L2B

Last weekend, my daughter made me feel very proud.  I wanted to do the London to Brighton charity cycle ride with her and after months of cajoling, she finally agreed.

As it came to the day, the most we had managed to do in training was about 10 miles.  She wasn't overly keen and I got the impression that if I told her she didn't have to do it, she would be delighted.  But it was on fathers day and she really didn't want to let me down.  But I was worried.

We were up at 5:20am to get to Clapham Common for our 6am start.  Adele was excited, the weather was good and I was positive we could get through the 54 miles.  My biggest concern was how Adele would handle her bike in the large crowds.

0-20 miles
I needn't have worried about her bike skills.  She was controlled and careful.  The biggest risk were the fast cyclists coming by on the right and her drifting out so I covered her back, especially on down hills.

We stopped for a drink and cake at mile 20 where we got ginger sponge, bread pudding and tea from the local scout troop.  Fabulous.  We were aiming for a 10 mph average and we were 11.5 at this stage so well ahead.

20-40 miles
The weather was bright but chilly and I never really warmed up during the entire race.  It was boiling the previous day so I guess it was better being slightly cold than scorching hot.  A few hills slowed our progress but Adele did tremendously well up the hills only walking once. She just plodded on, chatting a little and watching her computer as the miles ticked by.

40-50 miles
She was tired by this stage and the looming "mountain" of The Beacon was really worrying her.  We stopped at the bottom of the hill and she had a lie down and some caffeine sweets.  We started up the hill but the number of cyclists caused Adele to struggle to keep moving.  She did well to get up about a quarter but then stopped and walked the rest.  I cycled up and had great fun blasting past a lot of people on my crappy bike.

50-54 miles
From the top of Ditchling Beacon, it was pretty much down hill all the way to Brighton.  The down hill section was very long and fast.  Adele was nervous about speed and only let her bike get to 34 mph but that was fast enough.

The final mile into Brighton saw Adele's smile get broader and broader as she realised the enormity of her achievement.  I'm so glad I filmed her as it will be a listing testament to a great day.  I'm very proud and thought she was brilliant.  Well done Adele.