South Downs Way in a Day | 100 Miles on THE BEST Cycling Route

[@CycleXplorer]

If you have any questions or memories about the South Downs Way please feel free to ask/share below and maybe we can inspire some other people to experience this amazing route!

[@MannBazza]

Oh I am definitely inspired to do this route. Looks awesome! Thanks for posting this

[@CycleXplorer]

@@MannBazza thank you, it is a really amazing trail and you don't have to do it in one go. Let us know if you ride it!

[@sing_cycle_referee]

That climb up from Graffham on the Escapades. Not looking forward to that next year.

[@CycleXplorer]

@@sing_cycle_referee yeah that is a nasty climb (walk...) glad it's not on the actual South Downs way 😂

[@TheRealNVT]

Such memories. Attempted it 5 times, beat me twice. I'm 68 and going to try it on my e-bike.

[@CycleXplorer]

Thank you and good going on doing it 3 times. Someone asked me about doing it on an e-bike. Do you have enough range or do you need to take a second battery?

[@TheRealNVT]

@@CycleXplorer mmm not too sure. As you know, a lot of it is either flat(ish), downhill or climbs. flat and downhill = 0 power used so it is only the 12,000ft climb. I reckon it's doable - might have to swing into home at 60 miles and grab a spare battery!!!

[@CycleXplorer]

@@TheRealNVT sounds like it'll be a fun experiment and adventure!

[@is5032]

@@CycleXplorer just stop and charge it whilst having a cheese toasty a couple of times along the way. Much lighter than a second battery and always nice to stop for a pit stop to take it in.

[@CycleXplorer]

@@is5032 that sounds good, how long do they take to charge?

[@PeteMulv]

Cracking video, my bike has hung in the garage for the last 5 or 6 years but this has given me the needed kick to give it a service and get back out in the saddle, maybe not the south downs just yet but we will see.

[@CycleXplorer]

😀 great to hear, have you done it before? Perhaps an aim for next year to work towards?

[@PeteMulv]

@@CycleXplorer I have ran the south downs marathon a couple of times but not cycled it.

[@CycleXplorer]

@@PeteMulv another person that's run a long way on it! Crazy! Well you'll know you'll love it if you do ride it.

[@kieranlineham9044]

Great effort! It was my first major bike ride some 5 years ago. A fond memory I have is getting down into the woodlands part just before you cross the A27 and realising my tent had fallen off my bike somewhere up near Ditchling beacon. It was a mighty long way to go back ..

[@CycleXplorer]

@@kieranlineham9044 oh my, that would have added a bit more climbing 🫣 so you ended up doing a South Downs Way XL! Thanks for watching and for the comment 😊

[@stephensaines7100]

Absolutely loved this!

[@CycleXplorer]

Thank you very much, means a lot! Got any plans to do the South Downs Way?

[@s_cycle1921]

very good pace! we did it end of june and moving time was over 12 hours. great work.

[@CycleXplorer]

Nice one, 12 hours is great going on that terrain. Doing it in a day is a proper challenge!

[@user-kb5qg6hw4c]

Enjoyed watching your video Tom forgotten how steep it is in places .

[@CycleXplorer]

Thank you. Yes there are some rather steep hills on the route, especially old Winchester hill! Nice views at the top tho 🏔️

[@MarmiteFerret]

I became aware of the route as part of the BHF event. I was a teenager in Brighton not in great shape and thought wow that is an unbelievable ride. Fast forward to ten years later I did it with the BHF in 2018 and then did it again with trailbreak this year. Great route 😊

[@CycleXplorer]

@@MarmiteFerret very nice, that is how a lot of people hear about it I think. There is also an ultra running event called the centurion, if you are totally crazy 😂

[@MikeTheBike2010]

That’s a very impressive time. My top tip is to buy x2 “split” tickets for the train journey (Out to Southampton then on to Winchester) as it’s a fair bit cheaper than a straight through tickets even though you are on the same trains!

[@CycleXplorer]

Thank you and thanks for the train tip. The train I got went up to London then down to Winchester. I saw the week before you could prebook and get it a lot cheaper. I was worried I'd miss it and didn't want the stress of having to be at the end by a certain time 😂

[@GardeningforBeginners]

Just used train London to South coast as was standing room only from london all way to southampton. Saw a couple of people with bikes trying to board not sure whether they managed it or not.

[@CycleXplorer]

@GardeningforBeginners I had to stand from London as some had decided to sit in the actual bike store area...

[@WeekesWheels]

Haha I dunno how I missed *every single* water tap when I did it a few weeks ago. Heroic effort getting up some of those climbs!

[@CycleXplorer]

Oh no! If you Google South Downs water taps there are a couple of websites that have them. Think there may be a gpx file too. Once you've been to one a few times you remember where they are! Did you manage to have enough water?

[@WeekesWheels]

@@CycleXplorer I refilled at both cadence cafes and again at bramber by diverting to a petrol station. Clearly I need to be more observant!

[@CycleXplorer]

@@WeekesWheels that's okay then. The petrol station at Pyecombe is a bit of a legendary stopping point for resupply

[@stuartcaughlin2788]

Excellent high quality influencer level documentation - great knowledge. The SDW will always have a very special place in my heart too. Did it in a day on a BHF even many years ago. It was a big adventure then. Took me 16 hours I think. Lost 3 hours to a buckled front wheel and a trip to a bike shop in Chichester. That Amberley wall is utterly horrid, AMAZING that you got up it. Equally disgusting is the climb out of Steyning. Legend

[@CycleXplorer]

Without all the bike packing clobber it is a tad easier to climb! Wow and look where it has led you, doing the SDW on a large pack of wotsits 😂 and soon a rather amazing sounding ride somewhere even hillier!

[@stuartcaughlin2788]

@@CycleXplorer I know!

[@stuartcaughlin2788]

​@@CycleXplorergiant prawn cocktail and a can of monster. No wonder it went horribly wrong

[@CycleXplorer]

@@stuartcaughlin2788 ultra. I really fancy some prawn cocktail wotsits now

[@stuartcaughlin2788]

@@CycleXplorer They are the finest

[@markknight5480]

Really enjoying your videos. We enjoy road cycling but are looking into trying The South Downs Way on mountain bikes.

[@CycleXplorer]

I pretty much like all cycling! But over the last few years I've really been enjoying the adventurous side. Getting away from it all for a few days. I still do a fair amount of road cycling but mainly for training. The South Downs way is a great trail and if you've got some fitness from the road I'm sure it'll be even more enjoyable. As long as it's not too wet (slippery chalk) it isn't that technical. Thanks for watching and your kind words. Good luck!

[@davinacaine3615]

So from Winchester I’ve walked the first 30 miles and from Eastbourne I’ve cycled 46 miles both times with full camp kit. So just a few miles to finish next year.

[@CycleXplorer]

Nice! Just that middle bit to fill in and you'll have done it all. Nice views up at Bury Hill if you've not done that bit

[@Forest_velo]

So now I need a mountain bike too 😬

[@CycleXplorer]

You know the rules with bikes, n+1 Inc type. We needed you this morning, would have made a group of 12!

[@LookatBowen]

Great route. Well done! Those early views were quite rewarding (not), but the views on the back end were spectacular. It's a ride I've been meaning to do for years, but never got to it.

[@CycleXplorer]

There's still some time to make it out before summer ends?! It is an awesome trail and easy to access via train etc

[@A_AAA232]

nice ride and video ...I've done sections of the SDW but not the whole route end to end yet....planning for that next year...good video to pick up some tips from, cheers!

[@CycleXplorer]

Thank you for watching. It's a nice journey from end to end, changing landscapes and a great challenge!

[@CycleXplorer]

Enjoy the planning and the ride 😀

[@PAULPICKLES]

I absolutely love the SDW. I attempted the double a couple of years ago, failed, and bailed on Amberley Mount. Im aiming to finally tick the double off next year. Really enjoyed your guide and have subscribed for the next adventure.

[@CycleXplorer]

Seems like you feel the same way as me about it 😊 been a big part of my cycling life. I did the double about 3 years ago and boy was it a challenge. Good luck with it next year, I'm tempted myself... 🚴 🏔️

[@PAULPICKLES]

@CycleXplorer I made a few mistakes and broke a spoke in my back wheel. Not fueling properly was my biggest mistake. Thank you. I'm more determined than ever to tick it off and move on. See you on the trails.😊

[@CycleXplorer]

@@PAULPICKLES im sure you'll do it. Getting your fuelling right makes such a difference. For something like the double I'm quite happy just running off carb mix - something like styrkr mix 90. But I tend to save the nicer (expensive) stuff for things like that and have recently just been using sugar water with some salt in training. But practice with it before you attempt something big so you know it works for you.

[@lydiagould3090]

A lovely ride! I remember staggering up Truleigh hill with my cx bike in 32 degree heat about 4 year ago. You're right, a mountain bike is the best bike on that trail. Did you mention you'd done the double? Boy, that was hard. I was wrecked at the end ,and think a full suss is probably the best if you're crazy enough to tackle the Double

[@CycleXplorer]

@@lydiagould3090 cx bike must have been a bone shaker! I've done the double on a mtb and a gravel bike. Albeit the gravel bike I had a few hours sleep so wasn't under 24 hours. My arms were ruined at the end of that 😅

[@neilbradford9752]

Thank you for bringing this to us , I run bits of it but not cycled that kind of distance , I nr the East Sussex end so no excuse really 👍

[@CycleXplorer]

Must be tough going running up there, at least on the bike the climbs are quicker and you get to enjoy the freewheel down! Have you seen the centurion?

[@neilbradford9752]

@@CycleXplorer yes , I havnt done the 50 or 100 but iv done the South Downs marathon from Slindon college to Queen Elizabeth country park and my local Beachy head marathon several times , I now muck about nr home on the mountain bike and a bit of rd stuff 👍

[@suburbia2050]

I've done this twice, fastest time 3.5 days :D

[@CycleXplorer]

Great stuff, that is about how long I did it over with some friends when we did it for the first time a fair few years ago. It was a proper little adventure for us!

[@zwiftinglloyd9666]

I did this a few weeks ago with a friend , was a lovely but tough ride. At the end we were discussing if doing it the other way (Eastbourne to Winchester) is easier as you get all the tough climbs out the way at the beginning rather than at the end so we dicided to find out this coming Monday hopefully.

[@CycleXplorer]

@@zwiftinglloyd9666 have a good time finding out. It is a bit easier doing it that way. The thing that can make it harder is the prevailing wind, 100 miles of headwind especially on those exploded parts can make it tough. SDWDouble next?

[@bencole4272]

Let us know how you go. Enjoy the ride👍

[@everythingexplored5233]

That climb at 7-20 I rode up it on slick tyres in the rain and did not dismount once. I had to abort my 1st attempt at QE park after about 25 miles due to the weather was torrential rain. Then I went to live in another country. Injured this year so hope to finally do it next summer

[@CycleXplorer]

That is great doing riding up there with slicks, must have some good skills! SDW can get very slippery in the wet, hopefully you'll get to do it next year in good weather ☀️

[@LeeBritt-ss8fo]

I’m doing it Saturday 17th 😃😃 great vid!

[@CycleXplorer]

Have a good one, the weather is looking like it could be pretty good - tail wind if you start from Winchester?

[@LeeBritt-ss8fo]

@@CycleXplorer yes starting at Winchester ☀️☀️💪😂 your ride looked great!

[@CycleXplorer]

@@LeeBritt-ss8fo good choice with the wind 💨 😝

[@CycleXplorer]

@@LeeBritt-ss8fo you did it, well done 👏 hope you had a good time!

[@LeeBritt-ss8fo]

It was the longest but best ride I’ve ever done , recommend it to anyone , thanks for your info and kind words mate 🫶

[@platypushatstand]

For the 2023 Summer Solstice I rode part of the South Downs Link on my Brompton and went up onto the SDW via Bramber village and ‘The Borstal’ where my rear wheel lost traction just after the last big private house (large brown wooden gates) then pushed to the top. A local I met said the race goes via The Borstal. Hot as hell that day, but every time I paused for water and turned around the view got better and better. Then rode up the tarmac climb 17:44 to the YHA and then reversed and rode down Mill Hill, until the narrow rutted steep bit 17:33 which I walked the bike down, got a bit lost trying to find the crossing point on the A road to get over the river and loop back around to the Bramber Castle roundabout to get me back up the Link and home again. The Link was a bit bumpy and my Cateye got dislodged from its mount and I ‘lost’ 5 miles on the way out: 35 miles, 4h 35m, 7.6mph average, with a 36.4mph max.

[@CycleXplorer]

Wow I know someone that's taken a road bike on the South Downs Way but not a Brompton 😂 are you tempted to ride the whole thing on the Brompton? Sounds like a bit of an epic day out, love it.

[@bedcurt]

Lovely video, will try to do sections as live in brighton and maybe one day …..

[@CycleXplorer]

Thank you. Nice to live near the South Downs Way. Gives you the chance to ride west one day from home and east another, which might help with doing the sections. My nearest end is Winchester so only really one way unless I travel first. Enjoy doing the sections and building towards doing the whole thing 😉

[@albert85b]

What a beautiful ride!

[@CycleXplorer]

Thank you. The South Downs is a beautiful place, have you visited before?

[@simes205]

It’s a nice ride west to East. The final 30miles are most interesting and most challenging.

[@CycleXplorer]

That end is the most challenging bit. When I did a double I started about halfway in to get that end done whilst I was fresher. The climb before Jevinton is challenging both technically and in steepness!

[@simes205]

@@CycleXplorer I ride the far end regularly so Jevington and Longman not such a surprise. jevington is good the other way!!

[@CycleXplorer]

@@simes205 I might have to go back and do it the other way. Only ridden east to west twice. Can't remember going down from Jevington but looks like it would be fun!

[@ieuanwilliams8148]

Thanks for doing the video. A great insight to the South Down Way. Based on your experience, it could be done unsupported (food and drink-wise) as there are frequent water stops and places to buy food. I’ve done the Cambrian Way 100mile in a day in mid Wales but that was supported due to lack of shops and didn’t want to carry everything 😰 Thanks once again 👍🏼

[@CycleXplorer]

@@ieuanwilliams8148 thank you. Water is pretty easy, there is a tap roughly every 10 miles but you need to know where they are. There is a website called South Downs Double that has a page showing their locations. Food is less frequent but there is a fair number of cafes and some petrol stations close by. Certainly enough if you're doing it in a day and carry a little with you. I'll have to have a look at the Cambrian Way, I've heard of it but not looked into it too much. Did you enjoy it?

[@ieuanwilliams8148]

@@CycleXplorer thank you for the additional information on the water, I’ll have a look into that. I can highly recommend the Trans Cambrian Way. I had a great day doing it. It’s nearly 4,000m of climbing and a lot of gates 😂😂 but stunning scenery. Well worth adding it to your list

[@CycleXplorer]

@@ieuanwilliams8148 well if you like gates you'll also love the South Downs Way 🤣

[@ieuanwilliams8148]

@@CycleXplorer 😂😂 I can now open gates with my eyes shut

[@HereWeAre0_0]

Looks great, would love to try it.

[@CycleXplorer]

It's a great route. The nice thing is you don't have to do it all in one go, you can do it over a few days or do sections over time. 2025 goal?

[@nickhadden2094]

Great vid. Thank you 👍👍

[@CycleXplorer]

Thank you! Have you done the South Downs Way?

[@HScutt-xk6ov]

Great video Tom.As you know I walked it when I was probably about 10.My main memory is of my younger brother throwing a rabbit poo at me which landed in my mouth! The views are amazing. Thanks

[@CycleXplorer]

Thank you. Maybe you'll have to head back up there. You could walk it in different stages over a longer time period. Could be a retirement project!

[@HScutt-xk6ov]

That sounds like a great idea.I would definitely like to do that

[@CycleXplorer]

@@HScutt-xk6ov Go for it!

[@CycleXplorer]

Hope you've been researching busses to plan it 😂

[@BazDee]

Buckaroo!!! ❤

[@CycleXplorer]

Haha it sure felt like that coming down the hill towards Queen Elizabeth Country Park

[@richard17lucas]

Thanks for the inspiration. I'm lucky enough to live close enough to consider the eastern half my 'back yard' and regularly enjoy the views from the ridge. But I've never been able find the the water points that you found. Is there a guide / map with these marked?

[@CycleXplorer]

An amazing backyard to have! There is a really helpful resource for taps. If you Google South Downs double, their website has a page which lists all the tap locations. They are kind of every 10 miles(ish!). Note that in the winter some get turned off Thank you for watching.

[@richard17lucas]

@@CycleXplorer Thank you - that's a very useful resource. I've cycled past those a number of times, and not seen them. I'll seek them out next time I go past.

[@CycleXplorer]

@@richard17lucas yeah it's a really good website for the info on where they are. You'll now never be thirsty 😂

[@BradleyHoward]

Very impressive timing! Well done

[@CycleXplorer]

Thanks very much, was a good day out. Have you ridden the South Downs way?

[@BradleyHoward]

@CycleXplorer No, but I've walked it (in 3 weekends). I've done some other long distance cycles in the UK. I meant to ask you... how do you film your rides - is it a GoPro and which mounts?

[@CycleXplorer]

@@BradleyHoward nice. I'd like to walk it one day. I use a go pro with a mouth guard but mainly just hold it

[@CycleXplorer]

It's called a pro standard grill mount

[@simonbromfield5419]

Thanks so much- I’ve ridden chunks from Harting Diwn you’ve inspired me to ride the whole route. Is there a Strava route ? 🙏🏻🙏🏻

[@CycleXplorer]

Nice, thank you and glad it has inspired! There are a fair few routes online you can download. Google Strava South downs way. Or if you want to make sure you have the proper, official route the National Trails website for the South Downs Way has the GPX route files you can download or upload to your own Strava.

[@AutiSam1974]

You make it look fairly easy but 9.5 hours is ivery mpressive! I did it for the first time on June 12th on a fully rigid mtb, 12hrs 55 moving time, my neck and shoulder was wrecked at the end and still hurts now, I can't imagine doing it on a gravel bike!

[@CycleXplorer]

Nice job on getting it done in a day, it is a really good challenge for people to work towards. I think I had similar shoulder and arm issues after the gravel bike experience 🙃 it was still a tough day out but I've done a few fairly long events this year that have got me used to sitting on the bike for a long periods of time 😅

[@robjewell2588]

Great time !! Did it in 1990-something when it had just been connected up, for a magazine with a couple of pals photographing as we went pre Garmin/iPhone/GoPro and suspension. Few water points, easy to get lost, the downs did make up for the ups ! Took more like 16 hours, immense fun, great views, deep pain, knackered after, should be a blast on modern kit ! If you haven’t done it, do it, a fab route of historic importance and interest oo !

[@CycleXplorer]

That's a very cool story, thanks for sharing it. 1990s mountain bikes?

[@robjewell2588]

@@CycleXplorer Kona Cinder Cone and Lava Dome, plus a Ridgeback of some description I think. None much customised, but the odd extra bag, water bottle, basic computer for speed and distance, heavy camera bag on my backside with a film camera couple of lenses flash and batteries - manual exposure and before fast reliable autofocus even ! I don't think the bike market had even got to V-brakes though I might be wrong, certainly no discs let alone hydraulic, I think we had got to 21 gears from 18, aluminium just becoming available though not for us, and carbon fibre still the realms of Formula 1 ! We did walk some of the same slopes you had to though I lived near Old Winchester Hill so could mostly ride it as well practiced and early enough in the ride to have plenty energy. I also worked best on a cheese sandwich not a power bar, but one of my pals was mars bar powered and the other much more advanced and into avocado lifestyle ;-)

[@CycleXplorer]

@@robjewell2588 thanks for the memories. I think I much prefer real food but sometimes carb drink and gels are very convenient. Sounds like you had some great times and interesting to hear about all that kit. All that camera gear now condensed down into a phone! Although your photos may have been better. Be interesting to see where bikes are in 20 years. MTBs tend to have fewer gears now (12 speed 1x) but they're often electronic and as you say hydraulic discs.

[@robjewell2588]

@@CycleXplorer images not better, but different ! Love your edit - and good luck in the madness of contemplating the double !

[@gibbers]

Great video!

[@CycleXplorer]

Thank you! Have you cycled or hiked the South Downs way?

[@lesgetsohb9927]

V good. did it a few weeks ago on v hot couple of day’s. Awesome route

[@CycleXplorer]

It is pretty exposed route, difficult in the heat or wind/rain! Did you enjoy it?

[@lesgetsohb9927]

@@CycleXplorer v much

[@CycleXplorer]

@@lesgetsohb9927 😃

[@Foxtrottangoabc]

Great pedal 💪, u made that look easy and in that short time 😅 , i have done it in 3 days before, though, last half from Washington in one day😅 . Was wondering what to do with my bike before winter comes , maybe a two day attempt on sdw to smash my personal record 😂 as it is a genuinely great route . Cheers 🍻

[@CycleXplorer]

Go for it! A nice challenge to end the year on. The first time I did it I did it with a couple of friends over 3 days and it was a proper adventure!

[@Foxtrottangoabc]

@CycleXplorer it was my first bikepacking adventure ,I bonked on the very final hill, didn't realise I had bonked at the time 😅 barely made the peddle accross eastbourne to my travel lodge otherside of town 😅

[@CycleXplorer]

@@Foxtrottangoabc haha crossed eyed, blurry vision entering Eastbourne in a delirious state

[@ReedoAce]

I wondered if this was possible.. doubt I’d be able to complete it in that time though.. 😅

[@CycleXplorer]

Planning to give it a go? In the middle of summer there are lots of daylight hours to do it in 👍 ☀️

[@ReedoAce]

@@CycleXplorer very good point!! Yesss 💯

[@grahamriley8124]

I walk here a fair bit and once bumped into a Boomtown employee and she said sitting up and clearing up was a 2 month job each side of the actual festival!

[@CycleXplorer]

I can imagine, it always looks like a massive operation with lots of infrastructure in place. Just that Booktown wall must have taken a good while to put up! I may try and have a nose this week to see how it's going. They also do a big motor cross event up there too. Is it the Winchester end that you mainly walk?

[@warwickgooch]

Banger route! love the SDW

[@CycleXplorer]

South Downs way sure is awesome 😎 can't wait to do it again 😅

[@roymoore7557]

Ran it twice, first time 23 hours second time 21 hours

[@CycleXplorer]

Wow that's an amazing time!

[@lizzycampbell3665]

Nice video - I still never want to do the SDW though unless it’s on foot or on a e-MTB the stretch I’ve done was hideous 😂 and that’s the easier bit

[@CycleXplorer]

Lol maybe you'll have to give it another go on the gravel bike 🚴

[@MarmiteFerret]

It's pretty doable if you give yourself easy gears. If you have a 30t chainring and a 1x12 you should get up most climbs, plus you can always walk the hard bits 😊

[@CycleXplorer]

@@MarmiteFerret good tips and some walking is a nice way to stretch the legs out.

[@victorprior7610]

Great video nicely edited. What are and where did you get the bags that are on your bikes top tube?

[@CycleXplorer]

Thank you. I was using 2x Tailfin top tube bags. I also have a Restrap Race long top tube bag which works well. But for this South Downs Way ride I wanted the Tailfin bags as it was easier to store my nutrition and have tools/the power bank separate.

[@guyroebuck8510]

On my list . ❤Thanks so much. I have ridden sections at a time but not all on one day. Think i need to rent a bike.. My old 26" wheel, no suspension is abit of a handfull. Hmm But then maybe that would be more fun?😂

[@CycleXplorer]

@@guyroebuck8510 thank you and doing the South Downs way in a day sounds like a nice challenge to set yourself if you've done bits of it. If you're comfortable on your bike then go for it! I first rode it (quite a while ago now...) on a similar bike. However, if you're looking for an excuse to buy a new bike I wouldn't blame you, who doesn't like a new bike! Enjoy.

[@colingoulding3227]

Excellent ride, Tom. Well done on the double as well. Is there a video on that? Thinking of doing the double before good light gives out on my gravel bike, which has front suspension and wondered how you found the double? Also is it easy to get on a train from Eastbourne to Winchester with your bike if not pre-booking?

[@CycleXplorer]

Thank you. I did the double a couple of years ago before I did any filming. It was tough but enjoyable in the main. It would be a good test of your bike and faffing time if you are thinking of doing the atlas. Train wasn't too bad, wasn't that busy and you don't have to pre-book. With the double you can start where you want, I started at around the halfway mark so I could get the harder climbing down in Eastbourne whilst my legs were still fresh. Funny thing was I don't really remember being in Winchester so I was probably quite on the limit. I also started at 6pm as I like night riding. If I do it again I may try starting just before first light to maximise daylight and try and get it done with minimal darkness in peak summer daylight.

[@colingoulding3227]

Did you manage to get under 24hours? I’ll have to start at Winchester as it’s a long drive from Gloucester. I’m thinking of starting around 8 in the evening to finish in daylight but with no night riding experience perhaps your preferred way is better. Just need a free weekend now - running out of time 😀

[@CycleXplorer]

@@colingoulding3227 I did it in about 22 hours. I had planned to do it again this year but my motivation is not quite there at the mo, it's been a long stretch since the build up to the atlas race. I think I had about 19 hours moving time and 3hours if faffing, which is where I think I could be better now. Sometimes you can pick up a cheap travelodge in Winchester which may let you start really early. Weekdays are also quieter on the sdw if you have some annual leave to spare.

[@S2000Y]

This is a tough ride. Iv'e done it 3 times albeit 25 years ago. In my mid 60's now. Replacement knees and hips have curtailed my escapades somewhat.

[@CycleXplorer]

Nice one, well done for doing it so many times. Hopefully you can still get up there and enjoy the views even if you can't do the whole 100 miles! Thank you for watching and commenting.

[@matthewwilks265]

Get an e bike. Much easier on the knees!

[@CycleXplorer]

@@matthewwilks265 that would be a great idea to still be able to enjoy it for anyone suffering setbacks/issues

[@OscarMager]

Enjoyed watching this, what a great ride! Curious about your process of filming this. Many different angles, both hands on the handlebars. You're also talking when filming, so not a bite mount. Didn't see a chest mount. Can I ask what equipment you have been using?

[@CycleXplorer]

Hi thank you for watching it. It is in fact a bite mount, I hold it and use it in my mouth. I like it as I can ram it in my pocket and get it out easy. I would really like to try an Insta360 x3 or x4 to see what it'll be like.

[@OscarMager]

@@CycleXplorer Thanks Tom, that explains it! Will be great indeed to see some Insta360 footage of your spectacular rides!

[@paultushingham6816]

I bikepacked it last week in two days on a Gravel bike... 70mile and a 30mile.. totally awesome ride but totally brutal... I didn't get the feeling back in fingers for 3 days.. would I do it again? YES! But probably with a Redshift stem and no camping equipment.. I think I'd glamp it for the views..... 👍

[@CycleXplorer]

Awesome, did you wake up to some nice views? I did a South Downs way bivy trip a couple of years ago in April. Woke up to a frosty bivy bag and frozen water bottles. Was at the top of Southease so it made for a very cold start! The redshift grip insert thingys are good for the hands. I've used them on the gravel bike and road bike after suffering badly on the Pan Celtic race. Heard lots of good things about the stems too. You could also check your fit to make sure you're not putting too much weight through your hands. I adjusted my saddle a tad and it made it slightly better on the hands.

[@paultushingham6816]

@CycleXplorer no, I stayed last Wednesday night at The South Downs Caravan and Campsite near Keymer.. brilliant campsite, very clean with showers etc.. only cost £10... 🙂... last Thursday morning started off early with 65km winds across the tops with rain in sections... still buzzing now. Next bikepacking trip - either the New Forest as it's down the Rd or King alfred's way over 3 days.. I've been told it's slightly easier than SDW??

[@CycleXplorer]

@@paultushingham6816 thanks I'll have to look the campsite up. That sounds windy... The New Forest is lovely for gravel and easier to get food/pubs etc. no climbing like the South Downs way. King Alfred is sort of easier going. It's double the distance but not too much more elevation than the South Downs way so you get sections that are flatter and on road which breaks up the effort. Lots of indoor places to stay too if you want some luxury like premier inn!

[@Laura-dv6cb]

Amazing well done Tom!

[@CycleXplorer]

Thank you, maybe you could take the little ones up there for a holiday 😂

[@Laura-dv6cb]

Imagine the moaning! Would be nice to do it one day, prehaps walk it not sure Matt would walk though! Maybe a holiday for just myself 🤔 xx

[@CycleXplorer]

@@Laura-dv6cb haha maybe a quad bike

[@CycleXplorer]

@@Laura-dv6cb you could do a run up there!

[@Laura-dv6cb]

That would be fun.

[@grahamphillips3099]

great video. Scuse the 'how long is a piece of string' question but how long do you reckon it would take you to ride from Chanctonbury Ring to Petersfield? Thinking of doing the Downslink from guildford, then heading west on the SDW for a train back

[@CycleXplorer]

It took me about 3:40 to ride from QE country park to Chantenbury Ring. But that did include the lunch stop of about 30 mins. So going the other way I'd say similar, maybe slightly longer if you have a headwind. Also depends where you drop off the ridge to ride into petersfield. There are quite a few options for that which would mean some extra road which could be quicker. But perhaps allow 4 hours?

[@grahamphillips3099]

@@CycleXplorercheers, thanks for the helpful reply

[@CycleXplorer]

@@grahamphillips3099 no worries, enjoy the ride, sounds like a good route.

[@mikehartley2592]

What bars are you using? Bar ends would really suit the bike I'm reconditioning right now.

[@CycleXplorer]

The are Ergon bar ends, you can get ones with different sized ends (if that's the right term!). Have a look out on eBay there are often some going second hand. The grips help reduce pressure on the hand and I like the bar ends for climbing. Perhaps not the most stylish but comfort is fast 😉

[@garnerjm1]

Too darts to you. Time and effort is brilliant. Know and ride it often. As you noted, lots of up and DOWNS & that’s why it’s called The South Downs Way… forgiving you the repeated ref to The South Down (singular) Way, a bit of delirium and dehydration perhaps getting in the way of a perfect story 🤷‍♂️👏🤔

[@CycleXplorer]

Haha thank you. Maybe it should really be the South Up and Downs Way. Probably some delirium there and no excuses really as it's close to where I grew up. Thanks for watching

[@garnerjm1]

@@CycleXplorer my mate dubbed it, The South Downs Alpine Way

[@CycleXplorer]

@@garnerjm1 Good one!

[@darylvincent7058]

Great video - do you know how many metres of climbing you did on this ride please?

[@CycleXplorer]

@@darylvincent7058 thank you. I think it is around 3600m, my ride showed 3500ish but the Garmin can record a bit funny. Different websites say different things for the South Downs way but around 3600m is probably a fairly good estimate.

[@domquigley7890]

Very informative video, what was your total time and what would that route and terrain be like in mid to late September and is it doable on a gravel bike 👍

[@CycleXplorer]

Thank you. It was around 12 hours start to end including all the stops for lunch etc. 9hrs 30mins (ish) moving time. September should be okay, unless there are weeks of rain. I've ridden the South Downs way at that time of year and it's often really nice and not as hot. You'll have slightly less daylight tho. I've done it on a gravel bike. Was doable, couple of bits I had to walk as the gearing is not as low. Also not quite as comfy as a mountain bike. Give it a go, be a nice thing to do before the winter arrives 🥶

[@domquigley7890]

Thanks for your response, appreciated, and very helpful 👍

[@CycleXplorer]

@@domquigley7890 no worries happy to help

[@badhorse84]

well done, great ride. I remember that I wanted to kill my self after opening and closing gates along the way doing SDW double.

[@CycleXplorer]

Haha nice one on the double! That is a tough ride. How long did it take? Some of the gates open and close lovely, some are a nightmare, especially after 200 miles 😂

[@charliethackeray8484]

Enjoyed the video thanks for posting - considering doing it on a gravel bike - how big a compromise would you say that is? I don’t have a mountain bike but I could borrow one if needed. Which would you recommend? Cheers

[@CycleXplorer]

@@charliethackeray8484 hi, thank you. A gravel bike will be fine, just do it when it's dry and ideally fit wide tyres for comfort. I have done it on a gravel bike and survived, if not a little battered. A mountain bike is always going to be more comfortable and I'd argue a hardtail (with the right tyres) could be quicker. But ride what you have, give it a go and see what happens. That's all part of the fun!

[@GarGri]

I've booked my train tickets and some of my accommodation. I'm setting off on Mon 2nd Sept after my train arrives at Winchester at 15:31 hours.. I'm cycle touring on a Dawes Ultra Galaxy which at best would be described as a near Gravel bike. I'm fitting mountain bike tyres for grip. I'll be carrying Ortlieb panniers on the rear and a one man tent. What do you reckon my chances of arriving at Eastbourne by Thursday evening?

[@CycleXplorer]

I've known someone to ride it on a road bike (don't ask 😂) so I think you'll be eating fish and chips in Eastbourne before you know it! I reckon your bike will be like the latest gravel bikes that can fit bigger tyres. Have a great time and let us know when you've done it!

[@capt3956]

Is the route easy to follow using signposts, or do you recommend downloading it to a Garmin? Thanks.

[@CycleXplorer]

You could probably follow the signs. In the video you'll see there are some little blue circles with arrows in and some larger footpath style signposts too. It may get a little confusing in some of the villages. I'm not quite sure how it's is signed in Alfriston as there is a split in the route, walkers go one way (Beachy Head) and cyclists/horses go another (via Jevington). Having it on a Garmin will be helpful to avoid confusion and probably save a bit of time in places where you might be having to work out which is the correct path etc.

[@capt3956]

@@CycleXplorer thank you for your detailed reply. If you fancy a riding partner if you plan on doing the same or reverse route next year, I’d be happy to tag along. About to buy a decent MTB after a long absence from riding, so fancy a challenge once I’ve a few miles under my ‘expanded’ belt. All the best.

[@CycleXplorer]

@@capt3956 thank you, maybe I'll do an announcement of a ride and see if anyone turns up 😅

[@keironross8509]

Just seen your video looks epic is there a way I could get hold of the route

[@CycleXplorer]

Hi. Thank you. If you Google South Downs Way gpx you should find a route you can put on a garmin. There are also lots of interactive maps online and books. You can find most bits here: www.nationaltrail.co.uk/en_GB/trails/south-downs-way/trail-information/

[@CycleXplorer]

The route is also well sign posted, the walking and cycling routes do split after alfriston, with the walking route going over the 7 sisters on coast. The cycle route takes a slightly more inland route.

[@RBean47]

What bike was that

[@CycleXplorer]

Hi. It's a Trek Procaliber hardtail mountain bike. Done lots of adventure on it, including the Atlas Mountain race in Morocco. Relatively fast and comfortable, ideal bike for the South Downs Way. Have you ridden the SDW?

[@openbabel]

Great ride, sad about the photography, the information about water stops and places to stay.

[@CycleXplorer]

Thanks I was planning on doing a follow up video with some more information on water, accomodation etc.

[@KatieBays-x7p]

Does anyone know of a taxi firm with bike rack who we could book to pick us up?

[@CycleXplorer]

I'm not sure on that one. I know there are some organised tours that you can do which have transport. Someone else on here may know? Did you want to ride the whole route and get a taxi somewhere at the end?

[@SwimBikeRunStu]

So annoying cow traffic jams 😂😂

[@CycleXplorer]

😂 there is a slightly worse aspect, cow and sheep poo if you're riding up there at night. I've come back covered before! 💩

[@johnrichardson7785]

Reckon I saw only 1 person. No other cyclists, no runners and no walkers. Cafes must be empty!

[@CycleXplorer]

In my video? I did it on a weekday so there wasn't many people about, especially starting early. But I did see a few other riders and a fair few walkers. I imagine it would have been a different story today up there on bank holiday Monday.

[@johnrichardson7785]

@@CycleXplorer enjoyed watching 👍

[@CycleXplorer]

@@johnrichardson7785 thank you!