South Downs way, end-to-end, TBC

Oh thats easier for me to do

I think Jon might have done it SSCX?

Nah. Only done end to end once, and on a geared cross bike. I've done a loop around Brighton with similar amount of climbing on a single speed mountain bike; just make sure you gear for the climbs, coast down the other side and spin on the flat (not that there's much of that).

three of us just did that section with no bouncy bounce forks

Kinda tempted. Was thinking of doing the Epping Forest 50 with @platypus though.

epping or south downs, the london mtbers perpetual dilemma

👌🏽
Think I'll have a crack next summer

@Dammit @spotter Do you have any timings?

I've got to do something else now I'm afraid - unanticipated but urgent attention required.

Sorry - will be back in a few weekends time.

can i let you know tomorrow? am still keen

Will be riding this on Monday. No training, not fully recovered from a broken ankle, can't ride for shit. What's the worst that can happen?

take it slow, don't do the full length in a day. good luck!

Thank you South Downs Way for an amazing experience. Got the train to the start after work on Friday. Arriving in Winchester at 9:45pm meant 60 miles in pitch black darkness (apart from a narrow monochrome corridor illuminated by the bike lights) and 40 miles of daylight revealing stunning scenery. Didn’t know what to expect as riding through the night was unchartered territory, but we knew it would be an adventure. It didn’t disappoint from the massive amount of nocturnal wildlife we encountered, to the challenge of finding the drinking water points on route in the dark, to the relentless climbs, changeable weather and brutal coastal winds. Loved every second. Recommend this plan to anyone as it takes the stress out of the first train/last train scenario. Breakfast in Eastbourne and scoot home.

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This was way too hard for my untrained broken body. Still awesome day out on a bike.

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Nice one!

Thanks. Now to do some training, get sus forks and off we go again for sub 10 hours.

strong work!

How was it on that frame? I have that exact bike and I'm looking at giving this route a go.

It fits me well so it was comfy. Plus tires make it a point and shoot bike. You just roll over stuff not even noticing it most of the time. It climbs well enough. I walked only 3 or 4 times at the far end. Most likely cos I was absolutely spent.
Next time I'm adding a sus fork. My wrists, elbows, and shoulders took quite a beating that day.

Hi everyone! I've just come back from a long ride which took in part of the SDW. Do not attempt the full SDW on a CX / gravel bike. It would be stupid and not fun. Use your wicked adventure bike for something else other than this. Main reason for this post is to serve as reference for others who are thinking of doing it.

You realise that's probably encouraged some people ;-)

"Yeah but...."

I know, I was the same! But truly I should have listened to those wiser than me. It would be fun over 2/3 days, but one long day just deletes the whole point of it, which is fun

So, when are you getting a mountain bike?

My frame arrived yesterday. Need forks now

Would like to try this ride when its built if anyone is up for holding my hand