Thousands of cyclists crossing the London to Brighton Bike Ride finish line yesterday shared one thing in common - a sore bottom.

The complaint was heard time and again from exhausted but triumphant riders who completed an arduous 54-mile journey from the capital to the coast in high temperatures.

Thankfully refreshments and soothing massages were on offer at the end of the trip, which is now so popular that thousands of cyclists are unable to take part.

About 27,000 people completed this year's British Heart Foundation (BHF) bike ride, taking to the road from as early as 6am yesterday in what is the largest European cycle event of its kind. It is one of the charity's biggest fund raising events, last year making more than £3 million.

Six Eastbourne men rode the 54 miles in honour of their late friend Barry, wearing Tshirts with his name.

He died of cancer earlier this year and the group planned to divide their sponsorship money between the BHF and a cancer charity.

Paul Gillham, 49, said: "Barry was keen on keeping fit so we thought this was something we could do for him."

A group of 19 employees from HCP Engineering in Burgess Hill were resurrecting a company tradition that had fallen by the wayside.

Dave Mitchell, 59, said: "Doing the ride used to be a regular thing but 1994 was the last time we did it.

"This year everyone was keen so here we are. The company owner rode it as well.

"We are hoping to raise more than £100 each, and hopefully get a donation from the company as well."

Stephen Goulston, 43, and his 13-year-old son Ben, from Hampshire, did the ride in tandem dressed in shirts displaying a giant jar of Marmite.

Stephen said: "There has always been a bit of a joke in our family about Marmite.

"We love it. So when I saw these shirts I thought it would be fun to do the ride in them.

"There might be a bit of elbowing if we see anyone with a Bovril shirt."

He added: "Ben was my secret weapon, a powerhouse on the back who got me up Ditchling Beacon."

For Tess Fletcher, 52, from London, it was a personal challenge rather than a charity fund raiser.

She said: "I wanted to see if I could do it.

"I managed it and really enjoyed myself."

Comedian Dave Gorman, taking part for the first time, said: "The ride seemed like a great way for my 35-year-old body to try to defy the aging process."

Julie Sorrell, head of events at the BHF, said: "The funds raised from today's ride will ensure that the BHF can continue to fund pioneering research that saves and improves lives."