Re: Autumn 2013 | Page 83

Team As dedicated as I am to my job it is not often you will find me at the office on a Sunday at 4am in the morning. However, that is exactly where I was on 16 July, in my Lycra with my bike and a bag full of bananas, jelly babies and homemade flapjacks. No, I hadn’t lost the plot, I was waiting with my husband and some work colleagues for our transport to arrive to take us up to London so we could make it to the start line in time for the 2013 London to Brighton Bike Ride. We met other friends, family and colleagues en route and set off to cycle the 54 miles from London to Brighton, together with 28,500 other cyclists all looking to help raise funds for the British Heart Foundation. Once out of the hustle and bustle of London the route back to Brighton goes through quaint English villages and winding country roads. You are warned in the information sent out prior to the ride that “this is not Holland, so be prepared for some hills”. The route is quite challenging at times, particularly the ride up Turners Hill and Ditching Beacon – which is pretty much a mile of pure incline, but fuelled by a bag of jelly babies I’m pleased to say I managed to cycle to the top in one go without stopping. Of course what goes up must come down and the descent into Brighton was great fun and a chance to take in the picturesque views of the Downs, the AMEX Stadium as well as Brighton and the surrounding area. It wasn’t all plain sailing though. My brother somehow managed to get five punctures along the way (apparently this is the event’s record!) and we were caught in some rain showers. However, we kept our spirits up and supported each other along the way, safe in the knowledge that our pedal power was helping generate some pounds for a great cause. By Gemma Hope help to mend hearts We all made it back to Brighton in one piece in time for lunch. Never has a cold pint of local ale ever tasted so sweet! Mayo Wynne Baxter 81