Paul, John and Jana's London to Brighton ride was a big success! The GFM cycling team navigated through winding country lanes, adjusted chains and derailleurs, went through plenty of energy bars/ drinks before tackling Devil's Dyke, an imposing hill with spectacular views at the end of the ride. Then we coasted thankfully down into town to celebrate our fantastic finish at the Brighton pier . Reward: a sip of really cold beer, Shandy for me.
Our GFM support crew pulled out all the stops to encourage us along the way: streamers, ballons & Good Luck banners pasted on the boot; cheerleading and recorder & trumpet fanfares; paparazzi shots on the roads; a big picnic followed by fish 'n chips and ice cream on the pier. An ideal way to spend a sunny summer day!
Very happy with what we accomplished! True teamwork at play!
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Update: June 26th 7:08am
We have perfect weather for cycling and hanging by the Brighton Pier. Excellent. All stretched and ready to ride!
Huge appreciation to all who have supported Team GFM. Paul, John and I thank you.
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Hello and thanks for visiting! I love cycling, cooking and eating. And I want to make a positive impact in my community. So, I thought I'd cycle from London to Brighton to raise funds for Good Food Matters, a charity that teaches kids and young adults about where good food from and how to prepare it. Bonus: If I double my target with your help, then I will cycle back to London!
Our Goal
We aim to build a green Community Food Learning Centre in Croydon this summer. This place will be an exciting hub of activity with orchards, vegetable patches, a bee keeping area and a teaching kitchen. The key message from Voltaire's Candide spring to mind: "Il faut cultiver notre jardin." We must take care of our garden, i.e. our own community.
The Ride
Date: Saturday, June 26th 2010
Distance: 50 miles. My route follows country lanes, not the A23, and ends up along the Brighton Pier.
The GFM Cycling Team
More have decided to come and join the ride. Three cheers for John & Paul!
The GFM Support Crew
Thanks to Veronica, Auntie Joyce, Grazia & Ralph for driving along to cheer us on and celebrate when we arrive!
My Gear
My trusty mountain bike. Wish me luck!
My Training
Week 1 - 2 x 20 – 25 mins, Sat or Sun: 1 ½ hours
Week 2 - 2 x 30 – 40 mins, Sat or Sun: 2 hours (25-35 miles)
Week 3 - 2 x 10 miles, Sun: 25 – 35 miles
Week 4 - 2 x 10 – 15 miles, Fri: 5 miles, Sat: 30 – 40 miles (2-2 ½ hours)
Week 5 - Mon: 8 – 10 miles, Tues: 10-15 miles, Thurs: 10-15 miles, Sun: 40-50 miles
Week 6 - Mon: 10 miles easy recovery, Tues: 15-20 miles, Thurs: 15-20 miles, Sun: 45-55 miles
Week 7 - Tues: 20-25 miles, Thurs: 20-25 miles, Sun: 50-60 miles
Week 8 - Mon: 10 miles easy recovery, Weds: 15 miles, Sat: 20-25 miles, Sun: 55-65 miles
Week 9 -Tues: 15 miles, Thurs: 25 miles, Sat: 45 – 55 miles, Sun: 60 – 70 miles
Last Week: Mon: 10 miles, Tues: 5 miles, Weds: 10 miles, Thur: 5 miles, Fri: Rest
Your Donation
Donating through this site is simple and secure. Good Food Matters will receive your money directly and, if you are a UK taxpayer, an extra 28% in tax will be added to your gift at no cost to you. Every £1 brings us one step closer to a community garden paradise!
Thanks for your support!
Jana
ps. If you'd like to cycle or train with me, contact me at janating@yahoo.co.uk
Favourite Cycling Quotes
Life is like riding a bicycle - in order to keep your balance, you must keep moving. ~Albert Einstein
Think of bicycles as rideable art that can just about save the world. ~Grant Petersen
Pain is temporary. Quitting lasts forever. If you worried about falling off the bike, you'd never get on. ~Lance Armstrong
Cycle tracks will abound in Utopia. ~H.G. Wells
