Ride for research

Welcome

After a three-year hiatus, the London to Brighton bike ride is back, and we're thrilled to have you ride with us on the 45th year of this epic challenge.

Whether you're a first-time rider or cycling mad, doing it in-memory or for the memories, we hope you feel proud to be taking up the challenge. By riding for research, you're helping to give people affected by heart and circulatory diseases the best chance of a brighter future.

Right now, the researchers we fund are working on revolutionary treatments and potential cures that could bring hope to families. Stem-cell treatments that can repair damaged hearts. Technology that could predict heart attacks. Drugs that could one day tackle vascular dementia.

So when you're up to your eye-balls in mud splats or agonising over the next mile, just remember why you're doing it. These breakthroughs aren't the work of science fiction - with your support, we can make them a reality and save lives.

We hope this fundraising pack provides you with useful information before the big day. Set up your page now if you haven't already: https://www.justgiving.com/fundraise

Fire up your fundraising

One of the easiest ways to fundraise is to set up a JustGiving page. This simple, online space allows people to sponsor you with just the click of a finger. All you need to do is share the link.

Set up your JustGiving page

1. Create your page at JustGiving.com/fundraise
2. Click 'edit your page' in the top left
3. Give your page a title and make it personal to you
4. Set a target - did you know those who set a target raise on average 46% more?
5. Share your story and let everyone know why this cause is important to you

5 top tips to boost donations

1. Share your JustGiving page on social media and with everyone you know!
2. Post updates about your training progress
3. Put your JustGiving page link in your e-signature at work if your company allows this
4. Upload photos to your page. Pages with photos raise 14% more on average!
5. Remind people to donate! Don't just share your page once.

Pedalling to discovery

There's nothing better than going for a bike ride and discovering somewhere new or a path you've never taken. And just like riding, discovery forms a key part of the research we fund.

Every day, the brightest minds in medicine are discovering life saving new ways to treat heart and circulatory diseases, from stem cell coated plasters to drugs that 'switch off' dangerous genes. And it's only possible thanks to people like you.

So keep pedalling, and together we'll reach the next discovery!

“I'm taking on the London to Brighton Bike Ride to raise money for the British Heart Foundation and their lifesaving research. Please donate and help me reach the finish!

Cardiovascular disease - which includes conditions like heart attack, stroke and vascular dementia, kills more people than anything else globally.

That's why we need research. By funding more game-changing research, we can turn the tables on the world's biggest killers and stop more lives being taken too soon.

54 miles isn't going to be easy, but with your support, I know I can do it. Every pound you donate has the power to make science fiction a reality and save lives.”

Thank you

Grace Kalindi

In-person fundraising

Whether it's holding a dinner party, dunking yourself in a bath of baked beans or baking fairy cakes, there are plenty of ways to fundraise that don't require setting up a JustGiving page. But if you really want to make a splash, why not consider doing both!

Keeping safe at your event

Check the latest government guidelines to make your ride as safe as possible.

1. Plan a video game tournament
2. Wash some cars for cash
3. Host a dinner party
4. Coffee morning
5. Try and beat a Guinness world record
6. Organise a football match
7. Throw a BBQ
8. Host a quiz night
9. Easter egg hunt
10. Office Olympics

Thanieth is living proof

After genetic testing, Thanieth was diagnosed with an inherited heart condition called hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (HCM) when she was 14-years-old.

But it wasn't until she lost both her mum and her brother to heart disease that she realised how serious it was. Her mum was 42 when she died suddenly, her brother just 26.

When she experienced heart palpitations herself in 2019, she got reassessed and Thanieth was advised to get an implantable cardioverter-defibrillator (ICD) fitted.

This small device is now life insurance inside her chest. An amazing device that is ready to shock her heart back into a regular rhythm 24 hours a day. But it didn't exist decades ago.

Thanieth is living proof that by taking on challenges like the London to Brighton Bike Ride and funding research, we can diagnose and treat conditions before they cause devastation.

Buy your travel tickets now

Please note that bikes are not accepted on any train routes between London to Brighton on 19 June 2022.

Our coach service

We are providing a coach service from Brighton to the start line between 04:30-06:30 with a space for your bike in the trailer. The coaches depart from Madeira Drive, Brighton and drop you at Rookery Road in Clapham Common. Tickets are £30. For full terms and conditions please visit our website.

To purchase your AM travel ticket, click here.

We will also be providing an afternoon and evening coach service between 12:00-20:00. To purchase your PM ticket click here.

Tickets are sold on a first come first served basis and must be booked by 22 April 2022.

Please note in line with BHF's sustainability aims, we have removed all bubble wrap from our coach and trailer transport services. You use this service at your own risk.

PureGym - Official Gym Partner

Inspiring a healthier nation, one heartbeat at a time.

We are really excited that PureGym are our Official Gym Partner for London to Brighton 2022.

PureGym is the UK's favourite gym with over 1.2 million members across 300 sites nationwide. PureGym believes that everyone should be able to live a fit and healthy life, so they're committed to providing high-quality, affordable gyms to everyone, everywhere. Their flexible contract-free gym memberships include access to great kit, a wide range of fitness classes and most gyms are open 24/7, so there's something for everybody.

Our three-year partnership will bring our teams and communities together to work on a range of transformational projects and raise £5 million to improve heart health across the UK.

Make sure you look out for them at our charity village on event day!

Training plan

We know training can be daunting. That's why we've enlisted the help of cycling club Dirty Wknd who have provided a bespoke training plan to help you get to the start line.

Your ability and experience will have an impact on how difficult you find a ride. For example, What you find easy may be harder to others. Use the first few weeks of training to work out what your effort levels are. A scale out of 10 is a good guide.

Key

EASY = 2-4 out of 10. You shouldn't feel out of breath or laboured.

MODERATE = 4-6 out of 10. Challenging, but you should still be able to push harder if needed. Hard = 7-10 out of 10. Maximum effort. You should be pushing as hard as you can.

HILL REPS = Repetitions of riding up a particular hill. Pick a hill near you and ride up and down it as many times as you can in the allotted time.

RECOVERY RIDE = Even easier than the Easy effort level. Just spin the pedals in a really easy gear on a flat ride. Helps to keep your legs 'fresh'.

REST DAY = Rest is really important, and the more you rest between rides the fitter you'll become.

Jo's story

Jo Michaelides hadn't been on a bike much since she was a child - but that didn't stop her signing up to take on the London to Brighton Bike Ride in 2019. She had a very personal reason to turn the pedals: she and her team were doing the ride in memory of their friend Keith, a keen cyclist who had recently passed away after a stroke.

Jo and Keith met in extraordinary circumstances, when Jo pulled over while driving to give CPR to someone at the side of the road who had suffered a sudden cardiac arrest. Using CPR and a public defibrillator, Jo helped to save Keith's life. After he had recovered, they were reunited, and quickly became friends. They decided to use their shared passion for teaching lifesaving skills to start up a local group, providing training in basic life support for members of their local community. They went on to train over 1000 people, with some going on to use their skills to save a life in an emergency themselves.

"Our Heartstart group was led by Keith and what had happened to us," Jo said. "He liked to pay forward his second chance. He did that every day. He was a real advocate for people learning what to do and getting awareness for defibrillators. His motto was 'don't be a bystander.'"

"Keith was such a keen cyclist and he used to cycle absolutely everywhere. Because he was training to do the London to Brighton in the month that he died, I just felt like I would like to do that to remember him. It was a bit of a challenge for me because I hadn't been on a bike since I was a kid and I'd never learned how to use gears."

After completing the ride in 2019, Jo said: "We did it! And I loved every second, from cycling in a torrential downpour, to slogging up Ditchling Beacon - I'd set myself the challenge of riding all the way up, and was really proud of myself because I just about managed it. Crossing the finishing line was very emotional and I am very grateful to everyone who donated - Keith's legacy goes on and on."

As part of the team 'Keith's CPR Crusaders', Jo raised over £2,000 for the BHF's lifesaving research, having set her initial target as £1,000. Jo continues to teach vital CPR skills and raise awareness of the importance of defibrillators, and is starting to train as a paramedic in September.

“We did it! And I loved every second, from cycling in a torrential downpour, to slogging up Ditchling Beacon

Fundraising FAQS

How do I promote my fundraising page?

There are many ways to promote your page, but some of the best include sharing the link on your social media platforms, sending around an email including the link to your page or posting it in your Whatsapp group chats. You could even check in with your employer to see whether you can include the link to your page in your email signature.

But before you start sharing, make sure your page is the best it can be to have a real impact. Follow our JustGiving step-by-step guide on page 4.

Don't forget our Facebook Page is a great place to talk to other cyclists and exchange fundraising ideas - head over and check it out at facebook.com/BHFL2B

Don't forget to set up your page if you haven't already

When is the best time to ask for donations?

Anytime is a good time once you have shared your story. However, a top tip is to ask around payday when friends and family might be more generous.

Feeling just that little bit more generous! How do I ask for donations?

We know some people find it hard to keep asking for donations, but try to remember why you're fundraising and use that to motivate you. Sharing your personal story gives people a better understanding of why you've chosen to take on the challenge, and will make them want to support you.

How do I add money that I've raised offline?

There are two ways you can get your offline donations to us. You can either add the donation to your page with your own credit/debit card, or send the offline donations to us in the post as a cheque made payable to 'British Heart Foundation'.

Send to:

British Heart Foundation,
Compton House 2300,
The Crescent,
Birmingham Business Park, Birmingham,
B37 7YE

'Appy training!

If you haven't already, download the Strava app and join the BHF Cycling Club. It's a great way to track your rides or follow the progress of your teammates (to make sure they're not slacking!) With training tips, kit recommendations and advice it's your go-to source of motivation and inspiration.

Staying safe whilst out and about

Whether you're a newbie or seasoned cyclist, staying safe whilst you're out training is vital. Our tips below will help keep you safe:

Stay Hydrated: Always carry water with you out on your rides. When exercising you should always stay hydrated, especially if you're training in warmer weather.

Stay bright: If you're riding in the dark, make sure you can see and be seen. Always use bike lights to guide your way and wear fluorescent clothing so that you're easily spotted by other riders and passing traffic.

Plan ahead: You never know what could happen when you're out riding your bike so it's best to be prepared for all scenarios. Make sure you take a spare puncture kit with you, carry some cash and check the weather ahead of your ride.

Head smart: Wearing a helmet is not a choice, it's a requirement of the ride. It may sound like an obvious one, but it's an important part of staying safe, so make sure you don't forget it.

Fuel up: Riding long distances requires lots of energy. Before you head out, make sure you've eaten enough food to keep you going and take snacks, energy gels or glucose tablets with you.

On the day

When is it?

19 June 2022

Where do I start?

Clapham Common, London, SW4 9AQ. Look for the red signage around the event.

What do I bring?

Cycling helmet, pump, refillable water bottle and repair kit. Set a reminder - we can't let you ride if you don't have a helmet.

Anything else?

Your rider number and start time. You'll get these in the post before the event. And please don't be too eager; if you turn up earlier than half an hour before your slot it will be overcrowded.

What time does it finish?

It's not a race, but we do need you to cross the finish line by 7pm. Don't worry though as there will be marshals at points on the route to let you know if you're running out of time. On the day, we'll give you a guide that tells you all the key points and what time you need to reach them by.

What if I get hungry or thirsty?

There are 15 refreshment stops along the route that are run by our local volunteers. Make sure you bring cash on the day to refuel as often as needed so you can keep those pedals turning.

What if I need some help along the way?

St John Ambulance medics will be at refreshment points and other locations en route, so look out for them, or call the emergency number we'll give you on the day. There will also be mechanics at each stop in case your bike needs a little TLC.

Will I have to share the road with drivers?

Some of the route is open to traffic – please be considerate and pay attention to the event signage along the route. Always follow the rules of the road, do what officials or the police say and stay safe!

Will I receive my time?

We want to make this event as inclusive and accessible as possible, which means we try to steer clear of anything that would make it feel like a race, including timing it. If you'd like you know your time, we suggest bringing a digital watch along.

What do I get at the end/finish line?

At the end, you'll receive one of our brand new medals for 2022 designed especially for the 45th anniversary. Then we recommend heading along to the Beach Village where you'll be able to enjoy some much deserved food and drink.

Is there official photography of the day?

We will have photographers on the day, so make sure your rider number sticker on your bike and helmet are always visible if you want to have the option of purchasing our professional photos. Don't worry, we'll let you know when the official photos are ready to view and purchase.

Ride ready checklist

Pre-ride

• Set up JustGiving fundraising page at JustGiving.com/fundraise
• Start your fundraising with our help - find everything you need to know at bhf.org.uk/l2b/fundraising
• Sort out your travel to and from the start and finish line
• Directions to the start line
• Start your training

Ride day

• Helmet
• Your cycling gear
• Wet weather clothing
• Watch
• Cash for refreshment points
• Sun/lip protector
• Light first aid kit
• Inner tubes, tyre pumps and fist pumps
• Water bottle

Post-ride

• Meet your friends and family at our Beach Village
• Your well deserved medal
• Phone for all those selfies
• Comfortable clothes and shoes to change into
• Bag for everything else
• Keep fundraising
• Pay in funds that help save lives
• Update your JustGiving page with a new photo of you over the finish line
• Share your photos on social media using #London ToBrighton

Questions?

If there's anything more we can help you with - from questions about the event, to sending in your sponsorship money - please get in touch. We're here to help!

If you want to find out more about the life saving research we fund, go to bhf.org.uk/this-is-science

CALL US ON
0300 330 3322

EMAIL US AT
heretohelp@bhf.org.uk

TIPS AND INSPIRATION
www.bhf.org.uk/how-you-can-help/fundraise

Good luck, we'll see you at the finish line!

Heart attacks that strike without warning, strokes that shatter futures, newborn babies born with broken hearts. These are just some of the cruelties of cardiovascular disease. And the brutal reality is, there is so much more for science to discover before we can beat the world's biggest killers.

That's why the British Heart Foundation exists. Funding research is how we change the game. And we all have a role to play. The tools we have at our disposal today - from heart transplants and pacemakers to stents and portable defibrillators - are all down to research. Research made possible by people like you, funding people like us.

When we join forces, we can make the impossible possible. We can take the best and brightest ideas from scientists' minds and help turn them into treatments you can get at your GP. We can make theories on pages jump into reality. Research can save your life and your family's lives. But without you? It all stops tomorrow.

Medical breakthroughs don't just happen. Driven by love, your donations and the awe-inspiring research we fund, we make them happen together.

© British Heart Foundation 2019, a registered charity in England and Wales (225971) and Scotland (SC039426)