First Brompton G-Line night ride to the coast

Thursday night into Friday saw me take my G-Line for its first ever night ride to the coast - London to Shoreham-by-Sea. It was also to be the longest ride on the G-Line to date. 

Normally, these rides are Friday night into Saturday but this one (like a few others from the past at this time of year) took place on Thursday into Good Friday. It was also the first night ride to the coast for 2025 and as such I had been looking forward to it for some time.

Now, I had contemplated taking my beloved Brompton Electric. That extra power at the touch of a button on the hills is nothing short of joyous! However, in the end it was an easy decision and it had to be my G-Line. Packing as light as I dared, I set off into what was a fairly mild evening. The recent windy conditions had died down and it was a lovely night. 

Despite being the eve of a bank holiday, London was still pretty busy by the time I reached Regents Park, Baker Street and beyond. I could not resist taking a few photos - if you have a Brompton you might do the same thing. 

Reaching the start, not far from the London Eye, a few familiar faces appeared. Mark was there helping the ride leader Jim up at the front and I was of course pleased to see Geoff. They were both on big wheels and I was the only Brompton rider - albeit on slightly larger wheels. As always, there was a varied mix of cyclists and bicycles. A little after midnight we were off into the night. 

The route for the first part of the ride was pretty much the one I use for Brighton with Dr John. Having completed the ride so many times with him, I knew it well. It did however avoid Farthing Downs and the infamous cattle grid, in favour of cycling through Carshalton Ponds. A little after this, the urban started to be left behind, giving way to more rural scenery. 

My G-Line glided along silently really well. It is a very comfortable bike and the change to Continental tyres magnified this for me. I found that I could cope well with all the hills and inclines I encountered and was not forced to put a put down on any of them - something I have no shame in doing at all. It has been quite some time since I cycled a ride of this distance, so I was pleased. I liken the gearing on the G-Line to that of my 6x speed Brompton bicycles with a 44T chainring fitted. I still think that the G-Line is a little better ascending hills. I do not know why? Perhaps it has something to do with the slightly larger wheels or the geometry of the G-Line and its riding position. I am not sure? 

We arrived at the halfway stop, Burstow Scout Hut and as always the welcome was friendly and refreshments lovely. I did struggle to stay awake and if my eyes had of closed for longer than a few seconds, I fear I would have needed to have been awoken from my slumber! About an hour later at 04:30 we made our farewells and departed. Strangely for me, I didn't put on any extra layers at all. I just started pedaling. 

Turners Hill loomed a few miles away and at this point I thought of the wonders of my Brompton Electric. The G-Line did me proud however and I made my ascent, successfully matching and occasionally bettering several of those on full-sized wheels. 

In the sky the blood-red moon that had been keeping a watchful eye on proceedings could be seen peeking out from cloud cover. Birds called and sang. For several minutes - like many others riders - I was left cycling along on my own, following a red tail light in the distance. At one point we cycled past a forest clearing to our left and a herd of deer (possibly 20 - 30) ran parallel with us as we cycled. Their speed and ease of movement was incredible. It was nothing short of magical. It served to highlight the joys of nocturnal cycling. 

Dawn seemed to just appear from dark to light and several more hills made themselves known. Some were really steep and caught a few participants out. Thankfully, I was confident that my G-Line could cope with it all. 

With the back of the ride broken we arrived at a gravel cycle path running parallel to a river that took us all the way to the end of the ride and breakfast stop at the 'Port Kitchen.' Was it wrong to feel a little smug at the G-Line's off-road prowess?

I decided that I would skip breakfast here and head to Brighton station five easy miles away. Saying my goodbyes I headed off. As the kitchen was not able to serve food straight away I was soon joined on the route to the station by Geoff. 

I found these last few miles really difficult and could not go much faster than the very sedate pace I was cycling. I felt that sort of fatigue where you know you have not had enough fuel. We boarded the train and once all settled in our seats I ate some of snacks I had brought with me but not eaten. Almost straight away I felt better and could feel my energy returning. Of course, it had little use in stopping me from nodding off if my eyes closed. Thankfully, I stayed awake. 

Geoff got off at London Bridge and we said our goodbyes. I got off a couple of stops later. I cycled the few miles home, had some breakfast and a few hours sleep. The day later after a good sleep, I felt all okay. The G-Line is a very comfortable bicycle and calculating the distance cycled to and from the start and the ride itself, it was the longest distance covered since I got it. I really, really like this bicycle. 

Many thanks to our ride leader Jim, and Tail End Charlie, Tim and of course Geoff for his company. The next night ride is in about three weeks and I suspect the G-Line might well come with me. On this ride I will need to ensure I get enough fuel onboard! I really do like these nocturnal adventures and the thought of another not too far away, is rather pleasing. 

Until next time, stay safe out there people.