I should like to take the opportunity of thanking The Argus for The South Downs Challenge 2004.

I cannot fault the organisation of the event in any way - it all went really well.

The transport to Beachy Head was on time, the coaches were waiting for us at the end, and all the bits in between were excellent.

It was a relief at the end of both days to see that the tents were already pitched, especially when someone who had brought their own gave us all a classic demonstration of how not to do it, providing an appreciative crowd an evening's entertainment from the balcony of Brighton Rugby Club.

The food was most welcome and there was seconds for all. The cooked breakfasts were an ideal way to start on the next day's adventure.

There seemed to be a really good mix of ages, sexes and abilities on show and I saw many people helping and encouraging others. Myself and two colleagues dealt with two punctures - both, thankfully, not ours.

Can I also pass on my thanks to the many volunteers from local organisations who manned the feeding stations and water stops along the route? They were all very helpful and encouraging to those who were wilting in the heat. Without these unsung heroes, the journey would have been much much harder.

Finally, a big thank you once again for the event. My two friends and I really enjoyed the trip, taking in the wonderful Sussex scenery and helping in a small way to raise money for local charities.

Even getting either scalded to death or frozen solid in the temperamental showers at Midhurst Rugby Club could not take away the fun we had on a hot summer's weekend.

Many thanks.

-Ian Tyrrell 'Number 37', Brighton