London to Brighton bike ride

[PhoebeMcPeePee]

Anyone registering for this tomorrow morning? I can't decide - on the one hand it's such a famous ride & I'd love to be able to say I've done it plus is goes through my childhood village so lots of lovely memories on the way & family can support me. Then on the flip side, I've heard awful stories of chaos, so much congestion you have to walk the start and most/all hills and generally too many people making it quite dangerous if you want to go any decent speeds. I'm also doing a 100km night ride a few weeks before so not sure physically whether it's sensible or not.

Anyone done it before have any views?

[ivykaty44]

It is packed but well organised. Mostly it is other riders that cause problems when they are just not aware of other cyclists around them.

I have done it twice once in 1982 and then again in 2008 but I shan't bother again

[NormHonal]

If you're worried about the congestion, look into the other London-to-Brighton rides, run by other charities. I think there was one in September last year, something to do with cancer charities?

[Doyouthinktheysaurus]

I've done it a couple of times and loved it but I wouldn't do it again. Too congested and quite dangerous in places. It's s all down to poor riding by some. It's just so busy and people just set off when they get to the start so you've got speedier riders setting off at the same time as much slower riders.

The closed roads and riding through Sussex was great though, It passes so many places I knew and I just loved that.

I quite fancy the off road ride but I'm not fit enough these days. I run more than ride now.

[Pipkinhartley]

Did it last year, courtesy of an entry via Breeze so managed to get an early start time of 6.00 which really helps you get a decent ride as you won't get any congestion. Loved riding along on the mostly closed roads and was great to have people along the route to cheer you on!
I wouldn't do a start later than 7 though as understand any later and you get the hold ups you mentioned.
The other downside is the logistics, I came back on the coach/ lorry for the bikes but that doesn't leave until after midday so was hanging around for nearly three hours.
I would do it again but would opt to ride back to london though, plenty of people do opt to do this and lots of bike forums to get advice from.
I'd say have a go, the promenade finish is great as is the downhill all the way after Ditchling. Also sounds lovely that you'll be riding through your childhood village!
You should also be fine with regards to fitness if you're doing a 100k a few weeks before, just keep banking the miles now and by May/ June you'll be capable of a 100k run most weekends

[PhoebeMcPeePee]

Thanks everyone. I've decided not to enter due to a combination of similar mixed reviews & it being the same distance so soon after another ride BUT I am applying for a charity place for RideLondon which is in August & longer at 100miles . Now no one tell me how awful this one is as I'm quite excited about it

[Pipkinhartley]

Can't say I blame you phoebe, it is a logistical pain! Good luck with charity place for RL 100, I've entered via the ballot, results due next couple of weeks but have assumed won't get a place (again!) so have entered Velothon Wales instead. (Closed road event in June)
Try and get an early start if you can, cycling forums reported lots of congestion otherwise and hope your training goes well!