london to brighton route anyone

nice, was it fixed gear?

No, I was geared up. I reckon it would be do-able fixed, not too many steep hills, more just long drags

I definitely recommend doing it on a non-mass organised day.
Hard for anyone to give you gear ratio advice if they don't know you! My current set up is 46-17 and it'll go up Ditchling fine for me. But even if you have to walk or take a break on the climb, it's just one hill and it's more important to be in a nice gear for the whole ride.

I can't read david's .gpx file or zoom in on the strava map for some reason. But i agree that there is a nicer route that the BHF one and i expect david's is similar to the one i know. If you'd like a text description let me know. No doubt the mapmyride and googlemaps versions are kicking around on here.

Yes please that would help very much. No rush looking at trying this in July August time and when I've convinced a few friends.

http://www.lfgss.com/comments/12011155/

This is almost the route I would use. The differences I would make are:
1) to stay on the A237 past Hackbridge and Wallington and then when you go under the A23 at coulsdon, take Marlpitt Lane and then the second right (can take you by surprise, but just remember it's the second right and very soon after the first). This goes through Farthing Down which is scenic and quiet and has a public toilet. Then follow the lanes down to where you'll do a v brief stretch on the A25 in Bletchingley by the Red Lion and head south to rejoin this red route on the map on Coopers Hill Road near the M23.
2) personally i would cut out Lindfield and include a descent by turning off the B2028 at Stonecross Lane then going Plummerden Lane, Montes Hill, East Macslls Lane and then rejoining the route on the map in time for Slugwash Lane which is lovely and deserted (although beware surface on some corners). This second detour is a bad idea if you hate descending fixed or if you want to get a bite/coffee/beer in Lindfield.

I'll write up notes on the rest of the route sometime.

I think thats a bloody good time. It took me pretty much that to do it in one direction!

Anyone got a nice route to Eastbourne?

There is a quietish route to Brighton/Eastbourne using the Sustrans national cycle route. You can get the map from the shop cheaply. I've used the route to both places - the one to Eastbourne is very quiet and quite pretty in places.

Last time I tried to use the Sustrans website it made me want to kill myself - has it got better?

No, no it hasn't.

it sucks big time. makes no sense..

That's a great route @dbr -- thanks! We did it the other weekend.

I just about made it up Ditchling Beacon on 48x18. Ordinarily that hill would be fine, but after 50 miles it was an effort, no question.

Ah nice one, glad you liked it. I'll pass on your vibes to Nancy, who showed me.