Let's offroad / mountain bike / mtb / ride dirt

two key things to note and a couple of other points:

• when I rode it there was a section closed just after southwater requiring a painful on the hoof diversion. Check whether this is still closed and plan an alternative. There is a downs link site somewhere,hopefully there is an update on this
  
• you can enhance the final descent into Brighton. Just after the two roundabouts that cross the Brighton & Hove bypass you turn right into Three Cornered Copse. Go straight across and down the open space and this leads into a wooded trail that then leads you into Hove park. More off road, less road
  
• there are a few watering points along the route. The lake at Southwater park has a nice cafe for hot and cold food and a few miles further on is Stan's Bike Shack. You only need to do one of these as they are so close together. I usually choose Stan's as it is bike specific and has track pump and tools etc.
  
• just after you cross the small bridge over the river Adur and before you cross the fast road to get onto the first South Downs climb (in my pic up there) is a water tap and trough to the right of the trail on a tight corner. C'est potable.
  
  

Weather looks fine, enjoy

EDIT: added link which details the closure but it looks like it finishes today but be prepared in case of works overrun.