Press Release 21st July 2013

On the 28th of July three members of the Lewes Wanderers Cycling Club will set out on one of the most challenging cycling events in Britain.  One thousand riders from 33 countries will cycle 1400 kilometres from London to Edinburgh and back again.  The rides have to be completed in a maximum of five days.  The organisers summarise the event as follows “Riding through some of the most beautiful scenery in Britain, they will rely on self-sufficiency, camaraderie, and the hospitality of hundreds to complete an epic cycling challenge.”

The brave triumvirate representing Lewes are Club Chairman, Chris Martin, seasoned 24-hour rider and holder of the club record for the distance, Paul Gibbons, again experienced at the 24-hour event, and Michael Turner whose longest ride to date has been the Kent 12-Hour.  All three riders have been clocking mile upon mile of training for an event which requires not only fitness but also meticulous preparation and planning to cover all eventualities.  John Miller was down to ride but an unfortunate racing crash resulted in a shattered collarbone to accompany his shattered dreams.  John’s chances of competing appear slim, but he is not completely out of the reckoning.  If the current heat wave continues riding conditions will prove tough, and some riders may elect to cycle on well into the night to find refuge in cooler conditions offered.  Progress of all three riders can be tracked on the events excellent website at www.londonedinburghlondon.com

This Sunday five Lewes riders cycled a mere 25 miles in Brighton Excelsior time trial.  The original tough course had to be amended due to road works on the Steyning by-pass, which meant that the first testing section of the circuit had to be repeated.  In spite of this hilly addition some riders put in fast times, which saw Lewes grab the team prize with rides from Pete Morris (55:35) Phil Allen (56:05) and Sam Ramsey (1:01:08) claiming victory.  Other Lewes times were Michael Valks (1:01:44), Alan Lloyd (1:04:37) and 79-year-old, Horry Hemsley, who won his age category in a time of 1:41:11.  Overall honours went to Steve Kane of Brighton Excelsior in a fast time of 52:56.