EDITOR'S CHOICE FRINGE OFFERS 2 for 1 offer to The Lady Boys of Bangkok FOOD ON FRIDAY Buy one main course and get another free at Riddle and Finns, Hove LIVE SPORT Live commentary from the Somerset v Sussex match DOWNLOAD OF THE WEEK Listen to new music from Brighton's best bands WHAT'S ON Turncoat, Ocean Rooms, Fri, May 16, 7.15pm The Hold Steady, The Old Market, Fri, May 16, 10.15pm GOING GREEN Green funerals unearthed LETTERS TO THE EDITOR Searching for lost Volk's photograph Banging the drum for bands COMMENT AND ANALYSIS It is essential we remain a nation of small shopkeepers VOTE Do you think cannabis should be reclassified? Yes No Don't know GET OUR NEWS BY E-MAIL Just register

Most read Comments 1 Fresh search at site of body in woods 2 Sussex's oldest toyseller closes branches 3 Woman's death being treated as unexplained 4 Husband charged with murder 5 Pride in defeat at Goodison 6 Restaurateur run out of Turkey by gangsters 7 Bouncing to beat cancer 8 Former policeman stole from Hastings community 9 Albion reject goes for Wembley glory 10 Yardy blow for Sussex Today | 7 Days 1 Comment: Right to look anew at law on cannabis 2 Brighton squatters defy raid by bailiffs 3 Hove residents' parking war with commuters 4 Adams: Championship return is the aim 5 Cannabis factory found in Moulsecoomb 6 No instant reprieves for axed players 7 Albion boss backs Leeds 8 Albion face two Championship clubs 9 Security staff to protect cabbies 10 Roger French

Comment | Read Comments (5)

A group of cyclists press on despite the heat

While most of Sussex basked on the beaches, hundreds of cyclist braved the blistering heat to complete a gruelling bike ride in aid of The Argus Appeal.

About 220 people worked up a sweat on the hottest weekend of the year to take part in the 105-mile South Downs Challenge.

The riders were split into two groups, with half cycling from Beachy Head to Winchester and the rest in the opposite direction.

Proceeds from the event, sponsored by Legal and general and Warburtons, will go the the Argus Appeal charity.

Organisers were confident the event will raise more than the £40,000 generated by last year's cycle ride.

Elsa Gillio, Argus Appeal co-ordinator, said: "The weather was great, the hottest for the past six years and was nothing a seasoned cyclist could not deal with.

"Last year the weather was awful and we were dealing with hypothermia. We had the worst possible torrential rain.

"This year everyone has had an absolutely fantastic time. Who wouldn't in this weather? And every single penny collected will go to charity.

"Last year we raised a terrific amount of money but we want to beat that. We are confident we will beat it."

The cyclists camped overnight in Midhurst and at Brighton Rugby Club.

Rebecca Hewlett, 36, and husband Malcolm, 41, of Davigdor Road, Hove, took part in the event for the first time.

Mrs Hewlett said: "It has been extremely hot but really good fun. The main issue was trying to take on enough fluids.

"We have made so many good friends along the way who I have no doubt we will stay in contact with.

"It was our first time but we will definitely be doing it again next year. We both managed to keep together around the course.

"I play sport regularly but Malcolm doesn't. He really trained for this over the past few weeks and has become incredibly fit."

There were several casualties during the ride, including two people taken to hospital with broken collar bones, and three suffering from exhaustion.

Brothers Nick and Matthew Osborne completed the course for the sixth year running.

Nick, 42, of Fonthill Road, Hove, said: "The difference this year was the heat because it made the track very fast and added to the wear and tear on the body.

"It was fantastic because I could actually enjoy the beautiful view for once. We had to ride fast and crack on early to avoid the hottest weather.

"When we started six years ago there was three or four of us but now there is a big group. One of our group had to go to hospital with a popped collarbone.

"Another has just gone to hospital with an injured arm. He's come from Stockholm in Sweden. He will definitely be back next year."

Matthew, 38, from Plymouth, said: "The heat added a different dimension to previous years, especially going up the hills.

"It was great fun and it was all for a good cause. The organisation was superb. All we had to do was turn up and pedal because everything else was taken care of."

4:49pm Sunday 11th May 2008

Print

Email this

Comment

Add your comment

Name:
Email: *
Location:
**
	e.g. 123-123
Comment: Please note: All HTML tags will be ignored. Format Text:
By posting a comment, I confirm that I have read and agree to the terms of use. Comments are not moderated but we will react if anything that breaks the rules comes to our attention and we may delete inappropriate postings. Please treat other people with respect. You must not post anything that is abusive, indecent, unlawful or defamatory. Remember, you are personally liable for what you post on this site. If you wish to complain about a comment, contact us here.
* Your email address will not be displayed ** To avoid register now or login