Next Race: 21/06/2024
Winchester
Ride Level: Red - Challenging
Gravel/CX | Guided and supported | Natural, Gravel and Single Track | 162 km/100 miles | All day
The South Downs Way doesn't need an introduction, it's legendary in the off-road cycling world, riding the full 100 miles and climbing over 12,000ft in the process is a legendary challenge.
and we're going to do it, on the longest day, riding from sunrise to sunset, to become legends ourselves!
Riding the SDW is tough, don't underestimate it! however together with Cyclefit and Landrace bikes we'll support you the entire way.
The route is almost entirely off-road and covers the complete length of the beautiful South Downs National Park. The route itself is generally well-maintained and includes some challenging techy climbs, broad swooping descents with fabulous views across the Weald and the South Coast, it's justly renowned as some of the best off-road riding you'll find in Southern England.
Drop your bike off with Cyclefit during the week, on Thursday evening catch a train to Winchester, we're staying in a local hotel, ready for an early sunrise start the following day.
We'll ride in 2 groups during the day, Jules guiding one group, and myself the other. aiming for an average ride speed of 13-15km (8-10mph) with prearranged regrouping cafe stops en route. Our van and mechanic will be shadowing, ready to rescue/help fix.
A well-deserved hot shower will be waiting for you in a hotel in Eastbourne, along with a warm comfy bed after our celebratory dinner!
w/c 17th June - drop your bike off in Cyclefit's Store St Shop by Tuesday 18th June (note there are restrictions for bikes on trains during rush hours)
Thursday 20th June, late afternoon, catch a train to Winchester
Friday 21st - we'll aim to be riding by 6 am, riding throughout the day with 6 preplanned regroup stops. I expect we'll arrive in Eastbourne between 8- 9 pm.
Saturday 22nd - catch a train back to London - if required, we'll bring your bike back to the Cyclefit Store.
Follow the ornamental canal, past London's first folly built around 1720 the ride heads out of the Valley, past a Bronze Age Fort to Banstead Common and onwards towards Burgh Heath, after which we reach Epsom Downs, home of the Derby (other horse races are also available).
That the source of the Epsom Salts is so very underwhelming, perversely, it makes it worth a flying visit, however, the beautiful gravel paths through the wooded Epsom Common make the detour worth it.
From Epson, we follow the Hogs Mill, past the stream where John Malais set his masterpiece Ophelia and on to New Malden returning to Sheen through Richmond Park.
Travel to Winchester and from Eastbourne and all meals and cafe stops are NOT included in the cost.
Riders need off-road experience and good levels of fitness.
The route is best completed on the gravel/CX bike.
Hire a Landrace gravel bike for this adventure from Cyclefit bike hire
21/06/2024, 06:00 - 22/06/2024, 09:00
Landrace South Downs Way
£300.00Travel to Winchester on Thursday 20th June, we'll stay overnight, ready for a (very) early start on Friday 21st June