South Downs way, end-to-end, TBC

So it's technically do-able then

A small number of extraordinary athletes have done the double SS. I wouldn't take much encouragement from that - I'd say even 1x10 is pushing (pun) it. The hills are steep, long and just keep on coming. The tops aren't a cakewalk either if the wind isn't with you (and it never seems to be)

SOUNDS AWESOME!

I cried - proper tears. Mainly because my position was too low so my neck was agony by the end but also because I was broken.

Take my money!

Do it on your CAADX you plum. After you've cleaned it. Or get @biarittz to clean it.

This route and I have unfinished business...

Very interested, and no longer working shifts so should be able to make it. Though will be on a cotic soul, so will bring up the back of the pack..

Last minute shout-out: I'm planning on giving this a go tomorrow. Might aim for the 8:05 train from Waterloo to Winchester. I'm not sure if I'll make it all the way, but I'll try. I'll be on a hardtail mountain bike. Anyone fancy joining for some or all of it?

Unfortunately that's a school day so I won't be able to make it

...so that was tough. I got as far as Amberley, which is halfway, then took a train home. Next time I'll carry more food and start earlier! Lovely place to ride, though.

To Edgar - if you see this - hope you enjoyed your second day!

Shout out to @Danimal who I met on the way to Amberley. It was great to have company on that last push to the pub after spending most of the day riding alone.

My bivvy bag accumulated some water through the small breathing hole; last night it rained on/off with some stormy periods; wet sleeping bag meant barely any sleep and a bit cold at times. So decided not to proceed to Eastbourne and got the train home.

Next time for a full SDW: lighter gear (had a super warm, but super heavy sleeping bag), tarp/tent, 28t chainring, etc. etc. and some company!

@Danimal ha just saw your post! response above:)

It does take a lot more time than you expect, every gate opening/ water stop/ puncture just eats into your day.

Hi All!

I want to do some of this with my kid in a trailer on the back, and my other half that doesn't want to do anything 'gnarly'. Ideally we'll camp somewhere and then just do a few bits. Is it super steep? I only have an old 90's mtb with a 1x9 gearing, and my kid is a fat lump. Will I die?

It's not exactly flat... it's basically a series of steep climbs and descents on rough rocky paths. I probably wouldn't recommend it with a child in a trailer. But, if you're feeling strong, and they're up for being thrown about a bit, it could be quite entertaining.

Put your child in a zorb ball.

I am planning on running the first bit to Butser hill on the weekend, if anyone fancies it?

Tried this on saturday. Oh my lord it was harder than expected. Didn't help that I'd only managed 1h30m of sleep.
We made it as far as Devil's Dyke, at which point the lure of beer was more appealing than another 50km of flinty bastard hills. Will be trying it again soon.

Putting my name down for the 2017 attempt.

I'm far too fat & slow for anything right now.

Had to bail in Amberley on my last attempt in June. May give it a go when it gets a bit colder later in the year.

Currently reading like the summiting Everest thread

Doing it later in the year, you've got two massive enemies - light and slippery chalk.
Things I learned this time - stop faffing. A few minutes faff every now and then really adds up. It's a 10 hour ride if you don't stop - but every stop you make means you run the risk of finishing in the dark. Had we pushed through, we'd have made it to Eastbourne in twilight, maybe.
You need the granniest gear you can fit on your bike. It's a real get out of jail free card for the steepest bits - my easiest gear was 36/32, but the chap who had an MTB had a fucking dinner plate on the back and was so happy about that on the later hills.
It gets hiller as you go further - so hold back on your efforts. Pacing is key.
Instagram is your enemy. Try not to take as many photos, it'll cost you precious time.
Get a decent night's sleep beforehand. Avoid insomnia.

Ha, yeah it's not THAT hard!

Instagram is your enemy. Try not to take as many photos

Bah.. out.

I really want to have another crack at this in 2016, however I don't think I have time.