A 60-mile challenge on a 135-year-old bicycle
On Sunday 1 November, Ross Adams will take on a rather unusual challenge. He’ll be riding 60 miles (97km) from London to Brighton on a bicycle dating from 1891, as part of the prestigious London to Brighton Veteran Car Run, to raise money for Cycling UK.
Combining his love of cycling, history and physical challenges with his passion for Cycling UK’s work, the ride is also an opportunity for Ross to give something back as the charity approaches its 150th anniversary.
Support Ross and donate to his challenge
A rare place in a historic event
The London to Brighton Veteran Car Run welcomes vehicles manufactured before 1905, including a limited number of bicycles. Ross first took part in 2017, when bicycles were allowed to enter for the first time. Working with his family, he helped negotiate with the organisers to secure places for five cyclists, a significant milestone for such a prestigious and traditionally car-focused event. Ross was the first cyclist to reach Brighton.
He returned in 2019 and, after several years without securing another entry, is delighted to be taking part again. With just 25 places available for bicycle riders from around the world, securing a place is an achievement in itself.
“I've always loved a challenge, particularly one that involved some sporting or physical demand, and I have a passion for cycling and cycle history, so this is that perfect mix,” says Ross. “It's also so different and something that not many people can say they've done.”
An 1891 bicycle with a few quirks
Ross will be riding his Coventry Machinist Company (CMC) safety bicycle, a fascinating piece of cycling history. The company began as the Coventry Sewing Machine Company before turning to bicycle manufacturing following the success of its first bicycle.
The term ‘safety bicycle’ was used to distinguish these newer designs from the earlier Penny Farthing, which was considered less safe.
Ross’s bike has solid tyres, a single fixed gear driven by an inch-pitch chain, turned wooden grips and a single front spoon brake. There are no modern gears to help on the hills, comfortable pneumatic tyres to smooth out the road or powerful brakes for the descents.
He’ll also be dressing for the occasion in traditional period clothing, including tweed plus fours, a crisp white shirt, waistcoat, woollen socks, brogues, a tie and a flat cap.
The route ahead
The route starts at Hyde Park Corner at around 6.40am, heading south through Croydon, Gatwick, Crawley, Burgess Hill and Pyecombe before finishing at Marine Drive on Brighton’s seafront. Ross will need to arrive before the 4.30pm cut-off.
While 60 miles might be manageable for an experienced rider, doing it on a 135-year-old bike presents some very different challenges. Its inefficient brake means Ross must carefully manage his speed, while its weight and gearing make climbing the North and South Downs particularly tough.
Even getting on and off requires planning. Ross needs to build momentum by scooting along before climbing on from the rear, making stops at traffic lights and junctions a task in themselves.
To prepare, he’s been spending more time riding the bike, getting used to its handling and checking it’s in good condition. The thin solid tyres send vibrations through his hands and arms, so finding comfortable hand positions for hours in the saddle will be important.
“The biggest challenge is climbing over the North and South Downs,” Ross explains. “Riding a 135 year-old bike over those climbs is incredibly tough, particularly with many miles in the legs already.”
And the challenge doesn't end at the finish line. Ross lives in North Wales, so his partner Becky will be dropping him off in London, meeting him in Crawley at the halfway point and again on Brighton seafront. After completing the ride, collecting his medal and refuelling, there’ll be a six-hour drive home before he returns to work on Monday to share the story with colleagues.
Giving something back to Cycling UK
Ross has spent 16 years working across different parts of Cycling UK and has seen first-hand how the charity changes lives.
From helping Syrian refugees gain meaningful employment while adapting to a new country and culture, to supporting older people to learn to cycle for the first time and go on to ride regularly, he’s seen the difference cycling can make. He’s also been involved in training hundreds of people in cycle maintenance and leadership, as well as creating inspiring long-distance routes that encourage people to explore the UK and support local businesses.
For Ross, these experiences make fundraising for Cycling UK particularly meaningful.
“This challenge felt like the perfect opportunity as we near our 150th anniversary to give something back to the charity that has given me so much over the last 16 years and doff a cap to our founder Stanley Cotterell on his similar ride back in 1878,” he says.
Ross has set a fundraising target of £500, but he's keen to raise awareness of the charity’s work as well as money. He appreciates that times are difficult for many people and says he’d be happy with whatever he can raise.
Inspired to take on your own challenge?
Ross’s ride is a great example of how a personal passion can become an opportunity to support a cause you care about. You don't need a vintage bicycle or a 60-mile route to make a difference. Whether it’s a sponsored ride, a sporting challenge or a completely different adventure, there are plenty of ways to raise money for Cycling UK while doing something meaningful to you.
Every challenge can help the charity continue its work to create happier, healthier and greener lives through cycling.
As for Ross, he’s confident he can make it to Brighton, although he’s a little less certain about the bike! If you’d like to help him on his way, you can support his £500 fundraising target through his JustGiving page.
