Ride to Brighton (Sunday 14th February)

Four of us from the 'fast group' are planning to do something a bit different and ride down to Brighton this Sunday. Here is the route: https://ridewithgps.com/routes/12161363

It's 76 miles. If we meet at the Town Hall at 9am as usual and leave promptly I reckon we'll get there by about 3pm to 3.30pm? Probably averaging about 17mph for the bits outside of London. I'm guessing at least a couple of hours to get clear of London, what with all the traffic lights and having to walk through the foot tunnel to Greenwich. Then there's a couple of long draggy climbs, a few brutal but short climbs, and then the big daddy of Ditchling Beacon to get over. After that you more or less freewheel down to the sea front, stop to have a look at the sea, then double back to the station. I'm probably going to take a rucksack with me and expect to stop for half an hour or so someone en route and maybe grab fish and chips in Brighton.
There are direct trains from Brighton to St Pancras going twice an hour at XX:44 and XX:14. The cheapest single tickets are only £10.50 - not sure if you have to book those in advance or not.
There should be a normal fast group (or fast and not-so-fast, depending on numbers) heading out for a normal Essex ride as well.

(Lights needed for the ride home from the station)

Those 'fast' riders not heading to Brighton (probably the majority!) will be going on this route instead: https://ridewithgps.com/routes/10663299