South Downs way, end-to-end, TBC

this thread; in december

I had planned to ride some/all of this earlier in the year but ended up putting 700s on that bike and using it for commuting. What's the drainage like on this route? Is it a total shitshow in winter or ok?

It’s all chalk, so really slippery when wet.

It’s not slippery where all the tractors have been through and left 2 foot ruts. These are pretty much impassable except on foot...

It’s not slippery where all the tractors have been through and left 2 foot ruts. These are pretty much impassable except on foot...

Walking >>>

It’s all chalk, so really slippery when wet.

Crashing >>>

Last year at this time it was absolutely fine apart from one section which turned out (oh how I laughed afterward) to be largely clay. Wet clay. Highly adhesive, yet frictionless, clay.

You can also get just the right conditions in summer, where there's a thin coating of dust on bone-dry trails, combined with a fine drizzle

It's like riding on ice

I did brighton to Petersfield last week in a combination of dense fog and rain with the wrong tyres. Four punctures between us. Loved it.

It’s all chalk, so really slippery when wet.
With the extra bonus of tyre slashing flint hidden in there too.

Third last picture, zero interest in putting me or the bikes through that. I'll wait until summer I guess.

Looks 'character building'

What doesn’t kill you I suppose

It’s a real mix, some of it will be glorious right now (on a clear dry day) but some will be glutinous. It’s a beautiful part of the world.

I think 'epic'?
Or is that not allowed anymore?

Being slumped over your bike on a muddy trail isn't epic. Is it?

For me, no, it's not allowed.

Gotta try again next year. Rain stopped play when me & pal woke, on our West-East go at it early summer, at our 2nd secret camp spot somewhere near Chanctonbury.

The revival of this thread yesterday perked up an otherwise depressing day. It also prompted me to arrange with my brother another trip (in May when it dries out) :) Might even try for the double in June with a kip at a B&B at one end. It's definitely epic @Chalfie !!

Gonna do this sscx one day...

.

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Masochist.

Gonna do this sscx one day...

It's not flat.

@psg1ben can be a witch on knobbly tyres.

It's certainly lumpy!

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As much as I'm just trying to wind people up, I honestly want to have a go at some point