10 Tips for the London to Brighton Bike Ride

On Sunday 16 June, approximately 27,000 people will cycle the 54 miles from London to Brighton in the annual event in aid of the British Heart Foundation.

Men's Health magazine published a list of 10 tips for anyone taking part which of course are good tips for cycling in general so here they are:

This is what you’ll need to stay ahead of the pack and avoid the dreaded ‘bonk”.

I want to ride my bicycle...

Are you psyching yourself up to sign up for the 54-mile sprint (with optional pub pit stops) from London to Brighton’s Palace Pier? If so, read the 10 essential tips to guarantee you reach the finishing line in good shape, courtesy of MH’s resident bike nut Rob Milton.

1 Health check your bike

A few days before the ride, check your bike. Oil your gears to make sure they are running smoothly, check you don't need to replace the break pads and that there’s no excessive wear on the tyres.

2 Stay hydrated

Take two water bottles and fill up when you can en route. Try to take a drink every 20 minutes (or sooner if needed). The rule is to drink before you are thirsty. That way you’ll stay hydrated.

3 Get storage

Buy a waist bag for essentials. We recommend the canvas utility version from Ripcurl.com.

4 Eat a little, often

Remember you could be on the bike for at least five or six hours. Take dried fruit, bananas, peanut-butter sandwiches and if you feel like splashing out, some energy bars. Stash them in your bag and try to eat something every 30 minutes. If you feel hungry it could be too late and you could suffer “the bonk”. That’s bike parlance for the lapse in energy when you have not eaten enough.

5 Get salty

Bring a bag of salted peanuts or an energy drink with electrolytes for replacing the salt you will lose as you sweat. You will need to replace salts just like you replace water.

6 Pack a puncture repair kit

Be prepared for a puncture. Make sure you can fix it yourself, and bring spare tubes, pump and puncture repair kit. There’s nothing worse than being stranded.

7 Don’t forget waterproofs

Bring a rain jacket. It is England after all, and nothing is worse than being wet, cold and tired. For the same reason, don’t wear jeans.

8 Sort a lift home in advance

Get yourself a space in the organiser’s coaches for the return trip. You’re not allowed to take your bike home on the train, and parking in Brighton is tricky at the best of times.

9 Bring cash

If you get stuck behind a slower group of riders, you might want to wait for the traffic to die down in one of the many pubs en route. You’ll also need cash for some well-deserved post-race fish and chips on the pier.

10 Wear padded shorts

That seat may seem nice and comfortable at the beginning of the day, but it probably won’t be your friend at the 50-mile mark. Invest in some padded shorts (like this budget offering) and sitting will be much easier in the days following the ride.

More information

The London to Brighton Bike Ride is a British Heart Foundation event. Over 27,000 people will be taking part in this year’s ride, and you can follow the action on Twitter @thebhf. 

Source: Men's Health