London to Brighton Charity Ride - feeling fit???

[dinglem]

Ok guys,


I have hinted at this previously and there was a bit of interest on the Fb page.......

Wifey is trying to gather a team to enter the 'DoItForCharity' London to Brighton bike ride on September 11th, 2016. Obviously we will be trying to raise funds for the CRY  fund (Cardiac Risk In The Young/AED Donate) to raise funds to place defibrillators in the community following the untimely death of her little brother over the summer.

Details of the ride are on the link below - it is pre-organized and you basically just select your own charity.

http://www.doitforcharity.com/difc-london-to-brighton-2016.aspx

She and I will both be entering, and I, like a fool, have agreed to ride one of my BMX builds. I am hoping some of you guys might feel brave enough to do the same? Perhaps there is scope for a London ride-out the day beforehand to show some support, and then possibly a Brighton ride-out the following day once we're there?

Some support would be great and I could imagine it would be a bit of a laugh (until you wake up the following day). It would also be great to see a fleet of 80's rides entering something that most people would expect to complete on road or mountain bikes. I think the wife will be on a mountain bike - mainly to keep me from being sat right behind her the entire way 

So.... who is feeling fit???

Anybody have any input on the London/Brighton ride outs at either end also??

Input appreciated fellas.

[griff]

You might find some info in here Martin, few of us did it back in 2011

http://www.radbmx.co.uk/forum/index.php/topic,122875.0.html

Would recommend a bike with a front brake, a padded seat cover AND shorts and possibly not a freestyler with skyways on 

It is a fooking long way, the hills are substantial but you will get a feeling that you've done something special

GOOD LUCK 

[dinglem]

That's great to read and also good to have some real info on the event, so thanks a lot to Griff for posting that link.

So come on then lads - is anybody else game?

[chownie]

I was talking to my girlfriend about this the other week about how I'd love to do it on a BMX, so I could be in.  Be great if there was quite a few of us.

[Monk_Wally_Honk]

I've spoken to a mate recently about doing this, I'll be going on my OM Flyer. Big wheels will help a bit.

[dancetothedrummersbeat]

I'd love to do it, but unfortunately i'm away when it's on 

[wilsey72]

No one has mentioned how far it is yet?

[dancetothedrummersbeat]

55 miles i think, and there's a massive hill towards the end 

[wilsey72]

55 miles on a kids bike with 20" wheels... in one day... with massive hills... now that could be interesting.
I could drive the support vehicle if you like?

[Gnarlyscoots]

I done it a couple of years back on a MTB. It was hard going, and as Griff said, the hills are immense. Having the gears on the MTB was a God send, so I commend anyone doing it on single speed. I would highly recommend strapping a sofa to your seat post too. If that is not a viable option, then padded cycling shorts AND no kashimax aero's 

If it's hot, you will sweat like a Nun at an Ann Summers party, so take plenty of water, although there are plenty of stops on the way.

Also, be prepared for the idiots who have spent 1000's on the top gear, including clipped shoes and pedals falling over in front of you when they stop and realise they can't unclip quick enough 

Climbing Ditchling Bostall is hard going, especially as most people get off and walk and don't leave room for others who at leastwant to try and climb it, but coming down the other side is awesome. I reached 72mph on my MTB, with all the officials shouting at everyone to slow down. Yeah right. You just climbed tha bitch of a hill and then get told to go slow....I don't think so 

I might join you guys this year though 

[griff]

No one has mentioned how far it is yet?

think our total estimate was 56 miles (there was a slight detour when we took a wrong turning due to missing marshall/signpost)

[dinglem]

Ok lads, this sounds great so far. I will PM those who have shown interest a little later to see if we can get a team entry together and to firm up a list of names. Anybody else???

[bmxband1t77]

I'd recommend trying a set of skinnies too as you're all its on the road. Lower your drag factor with tyres that can take 100psi and you'll roll with just a puff of wind!


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

[dinglem]

I'd recommend trying a set of skinnies too as you're all its on the road. Lower your drag factor with tyres that can take 100psi and you'll roll with just a puff of wind!


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

Is this you saying you'll be riding it on skinnies when you join us big fella??! 

[monkian]

A few of us did a couple of the Moonriders events on OS 20" BMX. London to Brighton 2012 then London to Cambridge the following year.

For training, I'd recommend using the bike for the event and slowly increase the millage and weight. This will allow you to work out any tweaks to your set-up and components etc along with general fitness, muscle memory etc. Keep the weight to a minimum (in what you carry and wear). I found it easier to load the bike and fit a water bottle rather than use a rucksack / camel back thing but it's up to you. Also if it's an organised event, a small bottle should be plenty to get you to one of the rest stops to top it up

Tool kit should just be the essentials to change a tube (mini 15mm spanner, plastic levers, pump, tube)
Allen Key or two and a couple of spare chain links plus a link splitter tool.

My Laserlite London to Brighton:

[dinglem]

Great info! Thanks 

[monkian]

I forgot to mention:
Comfy Seat, Road Tyres (I used Schwalbe Puncture Proof) & 44/16T was a good compromise for hills / straights.
Any Moonriders out there fancy a day out??

[monkian]

Looks like we ride again

[MaD-RoK]

Messaging the team. A few are up for it already. The hills man, the fookin hills!!!! Well at least we be able to see them in the day...especially the downhills with no brakes and piskinstilskin rain!!!!

[bmxband1t77]

I'd recommend trying a set of skinnies too as you're all its on the road. Lower your drag factor with tyres that can take 100psi and you'll roll with just a puff of wind!


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

Is this you saying you'll be riding it on skinnies when you join us big fella??! 

It's not completely out of question I gotta work out if can. I have some well Sminkee 24x1 3/8" sun hoops need lacing up if I wuss out to a cruiser lol.

Wonder if them race 2 gear things might be of help to those that do commit?




Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

[bmxband1t77]

Monkian that laser light setup is the nuts.
Road tyres like schwable are good rolling stock.


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

[chownie]

Think my girlfriend might be up for this too, she has multiple sclerosis so we will raise money for the MS charity so Keep that charity in mind .

[griff]

that view from the top of ditchling beacon.....

you know you've pedalled a long way when you can't even see London on the horizon any more 

[pickle]

That's my assassin there as well, a great feeling of satisfaction at the end but bloody hard work. We all kept each other going

[steve69]

I live a few miles from part of the route. I'm happy to wave and cheer