SCC Night ride to Brighton 

11.50pm on a Friday night. Generally your options are being out on the town, or being asleep in bed. However never ones to conform, 14 valiant SCC riders decided that it was the correct time and occasion to go for a cycle to Brighton.

Beautifully arranged by James Leek to coincide with the full moon, a dense cloudy night greeted the team as they took their leave ofCaffè Neroat precisely 12.04am. To start with, the group set out to the 'traditional' starting point of SCC's night rides (as taken from Ride Lists from the 1920's), Marble Arch - so great sights were taken in along the way includingAlly Pally,Oxford Street and Ian’s rear light - described by Laurence as a collapsed sun! The route was straight and true, so much so that our heroes were accompanied whilst going the wrong way down a one way street in Camden by cries of “I want to run you over” and “Look, MAMILS”.

Heading south, the team quickly realised going across London is a lot further than you might think, but at last they reached Croydon. Only to try and leave Croydon as soon as possible. Crossing the M25, Luke very quickly realised he couldn’t descend competently, definitely couldn’t descend competently in the dark, and had no competence at all in buying lights that actually worked. Luckily Steve S saved the day with a spare, but could not save Luke’s lost jacket which is now adorning a deer somewhere near Gatwick. Many thanks also to Graham for allow a follow of his descending wheel!

They say the night is always darkest just before the dawn, and so came Ian’s darkest hour when he was attacked with violence by a (Moose?) (Elk?) small deer, buckling his rear wheel but never his spirits!

Eventually dawn did arrive and with it the prospect that climber Laurence had been itching for all night - Ditchling Beacon. Nemesis of many and conquered by few (okay all), Laurence knew this was his chance to write himself into the annals of history. Getting into the front group he positioned himself perfectly to launch up the climb...and away he soared, a good 50m before he put his foot through his rear derailleur. Credit where due though - Ian and Andy’s fantastic engineering skills helped see him home - and Laurence probably has the best walking time up the Beacon this year.

A fast and fun descent into Brighton and a great, fulfilling breakfast awaited our team - unfortunately just not at the cafe they actually went to! A calm and sleep filled train journey back and they were ready to face the weekend - or snooze most of it away. Many thanks to James L for organising a unique and to many, new experience.

To finish, it's worth repeating something shared by Steve B after getting back: "There are some things that we do that we remember forever and talk about to friends and family - this was one of those things, even down to the 'fine dining' experience!

Roll on the next SCC NightRider!!