The British Heart Foundation’s London to Brighton Bike Ride took place today (June 21) and saw Brighton’s streets filled with those making the journey from Clapham Common to Madeira Drive.
Covering a distance of 54 miles, or a shorter 20.5-mile route starting from Ardingly Showground, participants taking part raise funds for a variety of charitable organisations.
A group of cyclists make their way past Brighton Pavillion (Image: Simon Dack)
The route passes through Surrey, before riders journey through Turners Hill, Ardingly, and over the dreaded Ditchling Beacon, finally making their way down to the seafront.
Among this year’s participants was Mark Carrdy, who took part in the ride with his family to mark Father’s Day.
Mark Carrdy (third from left) took part in the ride with his family (Image: The Argus)
Mr Carrdy said: “My daughter, my wife, my son, we all did it together. A real family day out.
He added: “The Beacon was hot, very hot, and obviously very steep.
“But it was great, a great atmosphere, nice people and a good buzz.
“It’s lovely to see everyone out and having a good time and doing something helpful.”
A group of cyclists close to completing the 54 mile journey (Image: Simon Dack)
Many of the riders also took part with work colleagues.
Debby Ethridge cycled the route with colleagues from company Projective Group, to raise money for The Felix Project.
Ms Ethridge said: “The Felix Project is our company charity partner.
“They redistribute food waste and give meals to those in need in London, and they do a really amazing job.
“The hardest bit was definitely Ditchling Beacon, it’s a bit of a struggle to make it all the way up.
“The best bit was coming down; there was just such elation, you could see the sea.”
Debby Ethridge took part with work colleagues for charity The Felix Project (Image: The Argus)
She added that she was planning to have a beer on the beach and jump in the sea to celebrate.
For some riders, the event was simply a chance to prove they could do it, while supporting a good cause.
Joshua Tomkins wanted to challenge himself (Image: The Argus)
Joshua Tomkins said: “I wanted to challenge myself.
“I’ve done this kind of distance before but I wanted to treat it like a race. It’s a cool atmosphere as well, there’s so many people, it’s very good fun.
“The best bit was coming down into Brighton, flying down that last hill.”
He said that he was hoping to finish with some food and a dip in the sea, adding “I’m starving”.
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