You start in London, all flat and smug. Then, around mile 20, you hit the North Downs. It’s a polite name for what feels like a wall of tarmac designed by a sadist.
There’s a hill called Ditchling Beacon. It’s the final boss. You will ask yourself, “Why did I eat that burrito at the rest stop?” The answer: you’ll need the carbs.
But here’s the kicker—once you survive that climb, you earn the downhill. The wind in your helmet, your legs screaming, and suddenly, you can smell the sea. That is why we do it.
What To Really Expect (The Honest Chat)
You won’t be alone. This is a massive event (usually in September), with thousands of riders. You’ll see bikes worth more than your car, and some held together with duct tape and hope.
The first twenty miles are a party. People cheering, kids with sponges, bands playing. You feel like a pro cyclist. Then, the chatter fades, and it’s just you, your gears, and the sound of your own heavy breathing.
There’s a moment around Turners Hill where the road goes on forever. Your back hurts. Your hands go numb. And then a total stranger pedals past and shouts, “Nearly there, mate!” They are lying. But you believe them anyway.
Differences between the RideLondon & London Brighton Cycle routes
