothes for the week. Then cycle the rest of the week and drive on Friday to bring it all back - but they had shower facilities.

Train station is a 4 minute walk from our house, but goes North/South and I travel West.

I have a neighbour who cycles regularly at weekends with some other dudes and he's often said about going out with them - this will give me a good excuse to join them.

[lainey lou]

Wow! Well done you! V. impressed!
Are you doing it for sponsors or for fun(!)?