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Yep, I've ridden the Downs Link loads of times. I figured I'd need a relatively flat home run on this route, but to be honest you definitely feel the grade going north on the Downs Link!
I was also a big fan of Stan's Bike Shack, but I'll keep an eye out at Southwater, thanks for the tip.
Alex_B-
Stan's is closing down - maybe it has already.
Also a big fan!
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It's not as good as Stan's was, but you can still grab a coffee round there from The Bike Side. Also you could make a slight (but hilly) detour to Truleigh Hill for Cadence Cycle Cafe, which is worth getting over the name and logo to visit.
mind_maze
jackbepablo
I've ridden the Downs Link trail many times although always heading south which is nice because it slopes gently downwards all the way.
You will obviously get the opposite although the slope is imperceptible. It's a nice trail to ride and pretty simple to follow apart from the section around point 95 on your route where it doubles back on itself with an elevation change heading off the trail, onto the tarmac road, across a bridge and then down a badly signposted trail back onto the Downs Link. It doesn't take long to navigate but it is easy to miss or start following a different trail instead of the Downs link so take your time and pick the right trail.
EDIT: Southwater Park at point 86 has a great cafe/watering point & picturesque lake if you need refreshment. We used to prefer to stop at Stan's Bike Shack at point 81 as it was bike specific but this has sadly closed down now.