Brighton 100

A 100 mike bike race which starts in Preston Park at 8am, a quick 100 miles (approximately 160km) and finishes back in Brighton’s Preston Park. In between a lot of leg work and one of the most talked about climbs in the world of bikes, Devil’s Dyke!

A good contingent should be taking part. The idea of a few beers, and fish and chips on Brighton’s famous promenade after some mild excursion is bound to bring the faithful out for one of the last rides of the summer.

Just before we start to think that 100 miles on a bike is a hard day’s work. Gill and another of her friends has decided to complete the shorter course, 50 miles on skates. There is always somebody, somewhere making what we do look like an infant schools sports day.

To race day and the good contingent had fallen dramatically with cry off’s for various reasons, from a believable “I’m going to see my kids” to Nick’s “I’ve got to work!” ‘Fess up my buddy your girl friend was doing a half marathon and you got told to cheer her on. Gill had gone to a party on Saturday evening and was having difficulty in finding …. well anything!

Tim and Dora set out on their sea side excursion alone on the 6.30 train from Victoria. Arriving in Brighton to a cold dawn, rain in the air and a 25 mph wind straight in your face no matter which way you are heading. After numerous set backs and adding another three miles onto the route due to a sign which had blown away they completed the 50 mile course in 4hrs. In the conditions not too shabby!

A disappointing 750 riders turned out for the ride, may be it is held too late in the season to attract a better number.

So it was off to Kemp Town for a few well earned beers and to the promenade for fish and chips twice in Tim’s case.

Gill eventually arrived in Brighton at 10am and was last heard from saying “Just finished my 50 mile skate after two falls, two blisters and 8 hours of continual skating.” Hat’s off well done!

As for the Adventurer; I went to see my kids. But I made it to Brighton to enjoy the beer and fish and chips!