You don’t need a £5,000 carbon-fibre racing bike. A hybrid or a decent road bike will do the job perfectly. The most important piece of kit is a padded cycling short. Without one, you’ll understand why some people call this the “sore-butt-athlon.”
Wear layers, even in summer. The first hour is cool, the middle is sweaty, and the descent into Brighton can be chilly. A lightweight windbreaker works miracles.
Don’t forget sunscreen. Nothing ruins a triumphant photo like a sunburnt nose and a cyclist’s tan line that looks like a reverse raccoon mask.
