The BHF London to Brighton

[SimonJOsborne]

Are there any other ACC'ers out there signed up for this years official London to Brighton ride?

I was thinking we should make our presence felt in the form of a big yellow train. Or whatever we can muster in the mad crowds.

[Stu Merckx Man]

i will be soon

[SimonJOsborne]

I would say get on board but I think you will be on the bullet train

I was thinking of riding back too but I just realised I am seeing Muse at Wembley Stadium the evening before so I think I will just ride down.

[huw williams]

It's a charity event rather than a 'cycists' event so gets absolutely rammed to the gunnels with non-cyclists err... cycling.

The roads get so full you'll hardly be able to move.

Far better to do what a small band of ACC renegades does every year - namely, meet at an undisclosed location just outside Coulsdon South station at an ill-advisedly early hour - join the official route at Merstham before the masses arrive, jump in and leather it down to the coast amongst the fastest riders benefiting from the closed roads and copious tea stops en route.

We did this last year, had lunch, rode back, and there were hundreds of cyclists still passing through Merstham on the way down to Brighton! they'd taken about four hours to get that far from Clapham, that's a long day in the saddle.

[SimonJOsborne]

I know I have done it before. And it does get a bit much on the hills, especially Ditchling. I think the walkers make it more of a challenge than hill itself

But I don't know despite that I kind of enjoyed it. There was a nice atmosphere. Last time I think I set off at 6:30 and made good head way through London. It took me about 3hrs 40 and I know I will better it this time.

I will have to do an ACC Brighton run another time.

[Snoop Doug]

I'm with Huw on this one. I did the official ride a few years back and although I got a few friendly shouts thanks to my yellow and black outfit it was for the most part, a complete mare. Any slight incline gets totally rammed and there are people cutting you up all over the place any chance you get to put yer foot down. I for one wouldn't do it again, and before Dave Lombari or some equally funny guy starts on me I mean the L2B, not bike riding!

Cheers - Snoop

[jon avery]

I was thinking of entering, but now i think i'll go down with the ACC posse

[Alan M]

Yes I agree with the idea of tacking on - but I wonder if, having taken advantage of the route and arrangements, we should make a club donation to the charity either by a passing around of the hat or via our esteemed treasurer?

[Elliot M]

I kind of like the idea of a cheeky ride too but wouldn't the proper thing to do to enter at full cost and then just ride early?

[mrP(Boonen)VT]

I have done this ride with ACC'ers for many years - think it is on June 17th?

If that is the case, I intend riding the National Championship 50 mile TT as it is on a nearby course (F1), but if I don't get in as I'm too slow these days, I'll be there.

paul