London to Brighton Bike Challenge Picture 1
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Best Time of Year: Year Round
London to Brighton Bike Challenge
Bike Adventure
Join this Classic British bike ride! From our capital, we shall ride down and across the North Downs, and through beautiful Sussex countryside, via some quintessentially British country towns and villages. The big challenge of the ride is the infamous Ditchling Beacon, recognised in the '100 Greatest Cycling Climbs' - which although not particularly high, makes up for its lowly altitude in its legendary steepness. Will you make it without getting off? Finally it's a rapid descent into Brighton, down to the sea. Anyone for a dip?
This ride is probably the most famous ride in the British Isles, with thousands undertaking it each year. The ride is a very manageable distance, but don't be fooled, there are a few hills along the way! We shall set off early from Clapham Common, and we expect to reach Turner's Hill for lunch time. Our afternoon ride is slightly shorter, but remember, we shall be tackling the South Downs. We expect to arrive into Brighton for mid to late afternoon, in plenty of time to get back to London again. You may wish to stay around in Brighton for the evening, or you may hop straight on the train to head back. Adventure Cafe can offer an optional bike return service, please ask for details.
Itinerary
08:00: Meet at Clapham Common for ride briefing
08:15: Pre ride checks - ensure that bikes are all safe and in good working order
08:40: Latest departure from Clapham Common
10:00: Expected Crossing of the M25
10:30: Expected Tea Break in Bletchingley
12:15: Expected Lunch Break - Around Turner's Hill
13:00: Depart Lunch
16:00: Expected Arrival into Brighton
What is a Level 2.5 Cycling Challenge Like?
For this type of challenge - you can expect either distance (up to 80km), or altitude gain - around 5-600m. But not both! If you climb, then the distance will be less, if you cover the distance, then the altitude gain will be little. Typically road conditions will be good - although there are exceptions to this. If you encounter rough road conditions (or it is a mountain bike challenge), then the distance / altitude will be reduced. These events would suit someone of good all round fitness, who takes exercise regularly - without neccessarily being of high specific cycling fitness.
How Fit Do I need to be to join a Level 2.5 ‘Bike Ride’?
You must be active and with moderate fitness level. You should be taking regular exercise, consisting of regular bike rides and possibly other sports (swimming / football etc.) You should be comfortable in undertaking long country rides of up to 6 hours or 60 km in the lowland English countryside. Your training rides will encounter a few reasonable length hills.
Medical Issues
Please note, it is extremely important for this physical challenge that you are in good health. If you have any pre-existing medical conditions, please consider carefully whether you should be joining the challenge. Please ensure you fill in the booking form accurately and honestly, this is important. In the case of serious conditions (epilepsy, diabetes, heart conditions, recent illness or operations), please discuss the challenge with your GP. Please also ensure you notify us of any allergies or similar.
It requires stamina and good aerobic fitness - but good willpower will also come in handy! Failure to disclose medical conditions is a serious omission - that could have serious repercussions on any of our challenges.
Included In Trip
Experienced & first-aid trained cycling leader.
Support vehicle with first aider, mechanical back-up, spare parts, and refreshments.
Lunch.
Excluded From Trip
Accommodation.
Snacks.
Transport to and from the event.
Equipment Required
Bike Items
Road Bike / Hybrid Bike (with Appropriate Tyres) - please call us for guidance on a trip by trip basis
Water Bottles (bladder system/cycle water bottles)
Cycling Gloves
Under Saddle Pouch (recommended - can be used to carry asterik* items)
2 x Inner Tubes*
Multi-Tool (with allen keys)*
Mini Bike Pump (suitable for your valve type)
Helmet (compulsory)
Medikit
Suncream, Sunbloc (maybe... just maybe!)
Clothing
Medium Weight Softshell
Lycra Cycling Shorts, Long Cycling Trousers (Tights/Tracksuit Bottoms)
Short Sleeve Cycling T-Shirt (Dryflo type material) or Cycle Top with rear pockets
Cycling Shoes (to suit your own pedal choice)
1 Outer Fully Waterproof Jacket (gore-tex, e-vent) - comfortable to cycle in
1 Pair Extra Eight Long Tights (in poor conditions)
Other
Wallet, Credit Cards, Cash
Sunglasses, Mobile Phone (Essential)
Snacks for the day (dried fruits, nuts, flapjacks, cereal bars etc)
Safety Information
By nature all activities contain an element of risk.Your leader will be first aid qualified and will carry the appropriate safety kit for the activity. Safety equipment carried will be appropriate to trip. The leader's primary role is to ensure your safety, but it is your responsibility to listen to their guidance and instructions. You should arrive as a proficient and competent rider. This ride is NOT suitable for inexperienced riders. Please note you should ensure you ride well spaced out and in single file at all times - this is an important safety instruction.
Weather
Being in the UK we should be prepared for anything. Whilst not wishing everyone to bring heaps of equipment we should be prepared for wet and hot.
Bring both products/equipment to protect from hot sun, and also to protect in case it rains. It is unlikely to be too cold at this time of the year.
Notes on Cycling Events
This is our standard range of Cycling Challenges in the UK, Europe and further afield. However, we offer completely tailormade itineraries to your specification. Call us to discuss!
Please note that for overseas point to point cycling challenges we can transport soft cases for bike transport - but not hard cases, due to space limitations on board our support vehicles.
On all our cycling events, please pack sensibly and bring a reasonably sized soft holdall type bag.
To participate in an overseas Adventure Cafe challenge - you must carry Travel Insurance (to be for the activity you are participating in, and to include repatriation to the UK).
Please also note that you should have a good level of cycling experience and be competent to handle your bike. We ride on roads shared with other vehicles - and you need to be able to deal with this safely.
Adventure Cafe Booking Terms and Conditions
By booking an event with Adventure Cafe, you agree to these standard terms of booking. Please ensure that you read the appropriate document for your type of event carefully.
Adventure Cafe Terms & Conditions - For all types of event
To Reserve Your Space on this Challenge
You should fill in the Google Form - linked here below, and then please call us on 01823 444 246 to advise of your payment method. We can accept card payments over the phone, or Bank Transfer.
Please note that your space is not confirmed until you have received your booking receipt.
CLICK HERE:
Adventure Cafe Challenge Booking Form - For Challenge Events