London to Brighton - The Heroes!!

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Objective

To cycle from Speakers Corner to Brighton Pier in order to raise over £1,000 for the 1st of 3 skin grafts for Ashata.


STAGE 1: Hyde Park corner to Coulsdon South

Meet at 7.30am on 29th May 2006 at Speakers Corner, Hyde Park. We are all anxious of the days ride ahead, despite our outwardly cheeriness.




An official photograph session is made at the Park Lane Hilton, with Augustus, Barry, Tony and Chris. A passer-by takes an interest in our activities and wishes us well on the way.






At 8am we set off, with the first intended stop at Coulsdon South. London traffic is quiet and we sail down through Knightsbridge and across Chelsea bridge to Tooting. Down towards Mitcham Junction, and then for a pint of water at Tony’s. Discovered he’s a Champagne Socialist though his partner indicates its more Stella Socialist.

After a 10-minute break, we rode along a slow upward gradient to Coulsdon South. Arrived at 10am ahead of schedule and ahead of the support vehicle which was still in Shepherds Bush (there’s confidence in our stamina AND IT WAS ONLY 15 MILES).

STAGE 2: Coulsdon South to Outwood

A bastard of a hill had Chris & Tony pushing their bikes (they know there’s more hills ahead), whilst Barry opted for peddle power (HIS COMPANIONS KNEW OF HILLS AHEAD BUT Barry’s made from girders). He almost made it, his legs packing in 30 yards shy of the summit. At the summit, a breather was essential, with local passers-by smiling at our folly.




Rain started and we sheltered at a petrol station en route. Tony was eager to continue in the menacing conditions, but I emphasised it was a marathon and not a sprint.

Without the support car we were rudderless and along the way kept asking for directions to and out of Caterham. Tempers were fraying as the confusion was adding time and distance to our journey (same piece of Rd twice or was it three times AAAAAAAAAAAAgggggh!!!!!!!!!!!!!)



We finally met up with the support vehicle along the A25 or is it the A22 (IS THIS CONFUSION LACK OF OXYGEN OR CHRIS’S MAP READING ABILITIES???. Within the vehicle is Ashata, the girl we are raising funds for. However there was no time for pleasantries (plenty of expletives were exchanged plus bananas and energy drinks), as we were now behind schedule (was there a schedule or even a plan)?


Another hill going up towards Bletchingly, and then a left along a narrow quiet road to Outwood. Arrived at the Bell Pub for lunch at 1pm. A chance to meet Ashata and her guardian, Mrs Awaih.





STAGE 3: Outwood to Brighton Pier

We set off at 2pm along the same winding road past Copthorne (by Gatwick), and very slowly along the infamously steep Balcombe road. Tony tried, Chris walked and Barry conquered. I think that was Tony’s 7th or 11th cigarette (most of which were consumed whilst in the saddle).



By now we had really slowed with ever increasing regularity on the undulating roads (as suspicious that there may have been another hill ahead). A sign to turn right at Handcross and yet we had no time to appreciate the beautiful countryside. Desperation had long set in, as even flat roads were a serious drain. Downhills were greeted like an old friend, whereas inclines prompted the same reaction as when meeting the mother-in-law.

With still 15 miles to go, we decided to use the A23, a busy dual carriageway, to enter Brighton. We used the support cars to shield us from passing traffic.



The head car contained a helper from the Saint John’s Ambulance brigade. Behind us was the 2nd support car with flashing hazards, diligently following us at a snail’s pace.

A mile at that stage is definitely a long mile. Any parking bay along the A23 we took a chance to have a breather and to take on fluids. But we were conscious of our leg muscles ceasing up so we soldiered on. Barry’s arse, or taint, had gone, (so called because it taint the ass and in taint the balls!) Tony’s legs were bleeding from cuts and stamina was tested. Pure perspiration.

On and on, right peddle, left peddle in continuous circular motions, was the finish line ever coming?!?!?

With 13 miles to go, we freewheeled for 2 miles downward, and suddenly we were encouraged as we pushed past the Brighton Wall. Hooray!. The goal post is almost in sight and we again gather some mettle in our weary legs. As we cycle into Brighton, the 80 miles or so of blood, sweat and tears are forgotten as smiles adorn our faces and choruses of ‘The Boys are Back in Town’ fill the Brighton sea air. Even a couple of uphills in the city centre can’t dampen spirits.

There we stand on Brighton Pier, punching the air in delirium. We’ve done it! Back slapping and handshakes, we stand united. We manage to muster enough energy for the triumphant photo shoot with Ashata, then promptly head for the nearest pub for a light ale or two! They said it couldn’t be done, but it was, a fantastic day and a fantastic achievement!