Paul Bonett of Bonett's Estate Agents took part in the first ride which took place on May Day 1976. As you can see from the hand-drawn poster, it was quite a low key affair, in part organised by the local branch of Friends of the Earth.
Paul writes: "We went up to London and stayed in a squat in Kentish Town the night before. The ride started from Speaker's Corner in Hyde Park with 60 riders. We crossed the Thames at Westminster, headed east down to and along the Old Kent Road, on to Biggin Hill and Crowborough, before finally splitting into two groups: a few mad ones like me, going via Underhill Lane and Ditchling Beacon, the others along to Lewes and the old Lewes Road, and on to the seafront at the Palace Pier. It took us most of the day!! It was about 95 miles in total, a bit too far, but a great day. 37 finished, I remember. All the Brighton riders did because we had to get home!! Most of those who stopped, did so before we got far down the Old Kent Road - they were the wise ones!
The following year, it went from the same spot but took the more direct route similar to today, including the Beacon of course, and was about 64 miles and 100 riders. Year 3, had about 1,000 riders then it leapt up.
British Heart Foundation - London to Brighton 2013
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LisaEmms: Striving to be sporty cyclist. Loves IKEA sofa & bacon sandwiches, a bit too much. Incurable student. Tech Geek & more.
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