So at the weekend I took part in a "Team Sky" cycle challenge from London to Brighton, its for Sky staff, family and friends to enter, around 300 of us did it. They do a number of trips, such as London to Paris, Alps and Scottish challenges as well. Thought I would start off with basic one

So the start was at the Garden Rooms in Hampton Court, weather in weeks before the ride was just awful, made training difficult. (well thats my excuse

)

Bike got a quick look over:

Bike ready to go

Team Sky Support Car:

View at the top of the Ditchling Beacons, aka "The Wall". After close to 60 miles, my legs felt like noodles climbing this. But at no point did I walk the bike, rode the whole way which was my key aim. Quite chuffed at that

A little panorama:

The finish point was at the Albion Hotel in Brighton, next to the Pier. Sky hired out a bar, for a few celebration drinks!

So all in it was 64.5 Miles, 5 hours riding time, climbed total of almost 4,000 ft, burned 2,500 calories at an average of 12.4 mph. At some point I clocked 35.8mph!
Next time i really need to practice some big hills, Box Hill was much, much easier than I thought it would be. But that Ditchling was a right fraker!
Doing it again in June, this time on closed roads, but told its usually slower cause its so packed!