Back in February of this year, our co-founder and cycling enthusiast, Justin, announced that Skin Communications would be participating in this year’s Eroica Britannia, the iconic vintage cycling event for riders of pre 1987 models to be held at Goodwood, just outside Chichester in West Sussex.
Skin will be raising money for Together for Short Lives which supports families caring for seriously ill children, helping them to make the most of every moment together. We had the pleasure of working with them last year when they became Morrison’s new national charity partner.
Justin, who only recently got back in the saddle having many years ago rode a BMX Ultra will be partaking in the sterner test of the 60 mile course known as the Sporting route. With a total route elevation of 4,295 feet beginning with a lap of the Goodwood Motor Circuit, Justin will face the Festival of Speed Hill Climb, cycling in the tyre tracks of some of motorsport’s greats. Following quiet country lanes and forest tracks, the route winds its way through the Sussex countryside, and into the South Downs National Park. Another off-road section will take him to the edge of Uppark Deer Park, followed by Kingley Vale National Nature Reserve. Then it’s onto fast, flat roads to Ashling Park, one of Chichester’s renowned vineyards and sparkling wine producers. Finally, there’s just a few miles to go before turning through the Motor Circuit gates and to the finish line.
Justin commented “While I’m sure the challenge won’t be easy, knowing that we will be raising money for such a worthwhile cause will spur us on!”
The other half of Skin is Ian. Unlike Justin, he is not a cycling god and ironically was last seen on a bicycle around 1987 so in fact the omens are looking good for Ian to complete the challenge.
Ian will be partaking in the Tourist route, a 20 mile course with a total elevation of 1,242 feet. Ian will commence with a spin around the Motor Circuit and riding up the hill past Goodwood House, arriving at Goodwood Racecourse – renowned as the most beautiful in the world. Then passing through the outskirts of Charlton Forest, Ian will want to test his brakes before the steep descent into the pretty village of East Dean. A gentle ride through Charlton Valley, as a left turn will see Ian at the foot of Knight’s Hill. The climb will be hard work, but worth it for the views towards the Racecourse. Riding down Kennel Hill will give Ian a chance to rest his legs before passing the cricket pitch where the earliest known written set of cricket rules were set down in 1721 by the 2nd Duke of Richmond. The climb of New Barn Hill will take Ian past Goodwood Home Farm and the Sculpture Park, with views of the famous Halnaker Windmill. A left turn onto Race Course Road leads back to the Goodwood Hill Climb. This time Ian will descend rather than climb this celebrated stretch of tarmac, before returning to the Motor Circuit and across the finish line.
Support and encouragement is abundant between the two co-founders of Skin although Justin has mentioned that he will cross the finish line first and then welcome Ian a few hours later! To ensure fair play is adhered to, Justin will be joined by his old school friend Jo and our 3rd rider of the Skin cycling team who will officiate that Justin and Ian stay focused and that they deliver a personal best time.
Our training for the event has already begun and today we’re delighted to launch our Just Giving page here where you will learn more about the event, our chosen charity and we would be extremely grateful for any support you could donate for such a worthwhile cause.
We will keep you updated in the coming months on our training programme and if any of you would like to attend the event on Sunday August 7th we’d love to see you there, tickets can be sourced here.
Thank you for your support and keep cycling!
Justin & Ian
Skin Communications
