Tuesday 4 October 2011

Event 10: London to Brighton

So to complete our double event weekend or triple event week, 
we thought we'd go for something nice and simple! Instead we 
went for the London to Brighton bike ride! 
 
Now for those of you who don't know what that is or live 
abroad or have just been asleep, it is exactly what it says 
it is. A cycle ride from London (Clapham Common to be precise) 
to Brighton pier. Its around 60 miles through the back roads 
from south London to the Coast.
 
This is an ever popular event that has been running for a 
number of years and now has around 50,000 participants. 
With that, there is a need for staggered starts. 
Sully and I were due to set off at 7.30am however after 
a sleepy start to the morning and a burst tyre on the way 
to the station, it was more like 8.30!  
Clapham Common, note Red socks and One T's!
The course is a gentle amble through the streets of South 
London where it becomes apparent that the roads aren't 
closed to other traffic! Then out into the countryside 
around the Carlshalton area! 
 
Along the way there are several designated stops for 
refuelling and rubbing any weary thighs, all the way to 
the dreaded Ditchling Beacon! En route we'd heard what 
looked like experienced men saying things like "its big" 
and "i won't get the whole way up". Sully and I had agreed 
to part ways and meet at the top after these comments. 
As it turns out he smoked up it barely breaking a sweat 
where as I took the more scenic route and enjoyed what 
was left of the view as the heavens had opened! 
Tommy chilling at the bottom of Ditchling Beacon
Red Socks! Hooooooooo!
From the peak it was quite literally all downhill from 
there, all the way to the sea front, where our planned 
fish and chips would be waiting for us.
 
Sully and I have a difference of opinion on this event. 
Sully (who cycles 100 miles a week) thought it was rather 
easy. Whereas I don't. Either way I think we both enjoyed 
ourselves and completed event 10.
 
A big thank you to Mr and Mrs C for picking up our bikes, 
so that we could get the train back. 
Event 10, Done
 Also a gentle reminder, we aren't just doing all these 
events for fun and our own personal pleasure. We are 
also raising money for One Difference and the great work 
that they are doing for those less fortunate in Africa! 
So if you have some spare change or a little more please 
do donate at our just giving page.  
http://www.justgiving.com/30B430 
Anything will be much appreciated.

Event 9: Race for Recovery

Sorry it has been so long since I have posted up our events. We have however 
been very busy doing events so these blogs should come thick and fast as we 
are now up to 14!  
 
Event 9 was essentially an army fitness test, set up for the public to try and 
to raise money for 'help for heroes'.
 
The set up, over at the Duke of York barracks in Chelsea was simple 2 
minutes of press ups, 2 mins of sit ups and a mile and a half run! Army 
qualification figures are 45 press ups, 60 sit ups and 10.30mins on the run!
The event is run by the current military, therefore the judges are of the 
highest nature! Sully and myself both smashed out the required level of 
press up and more, the sit ups were a little harder and we fell short there 
but only just with 54 and 56 respectively! With wobbly legs and arms we 
then started the run! Sully cruised round and came in bang on 10:30 and 
i was a minute behind him!
 
 
This event was a lot harder than it sounds and it gives credit to our boys 
and girls in the forces!
 
Thank you to Anna for coming to watch and support us!
Onto event 10. The london to brighton bike ride. 50 odd miles down to the coast.