Mary found a very useful write up of the route with turn by turn instructions https://sites.google.com/site/cyclingroutes/London-to-Brighton-bike-ride/. It also had a link to a GPS route that I could download to the Garmin - all I have to do is read the [...] manual and work out how to use it as a navigation aid.
We packed some drinks, some energy bars and a packet of wine gums and off we set at 10 o'clock on the dot.
![23362](http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8291/7878357306_5454ae2493.jpg)
Two and a half hours later we were half way there. All the way it was perfect cycling weather - sunny, not too hot and no headwind. We bought some sandwiches at a village store and had a picnic lunch in the grounds of The Copthorne Hotel, Effingham.
![IMG_0651](http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7132/7878355788_c335dd3c5f.jpg)
We may have been half way there horizonally but not vertically - the big hills were still to come.
![Screen shot 2012-08-27 at 10.58.50](http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8433/7878358556_d06a1ffe43.jpg)
The killer is Ditchling Beacon 814ft. Mary managed to cycle all the way up with one pause for breath but no walking! Respect!!
![IMG_0654](http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8288/7878358156_ea2ab4232b.jpg)
Brighton Pier
It turned a little grey right at the end but no matter - we made it in a respectable time. Not bad for a man about to get his bus pass.
![23345](http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8283/7878356926_c2dfbfc154.jpg)
Distance 53.95 miles, Moving time 04:59, Moving average 10.8 mph
Then a quick cuppa and a dash to the station for the train home a soak in the bath.