On Saturday 24th September, 19 intrepid cyclists from Croudace Homes took part in a sponsored bike ride from London to Brighton – but not the usual road race as you know it!

The 75 mile event organised by the British Heart Foundation was much more of a hardcore challenge than the traditional course on a testing 'off road' route that mixed cycle paths, single track cycling and scenic forest tracks, frequently on rough terrain.

The ride started early in the morning from Roehampton University and progressed through Richmond Park before continuing through Weybridge, then Shere, along the South Downs Link and down to the coast, before finishing at the Peace Statue in Brighton seafront. Taking in stunning scenery, undulating countryside and serious hill climbs, this was a truly diverse riding experience.

A total of several hundred riders took part in the event. The Croudace team comprised site staff and members from both Caterham and Letchworth offices, and all 19 competitors completed the gruelling course to earn their medal and T-shirt. The Croudace team leader Ben Yallop, Northern Land Manager commented "The combination of a tough course and warm weather proved a testing challenge for some of the less experienced riders. The British Heart Foundation turned 50 this year, and relies on money raised to help fund its pioneering research. We are pleased to have raised well over £5,000 in sponsorship so far, with more promised, to help a very worthy cause."