The South Downs Way........
Discussion
.......in a day
Next summer a group of mates and me are planning on doing 'The Way in a day', 105 miles or so, should be a good crack.
Question is, which starting point?
Option 1: Start at Eastbourne and get the Seven sisters torture out of the way early doors
Option 2: Start at winchester and have to face the Seven sisters torture at the end (also I will be near to home at the finish!
)
Anyone done it? If so, any tips?
Next summer a group of mates and me are planning on doing 'The Way in a day', 105 miles or so, should be a good crack.
Question is, which starting point?
Option 1: Start at Eastbourne and get the Seven sisters torture out of the way early doors
Option 2: Start at winchester and have to face the Seven sisters torture at the end (also I will be near to home at the finish!
)Anyone done it? If so, any tips?
I have done this a number of times, although I ride from Fareham up the old railway line and join at Old Winchesther Hill. I much prefer going from the Winchester end, as you usually have a tailwind, and means for me I don't have to go sit on a train/in a car, can just have some breakfast and head off, which when you're out all day is much preferable and makes the overall day shorter in my mind.
Last attempt I left at 7 AM and was in Eastbourne at 7. This was the day before ride London, couldn't have had better conditions.
Last attempt I left at 7 AM and was in Eastbourne at 7. This was the day before ride London, couldn't have had better conditions.
Tried the end-to-end this year and had to abandon at Chichester as one of our party had ~20 punctures, one after another.
It was unbelievable.
Anyway, it's very much on the list to do again next year, we picked as close to the summer solstice as convenient, simply in order to have daylight for as long as possible.
You do need to pick your date around the various walks and rides that use the SDW, also.
It was unbelievable.
Anyway, it's very much on the list to do again next year, we picked as close to the summer solstice as convenient, simply in order to have daylight for as long as possible.
You do need to pick your date around the various walks and rides that use the SDW, also.
Did it from Winchester a couple of years ago, early July I think, 13 and a half hours. I don't think the hills are any easier whichever way you go, there's still 10000 feet of climbing to be done. The wind is generally more favourable from Winchester. Another vote for me is finishing at Beachy Head is pretty special, nice though Winchester is.
I live in Steyning so half way roughly, we had transport for people and bikes to and from each end, made that part simple.
I think it is a mere 95 miles though, so if doing three figures is important to you find a detour somewhere, preferably at the start. You won't want to do an extra 5 when you've nearly finished!
I live in Steyning so half way roughly, we had transport for people and bikes to and from each end, made that part simple.
I think it is a mere 95 miles though, so if doing three figures is important to you find a detour somewhere, preferably at the start. You won't want to do an extra 5 when you've nearly finished!
Yes, 2015 will be Year Of Tubeless, and I've got some larger volume (40c) tyres to use.
It's a great challenge, post up when you're going to do it if you fancy some company and I'll head down.
Hmm, Pistonheads doesn't play nicely with Facebook photographs.
It's a great challenge, post up when you're going to do it if you fancy some company and I'll head down.
Hmm, Pistonheads doesn't play nicely with Facebook photographs.
Edited by Dammit on Sunday 2nd November 15:51
Dammit said:
Yes, 2015 will be Year Of Tubeless, and I've got some larger volume (40c) tyres to use.
It's a great challenge, post up when you're going to do it if you fancy some company and I'll head down.
Hmm, Pistonheads doesn't play nicely with Facebook photographs.
By all means! The more the merrier!It's a great challenge, post up when you're going to do it if you fancy some company and I'll head down.
Hmm, Pistonheads doesn't play nicely with Facebook photographs.
Edited by Dammit on Sunday 2nd November 15:51
I live in Eastbourne, did it in a day from Winchester to home in May. That's the usual way, with the prevailing wind behind you. I will do it the other way next year though.
Last year I rode it in 2 days - that was fun with a stopover in Amberley. I cannot say riding it in 1 day is a good crack. It's properly hard.
Buy the Harveys map and get the route right though. The cyclist route turns left after Alfriston, up the joyful Windover Hill, the right turn via Seven Sisters is pedestrian only
Last year I rode it in 2 days - that was fun with a stopover in Amberley. I cannot say riding it in 1 day is a good crack. It's properly hard.
Buy the Harveys map and get the route right though. The cyclist route turns left after Alfriston, up the joyful Windover Hill, the right turn via Seven Sisters is pedestrian only
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