London to Brighton Cycle 2027

Training

You should be reasonably fit and do some training before the ride. The participant area has a training plan. If you have any doubts about taking part, including because of a medical condition, speak to your doctor.

Your bike

The route is all on road, so a light road or hybrid bike suits it best. A mountain bike works but is much heavier. Bikes need independent brakes on both wheels, and fixed-wheel bikes aren't allowed. Get yours serviced, and email the organiser first if it's a non-standard bike.

Your rider pack

Your bib number and bike board come by post a few weeks before the ride. If you move after booking, email info@londonbrightoncycle.co.uk so the pack reaches you.

Your start time

Start times are allocated between 6am and 9.30am to spread riders out, and are sent in August. If you expect to finish in under four and a half hours, start early, when the route is quietest.

Riding with friends

If your group booked separately, email info@londonbrightoncycle.co.uk and the organiser will give you the same start time.

Fundraising

You can set up a JustGiving page for Humanity First UK and share it with anyone who'd like to sponsor you.

Getting to the start

The start is on Clapham Common, off Nightingale Walk, London SW4 9AH (what3words ///assist.major.finds). There's no registration. Fix the bike board to your handlebars, pin your number to your jersey and go to the assembly area at your start time.

What to bring

• A cycling helmet. You can't ride without one.
• Water bottles filled at home, as there's no water at the start.
• A spare inner tube and a pump or gas canister.
• Lights, which are essential for early starters and useful on shaded lanes.
• A bike lock if you plan to leave your bike anywhere.
• Clothes for the weather. There's no bag transfer.

Water stops

There are water stops at about miles 17, 30 and 39, and at the top of Ditchling Beacon at mile 48. Each one has water, first aid, mechanics and toilets, and there are free snacks and refreshments during the ride.

The cut-off

You need to reach the finish by 6pm, when the finish line closes and event support ends.

Following the route

Fluorescent arrows mark every turn and marshals stand at key points. You can also load the GPX file on your GPS device. The roads stay open to other cyclists, so don't just follow the riders in front.

The Highway Code

• Stop at red lights, pedestrian crossings and stop signs.
• Ride no more than two abreast on quiet roads, and in single file on busy or narrow ones.
• Signal before you turn or slow down, and stop somewhere others can pass.
• Slow down on descents and never cross the centre line.
• Check over your shoulder before you overtake.
• Give horses and dogs plenty of room.
• It isn't a race, so keep to the speed limits.

If you need help

Text the support number on your bike board with your what3words location, your rider number and the help you need. Having the free what3words app on your phone helps the crew find you quickly.

Punctures

Mechanics wait at the water stops and drive the route, but they're often busy. Carry a spare inner tube and a pump or gas canister, and practise changing a tube before the day.

If you have to stop

First aid is at every water stop. If you can't finish, text RETIRE and your rider number to the support number.

The finish

You finish on Madeira Drive, a 500 m walk from Brighton Pier. Collect your medal and a packed lunch in the event village.

Getting home

Southern Railway bans bikes on the day or takes only a few pre-booked ones. The organiser's coach and bike transport back to Clapham costs £50 and sells out, so email info@londonbrightoncycle.co.uk early for your booking link. Coaches leave regularly from 12pm, first come first served, and the last one goes just after 6pm.

Collecting your bike

Take your bike to the check-in desk as soon as you finish. Bikes travel by lorry, which takes longer than the coach, so allow at least an hour before you board. Your bike waits on racks at Clapham, and you'll need your jersey number to match it with your bike board.