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First British Heart Foundation London to Brighton Night Ride Attracts 4700

by Henry Peacock

The British Heart Foundation (BHF) London to Brighton Night Ride, supported by Santander and organised by Pennine Events, took place on Sunday 27th May. The event attracted 4,700 cyclists and has so far raised over £400,000 for the charity.

Participants gathered at London’s Clapham Common for the start of the event. They were set off in small groups in the early hours of Sunday morning for the moonlit adventure.

BHF
The Start at Clapham Common

The route took participants through the bustling streets of South London before quickly leaving city life for the starlit country lanes. Similar to the famous daytime route in early sections, riders set off towards Coulsdon and on to the Surrey countryside of Merstham, Nutfield, Cuckfield and Burgess Hill. One main variation was that instead of Ditchling Beacon, riders were taken up the equally testing Devils Dyke before sweeping down into Brighton for the seafront finish.

BHF
Off Into the Darkness

Already well known for organising award-winning mass-participation sporting events, such as the Freshnlo Pedal for Scotland, Pennine Events were responsible for all event logistics, which included, planning the route and providing extensive ride support, running the feed stations, mechanical support, stewarding the event and signing the route.
“The feedback has been very positive,” said Martin Kersey, Project Manager at Pennine Events. “The atmosphere was fantastic and it was great to see the camaraderie between riders.”
He continued: “As this was a night ride it was essential that the ride support was second to none. We made sure the route was very well signed, feed-stations were frequent and well stocked and that there were plenty of marshals on the course. We have taken many positives from the feedback and can fine-tune the other areas to make the 2013 event even better.”

BHF
4700 Lit The Way

Participant, Tom Jackson, said: “I had a fantastic time at the BHF London to Brighton Night Ride, I found the route much tougher than day ride. There was a brilliant atmosphere and I was able to really push myself knowing it was for such a good cause.”

Managing Director, Mark Sandamas, is happy how 2012 is faring: “We thoroughly enjoyed working on the BHF London to Brighton Night Ride. To have raised over £400,000 for the charity is staggering and it makes the months of planning and the team’s non-stop work through the night even more worthwhile.”
He continued: “It’s been a busy couple of months for us and it’s only getting busier! We’ve already organised many events and challenges this year and it will continue at this pace throughout 2012. We have already started work on the next BHF Manchester to Blackpool Night Ride which takes place on 29th September.”

BHF
The Morning After a Long Night In The Saddle

Founded in 2002, Pennine Events have established themselves as a premium events company. With over 60 years collective events experience, the team specialises in delivering high-quality mass-participation events and sporting events.