What is the South downs way

 

 

The south downs way presents many challenges for even the most experienced of cyclists. The 100-mile route consists of mostly off-road bridleway and single track tacking in breathtaking views throughout the south downs national park, Queen Elizabeth country park several other spectacular locations.

 

With over 4,150 meters of ascent, the south-down route takes most cyclists between 14-16 hours to complete if they are to ride it in one go.

 

 However, it is also common to take several days to complete the route and stay in hotels or camp out in the wild overnight.

 

 

The south downs way experience

 

Within half a mile you are out of the busy Winchester streets and out into smooth single track which wides its way up to Cheesefoot head The climb up to Cheesefoot head is challenging and really gives you an insight into what the next 100 miles are going to be like. increasing your cycling fitness with five interval training sessions.

 

Beacon Hill

 

 

The next notable point is Beacon hill at the 13-mile mark. It’s late May, and at 9 am temperatures have already reached 20 degrees, and the sky is a clear blue with no clouds in sight. Rolling through the quiet bridle paths that cross Exton, I see several riders in front of my now doubt attempting to complete the same route. Five bike packing esstentials.

 

At the 18 mile mark, I hit old Winchester hill, a road I frequently use for interval training. However, I am not rushing today and can take in the views all the way up. long distance cycling nurtition.

 

I stop at the top and visit Allan’s coffee van at the top of old Winchester hill, taking a few minutes to taste what many say is the best coffee around these parts.

 

 

Thirty Miles

 

 

For the next 30 miles, I criss-crossed narrow country lanes and tight single track making my way up to the highpoint on the route, Buster hill.

 

At an elevation of 271 meters, Buster hill should provide the best decent for the whole day. The smooth roads into the Queen Elizabeth country park provide a well-needed respite from the bumpy single track and bridleways that have formed the route so far.

 

At 2 pm the heat of midday sun is beating down, and I find myself on the knights filed climb a menacing off-road climb lasting for 0.26 miles with an average gradient of over 19 per cent. 

 

For many riders, this is a get off and push moment and today that is definitely the case for me.

This climb may average 19 per cent but peaks at over 32 per cent in places. #

 

This is the halfway point and it has taken me 5 hours to get to this point. The combination of the summer sun and my lack of experience in off-road riding is beginning to take its toll, and I find myself questioning if I will make it to Eastbourne before the sunsets.

 

Many riders choose to tackle the south downs way over multiple days and I now understand why this is the case.

 

Attempting to tackle this route in one day is no mean feat. A few hours of narrow winding single track littered with steep climbs and jaw-dropping views have passed, and I find myself on the penultimate climb of this ride.

 

The temperature has dropped considerably compared to the unbearable heat from earlier in the day and cycling up the climb to leave Alfriston I almost feel cold. These last few miles are definitely the best, and the end is in sight and I begin to feel a sudden rush of energy as I know how close I am to finishing this challenge.

 

The final climb up Willingon provides great views over Eastbourne, and on a hot summers day like to day, it provides a great place to sit and reflect on the journey you have been on to get here.

 

Top 5 tips for completing the south downs way

 

Take your time

 

Whilst I completed the route in one day, it is more common for people to complete the courseover 3-4 days, staying in hotels or camping out in the wild. If you take your time you can enjoy all of the cafes and extra viewpoints.

 

Take spares

 

The route is 100 mostly off-road with some small sections of technical singletrack. There are points on this route that will be far away from any bike shops. So before you set off on your adventure, make sure you have multiple inner tubes, items of food and other spares that you may need.

 

Use the widest tyres that will fit on your bike.

 

The south downs way can be slippery, rough and heavily rutted at the best of times. The wider your tyre the lower pressure you will be able to use with pinch puncturing. A wider tyre with lower pressure will also be more comfortable over the long-distance of the route.

 

Share the adventure with someone

 

With lockdown restrictions easing and group rides of 6 now being allowed, now is the perfect time to go on an adventure with a cycling friend. Spending hours exploring new destinations, seeing some of the most spectacular views in the south of England, hopping between cafes, and even a spot of wild camping will make for the best adventure with your favourite riding partner or group.

 

Take in the views

 

With over 4,150 meters of ascent, there are more than enough hills to provide spectacular views over Hampshire, West Sussex and East Sussex.

 

The first half of the route provides excellent countryside views of farmers fields and small villages and the second half gives you picturesque coastal views. So make sure you take your time and stop for at least a couple of the most popular viewpoints along the route. Five long distance cycling routes in Winchester.