The London to Brighton journey by bike has become infamous during it’s yearly outing. An estimated 15000+ people, supporting a variety of charities during the larger organised events in June with many others riding the 54+mile stretch during quieter times or as part of one of the smaller ride-outs. With everyone in one form or another braving the category 4, 236m climb at the Beacon.

I’ve done the route in several ways, including on a fixed gear bike with no seat, which was neither what i’d intended, nor something i’d recommend doing again (My seat post snapped before i’d even got out of London). But everyone who comes down that Ditching Road, past CycleWand’s doorstep has a feeling of accomplishment, whether it be for the first time or the n’th time.

Start line: Clapham Common, London, SW4 9DF  //  Finish line: Brighton seafront, Madeira Drive, BN2 1TW

Unless you’re a seasoned cyclist over these kind of distances it can easily feel that once you have come up Turners Hill, you’re nearly there. However you are not, and unless there are the usual event crowds or friends to keep you moving, this is a point where you might feel in need of a break. There are some great insights and tips on the best places to stop and take a break on several personal cycling blogs and forums, this one included [route tips]. Bare in mind however, that unlike Ditching Beacon,Turners Hill didn’t even make it onto the list of ‘Top 10 Toughest climbs in the Sussex Dolomites’ that Dave Parsons put together [Link], so be prepared!

The latter part of the route is equally as enjoyable, and probably more so as the landscape is perhaps more rural as you make your way through some central parts of Sussex, well away from London and directly through the South Downs as you peak at the Beacon. Having made it through (or up and over) that, the final downward run all the way into Brighton is amazing. Catch the time of day right and you can be coming into a great sunset! Find yourself bombing down the hill a little earlier, and you can call in 🙂 – We’re at 83 Ditchling Road, and if you get held up when the lights go red at the Level, look right…. that’s us!

Some coming London to Brighton 2018 events that you could join:

Sunday 17th June 2018 – [BHF Link]

Sunday 16th September 2018 – [bike4cancer Link]

Saturday 22nd September (OFF-road) – [BHF Off-Road Link]

Other useful links:

www.sustrans.org.uk

www.londonbrightoncycle.co.uk/faqs.aspx

Cool-off cycling routes near Brighton, if you’re not too tired:

www.cyclebrighton.com/3-superb-flat-cycle-routes-starting-in-brighton