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Ben689908
Did the SSX Mystery Tour on Saturday and I can safely say this was the hardest ride I've ever done and I feel slightly traumatised by it now.
The ride started at 5am from Forrest Row and on reflection, we probably set off a bit too quick. We managed to do the first 50 miles at around 13mph average which had me optimistic on the time we would complete the ride. I then ended up having a fairly fast crash on the decent from Chanctonbury as I had stupidly chosen to change my line and caught my front wheel on a rut which sent me skidding on my side across Sussex's finest gravel.
The South Downs climbs were unrelenting and I felt a bit under-biked on the descents (rigid fork mtb). This part nearly broke me and dropped our average speed significantly. We managed to get out in one piece though and I was looking forward to the much flatter section ahead.
Alfriston to Heathfield was thankfully uneventful and, for the first time ever, I actually enjoyed cycling on the Cuckoo Trail.
The last 25 miles in the dark seemed to be never ending and I foolishly stopped eating. Every climb felt like maximum effort and the legs were on the verge of cramping. We finally rolled in at 1am which I was a bit bummed about as I was hoping to be back earlier but was also happy just to have completed it.
Ride total: 158 miles with 14780 ft climbing.