Ditchling beacon-74GI to high?

Im riding london to brighton and was wondering would 74GI be too high for ditchling beacon?

I got up boxhill singlespeed on 78GI fairly well but have been told it'll really test me, would 74 fixed be do able?

Any insight would be great

boxhill isn't steep. fixed (72gi) it's a seated climb apart from the switchback bit of the corners and geared it's big ring only (compact) unless really pooped.

74 on ditchling is wheelie popping. but if you are doing the ride on BHF day then walking nodders with hybrids will be your biggest problem

I don't know about these hills, but I think that would be fine (maybe a little undergeared on flatish sections). I got up a pretty beasting hill last night with 81 on a 56 mile run last night (aberdeenshire). Managed to averaged 17.5mph over the run. I've been across to the west coast from inverness too, no probs. I'm not to proud to push though. Spds / clipless pedals are a real help, as are drops and padded shorts too. Lots of sweets / powerbars and isotonic drinks are good too.

Cheers for the advice guys, I ride everyday but havent done many rides close to 50miles yet.
Yeah boxhill doesnt seem steep and I am doing the ride on BHF day, the thing im worried about is people getting off infront of me and me losing momentum.
Im riding in clips and straps, got drops and padded shorts have just been ordered.
Mr smyth, is there much difference in gradient and distance between ditchling and boxhill?

I did it on 68" and stopped about half way as I literally couldn't turn the cranks round.
Doing London to Brighton on BHF day is wank. Nodders everywhere! Its like queueing at a festival at times. B eprepared to stand still for about 30 mins 4-5 times. Much better to ride to brighton another day and donate to BHF!

You might think about leaving early, but that might not be possible if you're doing it officially and have a set time. Ditchling has quite a variable gradient I seem to remember, some if it quite steep, and there are a few twists and turns before the top. In terms of overall distance it's not that long, but it can be punishing at the end of a long ride.

I did it on 72 GI, but it wasn't easy! I didn't think the hill would ever end. I took it slow and steady, really had to push down on the pedals hard and pull up on the bars (so much that one side is now bent!). Did it with a group of mixed ability riders, and as i was out in front it was a clear run, but it won't be good if people are getting in your way. Good luck!

I only just got my race details today and my starts 9 which is a bit late , i think im going to end with alot of nodders stopping infront of me. I think I'll probably ride it other times during the summer aswell. I'l try my best to avoid people getting off infront of me!

Cheers for all the advice fingers crossed il manage it

I managed to do it on 84gi But had to stop a couple times (no walking though)
The last time I did it i did it on 80GI no stop, but was a fair work out.

All depends on you leg strength and stamina. A friend had to stop with 72GI

I managed it on Sunday on an 80, but I had to stop twice to get my breath back (and my heart rate below 200bpm). Legs were OK, having to work everything (both legs, both arms, back) the whole time is exhausting.

You'll be fine. Have fun!

@neilp: 84?! chapeau!

Somehow we got lost and managed to miss it altogether!
Ended up on the crazy A-road/motorway into Brighton - that was pretty hectic, especially crossing slip roads.

How long are your cranks? Longer=much more leverage.