You’ve probably heard of our London to Brighton Off-road event, which we designed and organise with the British Heart Foundation, for coming on to 20 years now!
Well now we've upped the ante; tweaked the route and are tackling it through the night! This is its 3rd year as an event and it has been loved by the attendees in previous years, so we're back again and making a bit better each time. However, we won't be running it next year as we have another exciting event taking up our time, so don't hang around, join us in 2023.
This event is not a race, it's a fun and social ride, offering the support and opportunity to attempt a unique adventure and experience that will live long in your memories. Perhaps it may even provide the challenge and structure for you to raise some money for a charity of your choice.
The route is fully signed and we have support staff, vehicles, riders, first aiders and mechanics, as well as checkpoints along the route with free refreshments with hot drinks and food, a cafe breakfast at the end and free parking at the start.
E-bikes are very welcome but remember it's a 100km ride! If you carry your charger, you should be able to give the battery a quick 30min charge at the halfway point (only)!
Stats: 95km with 1,225 metres of climbing
Start: Elmbridge Xcel Sports Hub, Walton-on-Thames, KT12 2JG
Finish: Rockwater, Hove, BN3 4FA
Terrain: A mix of dirt, gravel, tarmac, roots, sand, stone and grass. Some roots and rough tracks along the way, so best suited to a hardtail MTB, although it is still very doable on a gravel bike.
This is not a race – it’s a social ride and adventure; a bit of fun and challenge to enjoy with like-minded riders. This will be a relatively small and intimate event with rider numbers capped and of course be subject to covid restrictions at the time.
What we provide:
Shuttle bus back to the start: We will run be running a limited number of mini-bus shuttle runs back to the start for riders and bicycles
What you provide: A fully working and suitable bike, suitable front & rear lights and a back up light! Warm clothes and enthusiasm.
NOTE: Riders need to be well experienced and comfortable with riding at night. We reserve the right to refuse participation if we deem your bike or lights to be unsuitable for the ride.
Route Description: Starting beside the River Thames, near Hampton Court, the route heads out of London, off-road, along riversides and canal paths as the light starts to fade. After crossing the M25 motorway where it hits some proper dirt trails and plunges you into the dark, amongst the owls, badgers and bats! With steeper gradients, roots and singletrack it's an entertaining ride as you cross the North Downs.
Once you emerge from the woods you will be able to refuel at the checkpoint in Cranleigh. You now join the Downs Link trail, offering easier navigation and trails for a welcome respite. There is still another big climb to come, which will deliver you up onto the South Downs, and as the sky starts to brighten all that's left is a fast and fun plummet down towards the lights of Brighton. A short spin along the sea front will lead you to the finish and a well deserved breakfast.
