Thousands take on Skyline London to Brighton Bike Ride

There were cheers and applause as riders crossed the finish line of the 16th Skyline London to Brighton Bike Ride today (September 14).

Participants in the London to Brighton Cycle Ride set off from Clapham Common at 6am and made the 55-mile journey to Madeira Terrace.

The route took cyclists up Ditchling Beacon, through Coldean and into Brighton from Lewes Road.

They glimpsed the Royal Pavilion before heading to the aquarium and along the seafront.

The finish line was packed with cheering supporters, and those taking part were rewarded with a medal and a well-earned lunch bag.

The event, in its 16th year, supports dozens of charities including Great Ormond Street Hospital, Movember, Macmillan Cancer Support and Mind.

Jonathon Gilchrist(Image: The Argus)

Jonathon Gilchrist, 32, from London said the ride was “tough but really fun”.

He said: “Ditchling was 100% the hardest bit. I was starting to cramp in the lead up.

“But once I got to the top of Ditchling it was a highlight.

“I’ve done it before; I did the one in June.”

He raised money for the Hackney Foodbank along with colleagues from his company.

Mairi Beasley(Image: The Argus)

Mairi Beasley, 27, from London said it was her first time taking part, having started cycling two months ago.

She said: “It was amazing, a lot of fun.

“Then Ditchling Beacon killed everyone off but the weather stayed good which was helpful and there was a huge sense of community.”

She was raising money for Mind UK.

Simon Fawkes, Steve Simmons, Ian Stewart and Brian Allan(Image: The Argus)

Simon Fawkes, Steve Simmons, Ian Stewart and Brian Allan, four friends from Wokingham who met through their local church, also took part.

Ian said: “It was good, a great atmosphere; people were chatting and even on the road I had a few conversations.

“Getting to the top of Ditchling Beacon without stopping was a highlight.

“We raised £2.5k for Yeldall Manor which is a drug and alcohol rehabilitation centre.”

Alex Rochas(Image: The Argus)

For Alex Rochas, 45, from London, it was his first time doing the ride.

He said: “It was amazing.

“The hill was the best but it was tough – the aim was not to put my foot on the floor.

“The volunteers were amazing and it’s very well organised.”