South Downs way, end-to-end, TBC

Alright, a plan.

Will be taking the 6.20 train out of clapham junction, arriving Winchester 7.50. Happy to be a bit flexible on start times, but lets say moving by 8.30.

I've never ridden this route- or area- before so navigation is via garmin with extender battery, signposts and if stuck phones. Reading the posts above I think the main problem will be time (well, time and hills) so will be aiming to audax it- find a steady pace we can all maintain, and make as few stops as possible. Admittedly I'm not sure what this will translate to with hills, gates, hills, puncture, etc.

I'll be carrying a good amount of food and water and hope to only make one shop-stop, either in Broughton or Brighton. If reality sets in this can change.

There's trains going from Eastbourne to Victoria every 20 mins or so up until midnight, and start again at 5. I'll be carrying a decent front light, and short of a major crash/breakdown will ride until the damn thing is done.

If you're coming, please bring sufficient food and liquids, and the normal stuff to fix bikes. As said, I don't know the area so self sufficiency is important. No one wants a long walk back.

Sounds good. Will PM to get telephone numbers and whatnot.

This looks useful - SDW MTB guide.

Good man on the plan..... I need to work out how to get to you for that time.... Another option I was considering, was to drive to Winchester, leave my van in the local fire station for some free parking, then do the ride and bivvy at Eastbourne, before either attempting the reverse (mangina permitting) or a train back to Winchester.....

Attempting the double... talk about raising the stakes.

Ha! I never thought of it that way......! Apparently there is a train line that almost parallels it, so I was thinking that there might be some bail out options if the hoop is sore, or the legs knackered.....I think I've got the distance in me, but I would be able to stop when I wanted on the way back.....or maybe even go along the coast a bit.

Did this happen today?

If so, hope all is going well!

We went, we saw, we completed. I don't know what all the fuss is about. It's a piece of piss really. @Howard can tell you. And I might write words once food has been eaten.

I'm too busy wiping away the tears of joy (bought on by the end of the hardest ride I have done) to tell you how easy it is

Whilst sat on a minibus because there's no Fucking trains!

Probably should have checked that. /stupidboy.

How many p_nct_r_s?

Zero!

Possibly something to do with 2.3" nobblies pumped up solid.

Zero!

Unpossible!

Respect btw

Fantastic!

Sorry I called earlier. Congratulations for completing.

Well done everyone. Jealz.

Do not attempt this on a cross bike, people.

Especially a single speed cross bike

Also could someone drive down to Lewes to pick us up? Really don't want to sleep in a ditch tonight

:(((

Fun timez!

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There's definitely not enough room for both of you to sleep on that.

We can spoon

Well done, just as well it wasn't a boiling hot day! Fair play to you both, and I'll make the next one.

That looks like a posh minibus!

Well done, just as well it wasn't a boiling hot day!

Erm....

Fair play to you both, and I'll make the next

I have to do it again? Fuck

No problem - was kinda funny descending in the dark whilst on the phone - felt like a guy from a Dom Joly sketch

So wanna try this on mysinglespeed cross bike!