A select few, including guest rider Chris "Rambo" Ramsden, chose to cycle to the South coast and follow the official London to Brighton cycle route. However, this was only just under 60 miles and now the LEJOG team are cycling machines this wasn't deemed far enough. So it was decided to cycle back to London too! 115 miles in total, yes that's right, over the magic milestone of 100 miles.
The route takes in the picturesque Sussex countryside through some quaint English villages and includes several hills, notably "The Beacon" - a savage steep climb after 40 miles, Ditchling Beacon (3rd highest peak in the South Downs apparently!).
The sunny shores of Brighton were eventually reached where a bag fish and chips and a paddle in the cold English Channel were enjoyed, plus a rare sighting of the 80's wrestler Mike "The Madman" Johnson (see photos). The team left "Rambo" lying in a deck chair eating a ice cream as they began their homeward journey.
A highlight on the return journey was a stop in Fanny's Farm Shop; a small piece of organic heaven nestled down a country lane selling all their own produce grown in the gardens surrounding the shop. They also boasts the "world's best marmalade". Everyone was glad "Organic Ollie" wasn't there to see this home-grown homemade haven, otherwise the team would probably still be in the shop now! (www.fannysfarmshop.co.uk).
A couple of incidents of "anti-cyclist road rage" and encounters with angry drivers, no punctures and a top speed of 43.63mph (Jimmo) - this marker may take some beating which James claims was achieved because of his raw leg power, others say it is because of momentum and his weight!
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