I'll not bore you with the complicated logistics of getting to and from a linear event, other than to say the addition of bicycles adds to the levels of stress and frustration. That said Mr Shakes and I arrived at Clapham Common in time for our 7.30am start of the BHF London to Brighton Cycle Event. A little more time to settle and eat my protein bar would have been nice, but we made it. Although early, it was not cold. The weather was dry, but not the roads as there had been storms during the night, so we were expecting debris as well as potholes.
I must say the organisers of the event have road safety and management down to a tee. There were marshals at every junction and although not completely on closed roads, every effort had been made to manage the route so that bikes and cars were going in the same direction and had separate lanes. The 'joining live traffic' signs were well placed and there were marshals with stop/go boards to help prevent congestion. There were 10 refreshments stops between mile 8 and mile 46, all run by charity and/or community groups. This prevented long queues for toilets or sustenance and there were hot drinks and bacon rolls (not something you see on a sportive feed station usually).
I was prepared for the 54 miles and for the 'mountain' that is Ditchling Beacon just 8 miles from the finish line. However no one talks about how undulating the route is and although TailChaser had said there were 'other lumps', I was not mentally prepared for the other 5 significant climbs. They may be 'small' in comparison to Ditchling and within my capability, but they do make you puff and a lot of people were walking up them.
The other thing about an iconic ride like this one is that 14,000 people take part. Not all of them are regular cyclists and quite a few have no idea about road etiquette. So you not only have to ride carefully, keep to your line and not move sideways before you have checked you are not cutting across someone else's path, but you also have to keep an eye on everyone else who may not be quite so attentive. I love to look at scenery when I am out on my bike, but I saw nothing on Sunday, my focus was completely on the road and the people around me. Quite exhausting in itself !
Mr Shakes was riding with me and could often be found at my side, he descends faster than me ('cos he is heavier) and climbs faster (because he is stronger) so would wait for me if we got separated. Approaching the half way point I was in pain from the hamstring/sciatic nerve issue I have in my left leg. I had just reached the top of Turner's Hill and the place was rammed (the refreshment station here is a pub), I was hurting and puffing and got carried over the junction onto the descent, thankfully Mr Shakes spotted me and was soon passing me at speed. I had hoped he would wait once the ground levelled out, but he was not to be seen so I stopped in a lay-by. A kind man, who was cutting his hedge, checked I was ok and then told me there was feed station just two miles on. Thankfully, I quickly re-connected with hubby and was soon sat with my feet up, listening to a Brass Band and drinking a wonderful cup of tea. Fortunately Mr Shakes had some pain killers and after a suitable rest of about 45 mins we were back on the road. I felt a lot better and no longer just wanted it all to stop.
Coming into the foot of the 'Beacon', I was going well, I rode past people who were pushing their bikes and some who were cycling slowly. I did wonder if I was going a bit too quick but I was not feeling stressed or tired. The Beacon has an elevation of 248m. As a climb it is 2.7km long with 169 vertical metres and an average gradient of 6.2%. It is a series of bends, starts with a steady incline and gradually gets steeper, up to a 20% gradient at the top. At one point I felt I should put my feet down but I was between walkers on my left and faster riders on my right and I could not stop for fear of obstructing someone's progress. I kept peddling. Round another corner I was finally next to the verge. I thought the top must be around the next bend. But no, it kept on going. I stopped and hopped off to push, only to find I was about 150 metres from the top. How frustrating!
From the top of the South Downs it was all down hill to Brighton. Some nice descents, some less so. Some busy traffic in the town to negotiate before reaching the seafront, the finish line and a hard earned medal. We had been lucky with the weather, but it started to rain as we entered Brighton and was persistent by the time we crossed the finish line. We decided not to hang about and get cold so were quickly back on our bikes and riding the 3 miles to the hotel (more bloomin' ups!).
An amazing event! I can see why it is iconic, but for me, it's a once in a lifetime experience. I have some fantastic memories of the day, some bling and Mr Shakes and I have raised over £700 for the British Heart Foundation. On the whole, not a bad day in the saddle.
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