Sunday 16 June was the day for the British Heart Foundation charity bike ride from London to Brighton. This year's riders from St Mark's were Chris Eyden, David Ainsworth, Julian and Abigail Beaney, Oliver Sweeney, Vicky Penrose, Chris Perryer, Stewart Bond and Darren Hayward.

The picture below was taken at approx 7.00 am at Clapham Common, and we were feeling enthusiastic although a bit bleary eyed. A mere 58 miles and 8 hours later we sat on the beach at Brighton, still enthusiastic although rather tired and in some cases a bit saddle sore. The gruelling nature of the ride was tempered by one or two or four refreshment stops, and the tea and bacon butties certainly helped us along the road. The big hill on the ride is Ditchling Beacon, over the South Downs close to Brighton, and an abiding memory is struggling to the top, and then listening on Stewart's radio to the penalties in the Ireland v. Spain match.

After a final meal of fish and chips, the team made their way back, a very unusual Sunday but a fantastic day for us all.

David Ainsworth

Please have a look at the other photos below (courtesy of Abigail B).