March 27 2012.


On Saturday 17th March, 88 cyclists set off from the top of Ditchling Beacon to cycle the 20 miles off-road back to Seaford as part of a fundraising cycle for the Cystic Fibrosis Trust.

In teams of up to seven riders, the competitive spirit was unleashed and there were some blistering times set. Unfortunately the weather was not kind and the fog and rain meant that at times visibility was only about 3m. However, the ground was good from the previously dry weather and all of the riders made it back to the Downs Leisure Centre within four and a half hours, albeit after some punctures and technical hitches.

The fastest team home, aptly named "Are we at the pub yet", made it back in 2 hours 1 minute, closely followed by last year's winners, "The Shoreham Trojans", in 2 hours 3 minutes. Third was the team from Mr Cycles in 2 hours 8 minutes. The majority of the teams were fun riders, some of whom are quite new to mountain biking, but everyone commented on how much they had enjoyed the day. 

The organisers, Clint  and Lorna Allen, would also  like to thank everyone for taking part. Additionally, Rod from Mr Cycles provided prizes to 1st, 2nd and 3rd teams, along with energy bars for every rider and Sean Garrick made a personal donation which covered costs of food and drink for the cyclists when they reached the Downs Leisure Centre.

Events like this have helped to raise £2.3million for the Cystic Fibrosis Trust, which in turn helped them to secure £3.1million funding from the Medical Research Council for the Gene Therapy Trials. The trials are now due to start in May 2012 with results due in 2014. This is ground-breaking research and the most exciting development in the treatment of Cystic Fibrosis ever.

The next fundraising event is the return of the very popular band Tongue & Groove, playing at Seaford Constitutional Club on Saturday 28th April. For tickets telephone 01323 891614.