Megan Elvidge

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Oliver Griffin

“––––––––– to Brighton” 

I have never been to Brighton without a bicycle. The word ‘Brighton’ just seem to be a mecca for me and in some way, for most cyclists. I could even place a wager that if you mentioned this subject to a Fixie rider in Tokyo, they would understand what you were talking about and be interested. Within this context the phrase: “London to Brighton run” within this international community is one that is muttered over the inter-web in the same vain as the infamous ‘tweed run’. An achievement to boast, but also a leisurely experience compared to a ‘Tour de France’ stage. Plus there is always an ice cream at the end.

The feeling of leaving the metropolises of the heart of England, entering the suburbs of green that surround it and then only to hit the glorious site of “London–by-the-sea” (commonly know as Brighton). Then the climax, Running into the sea and leaving your faithful steel-lugged stead on the cobbles behind you. All the memories are flooding back to me now… the feathering of the brakes as to are forced down country lanes at high speed as you follow the contours down to the destination that I speak of fondly. I do sadly also remember the hill climbs and the rain and the punctures and the getting up at silly-a-clock in the morning, so you don’t end up just seeing the sun going down as you arrive…

But that seems a millions miles away, transplanting to the humble & grey city of Plymouth… cycling seems not to have the same charm. The emptiness of Dartmoor is not the same as the great blue void that you run to, fleeing like rats from a sinking ship. These humble bicycle that arte scattered around the Plymouth University are my contact with the famous seaside resort in question. No not Plymouth, that ship has sailed, but Brighton. Memories of long cycles and friendly banter during exhausting hill-climb stages, calling each other “big girls blouses”, but you never now… one or two of these racers might have one or two of their own stories of bedding in with Brighton beach.