Solo(?) Ride to Brighton Saturday 25th July

I'm thinking of ridng to Brighton this saturday. The reason it's possibly solo and why I've never done one of the forum rides is that it will be the longest distance I've ever ridden in one go (give or take rest stops) and I've honestly no idea how I'll fair. I know everyone says it doesn't matter, the Brighton rides are slow and anyone can do it but it's still untested waters for me. Hence the test excursion, to give me a benchmark for future long group rides.

Anyway, it's also Solo(?) as anyone is welcome to join me providing they understand I may bonk/tap/get lost/go very slow/walk up ditchling and all other manner of scenarios that wouldn't go down well on the larger organised rides.

Come on Oliver's night ride - we really do wait for everyone!

which one is that?

[/10 second scan of rides and races prooved null and void]

Late August

steve-o

just do it - the challenge of distance honestly is all in your head. Once you get going you'll find out what you're capable of.

if you've got a map, puncture repair kit and some fruitcake in your pocket, you can conquer the world.

that's exactly the plan Fred, it's only that, a psychological block and once its out of the way I'll not dread signing up to long forum rides that I actually really want to do.

I will keep my fingers crossed for you this Saturday.

I do agree that the challenge of distance is in our heads: about one month ago I was watching people riding London-Brighton for the British Heart Foundation from the window of my shop (I work Clapham South) and I thought that one day I will be riding that distance as well... For me, a complete newbie, it was a challenge. However, the same day after my work my ex- came and we done 50 miles which I could not believe in. And I said to myself: London-Brighton will be the next.

So, I would love to join you this Saturday but unfortunately I am working weekends :( I have a plan to go Thursday, the 30th, if only my new bike will come (I saw her on e-bay and fall in love with) and the weather will be ok. Let's tackle the psychological blocks! :)

It's typically easier to ride longer with other people since the chatter can take your mind off the monotony. They can carry your food and tools (threats directed towards them or their family help here), they can support you when you're trashed and you can race them when you're feeling good. Also, their previous experience can make you more comfortable about doing it in the first place.

Having said that, I do most of my riding (short stuff and long stuff) alone and love it.

Cheers buddy. I'm not a newbie to cycling, nothing against anyone who is, being building and riding bikes for years but most of my rides are usually 20-30 miles and are more often than not in a loop so I end up back home. Itching for Saturday now.

20-30 miles.. it's only another 20mi to Brighton.. you'll shit it in.

Been to Brighton and back same day, and you're a strong type, so no bloody bother.

You'll be fine. It's a great ride with a fantastic destination to keep your spirits up. Weather looks good on Sat.

When I first did it, I met my mate at Croydon and his 'hybrid' turned out to be a tank of a bike! We took our sweet time, had lunch on top of Turners Hill for an hour, eventually arriving in Brighton with no issues and big smiles.

Did this yesterday using the route from the last Brighton Beach Excursion. A tad hilly and I didn't make Ditchling in one go but as Hippy said to me, it's probably better that way as now I've got something to go back for. I would heartily recommend that anyone who's been putting it off for similar reasons should just do it, it's well worth it.

well done, Stevo! hope the ride put some of your worries to rest.

nice!! i actually have been thinking about the same, taking a day and doing that trip too. i checked some routes and stuff, but i'm still in a process of finding my inner self first or something :P

anyway, how long did that take? i know it's not meant to be a racing, but i am quite used to speeding my 20 daily miles, so i might also be interested in how fast people complete that one (yeah i did get excited with that RAAM thread).

cheers

5h 30min from leaving my flat to unclipping on the promenade

although i did end up adding about an extra 10 miles due to my inability to follow a crib sheet properly and having to back track. wasn't so bad as got to see some nice villages that weren't on the route