In a journey of friendship, determination, and a dedication to our cause, our Charity Administrator, Rohan, teamed up with pals Vanessa, Maria, and Nina for a memorable adventure – the London to Brighton Bike Ride. These four friends not only completed the renowned route, but also rallied together to raise an amazing £1,660 for The Loss Foundation. Their hard work meant that 166 people will be able to attend a support group , and connect with others who’ve also lost their loved one to cancer.
Maria also conquered the notorious Ditchling Beacon, proving her sheer determination (we’ll soon be creating a guide to riding, rather than walking, Ditchling Beacon, so keep your 👀 peeled).
Taking on London to Brighton – Practical Tips
If you’re thinking about riding the London to Brighton Bike Ride with friends, here are our top tips for making the most of the experience…
- Plan and Train Together: Sync your training schedules and ensure everyone’s ready to roll on the big day.
- Start as a Crew: Start the ride together as a united front. Riding with friends is motivating and enjoyable. Keep in mind that there are different start times, referred to as ‘waves,’ throughout the day. Your assigned start time depends on your estimated completion time, which you’ll provide in a form closer to the ride date. If you find yourself with a different start time than your friend, you have the option to join later start times/waves (but not earlier ones).
- Stay Connected: Use phone apps, or Bluetooth headsets to keep in touch during the ride, especially if you get separated. Last year on the London to Brighton Bike Ride, Team TLF created a WhatsApp group to communicate during the day.
- Support Each Other: Look out for your friends and give them a boost when they need it. Since this ride can be challenging, supporting each other is crucial. Additionally, practice rides can help you gauge whether you’ll stay together as a group for the entire journey or split up at times to accommodate different paces.
- Celebrate Milestones: Leading on from point 4, in the event you choose to ride separately for any part of the ride, it’s a good idea to set predetermined meet points along the route. This not only aids in regrouping in case you lose track of each other, it also provides a handy reference for planned catch-up moments.
London to Brighton – Making and Recording Memories
- Snap Away: Document your journey and capture memorable moments at scenic spots, during breaks, and at the finish line. Professional photographers will be stationed along the route, organised by the BHF. After the ride, you will receive an email containing all the photos taken of you during the event, and you’ll have the choice to purchase any or all of these photos.
- Wearable Cameras: Consider using an action cam, such as a GoPro to record your adventure from a unique perspective (and hands free!).
- Rock the Playlist: Create a playlist that everyone enjoys (music can be a fantastic motivator!). Keep in mind that the BHF prohibits the use of in- or over-ear headphones, but they do permit bone-conducting headphones.
- Deck Out Your Bikes: Personalise your bikes with accessories or matching jerseys . During the 2023 ride, we also spotted a few cyclists in fancy dress – including a team of clowns, and Mario and Luiigi!
- Memory Collecting: After the ride, put together a photo album or scrapbook filled with mementos from your adventure, including notes, ticket stubs, and other keepsakes.
Riding London to Brighton 2024 with friends isn’t just about the finish line; it’s about the journey and the memories made along the way. With some teamwork and preparation, you’ll cherish this experience for years to come 🚴♀️💨
