I did it!

My obsession with Bitchling Deacon

Fair to say that Ditchling Beacon had got into my head.

My start time of 9.30 was perfect - normal get up with time for a (very) healthy breakfast; casual ride to the start. I was butterflies nervous/excited, but was fine once we got under way. Leaving the first break in Carshalton, I chuckled to myself at the macho comment from a lycra-clad group - "Yeah, first hill is in 5 miles; we'll smash it"; 25 minutes later I passed them pushing their expensive looking bikes up How Lane (steep in parts but manageable).

I began thinking ahead - given the number of people already pushing up hills, what was it going to be like up Ditchling? I was determined to "conquer the Beacon" but realised I might have to admit defeat. We continued past the M25 and I went past a Chopper, who then whizzed past me downhill. Another steepish climb saw hordes pushing again - general chat implied that most people aimed to get off at the South Downs.

And then we ground to a halt at the Fox and Duck. A marshall told us of an "incident" and possible diversions. Rumours (tragically confirmed later) of a rider's death spread. All slightly disconcerting, and we got underway again after 40 minutes.

I had read a lot about fuelling, so knew the theory (or theories, as there is so much conflicting advice out there); but I was nervous about a) running out of energy if I didn't fuel enough for the big climb and b) throwing up if I ate too close to Ditchling. I had about a metric tonne of carbs in my pannier, and had made sure to eat a decent amount at each stop, as well as dates and sweets from a bag on my handlebars (which sat next to my route/rest notes).

My notes and sweet bag

My shorthand reminded me that I needed to stop after Ardingley (no water, but a brass band playing Madness more than made up for that) but before St George's (very busy). A shady patch just after Hayward's Heath was perfect and I chomped through omelette, peanut butter pitta and fruity tea cake, plus an energy bar. A banana at St George's and I was as ready as I could be.

As you head over Ditchling Common, the Beacon becomes very visible; a nervous comment from behind my right shoulder, "We aren't going over that, are we?". I reassured them that there was a tunnel.

Just to be on the safe side I binge ate a heap of jelly babies and fruit pastilles and suddenly we were through Ditchling Village (small downhill) and on the approach road, which is a pretty steady climb itself.

Spot Ditchling Beacon

And that was when I knew I could do it. I don't know what gave me that confidence, probably the jelly babies, but I felt good and the road wasn't too full. My homework (and recce drives) told me the worst bit is the first couple of hairpins; after that, the odd hard push, but doable. Select the right gears, don't push too hard, avoid pushers and I would be there. Except. Except...

What did surprise me was how slowly some riders were going; so my biggest problem was zigzagging my way through them. The fact that I was going past many more than were overtaking me made me feel very big, until a fixie roared past me (to be fair, if he hadn't roared past me, he would have fallen off). Soon (10 minutes bottom to top) I saw the Horses road sign that tells you that refreshments are just round the corner; I wobbled into the NT car park with a ridiculously large grin on my face and with steam coming off me as I was close to overheating. The grin had disappeared by the time I took a selfie.

Atop Ditchling Beacon

Not tired one little bit

After that, it is literally downhill all the way to Brighton. It had begun to rain very heavily, which made me nervous going down steep hills, especially Colddean, where my brakes' squeaking kept everyone very aware of my presence.

The last part is pretty average to be honest - very poor road surface on the Lewes Road, and traffic jams for the last mile - but turning into Madeira Drive was a pretty emotional moment, and I pootled along, savouring the moment, and looking out for Jo (who shot the first video right at the bottom of this page).

I was drenched, elated, but above all very satisfied.

A big thank you to everyone who has sponsored me - I think I have thanked everyone I can identify, but there are some who are anonymous. Currently well over target, but can still raise more!

But an extra large thank you to Jo for tolerating me while I have obsessed about Ditchling, and for the never ending support (and fruity teacake!)