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That's very quick, nice one! The weird mist spread later all along the ridge to Brighton.
The last 2 climbs are 'great', no? I remember getting to the end and not being able to contemplate turning round and riding back again.
Having said that, that time shows you should be well under the 24hrs 😉
I was vaguely thinking about asking to join you for the first few miles. Not sure I could have kept up! Is there a way of getting a gpx of the current route? There seem to be several floating about on the net.
Well done Njee - although I fear that my sub10hr attempt in the next few weeks is now looking a little "optimistic".
Nice one njee!
Got a space on a leisurely team at 24/12 if you fancy a rest...
We've a space on a [i]competitive [/i]team if anyone wants that, you'll be representing our club though 🙂
The last 2 climbs are 'great', no? I remember getting to the end and not being able to contemplate turning round and riding back again.
Horrendous, Alfriston particularly! The last one after Jevington wasn't great either, was just ready to get to the end by then!
DT - YGM
I was really worried about going off too hard, but everyone said the second half was a lot slower. I was at a 12mph average at QECP, which was down to 11 by Devil's Dyke and 10.6 by Eastbourne. Not sure I could've gone much harder at the end, and suspect I'd have been a bit of a mess if I'd tried much harder early on!
Well done Nick! Good recovery ride after Sunday's race 😉
Which route did you take at Old Winchester Hill? The 'old' Warnford route (which isn't signposted as SDW any more, but is what most of the South Downs Double record times are based on), or the 'new' Exton route which is signed but longer?
Did you get the tailwind you were hoping for? Must admit I prefer to start at Eastbourne to get the worst of the climbing out of the way while still reasonably fresh, but more chance of a headwind if you can't pick and choose your day!
Went via Exton, didn't realise it was different actually! Dammit, could've saved time! There was a bit on the road at Exton where you ride 3 sides of a square, I was tempted to cut that, but rode the whole thing. I wanted to make sure it was 100 miles - I left Strava running on the way to the station to get it to tick over.
Tailwind picked up later on, was pretty calm first thing, which was fine, the few places it was a headwind weren't great! I'd be interested to do the other way, I imagine Butser Hill would be horrible, and there was a straight, fast, concrete descent off Alfriston (I think?) which I imagine would be hell to climb!
I imagine Butser Hill would be horrible
Yes! Especially if you've carelessly discarded your front mech and granny ring 😉
But once you're over that, it's relatively plain sailing. Either that, or I've subconsciously blotted out the bad bits...
Fantastic Nick. Chose a date, rode it, done. Respect for your fast time, too. What are you up to today? Resting/working? Are you feeding your face? Hope so, you deserve it.
Good effort!
I'm on the train to go and get my car back from Winchester, oh the glamour!
Not really that hungry strangely, although my legs feel worse today than last night. I actually got home last night, jumped in the shower, then went to the pub with a friend!
Chapeau
Kryton57 - Member
Nice one njee!Got a space on a leisurely team at 24/12 if you fancy a rest...
We've a space on a competitive team if anyone wants that, you'll be representing our club though
Yeah come on Njee. Join our team.
I can't make that weekend sadly, otherwise I'd be up for it! Always enjoyed 24/12.
If anybody wants a gps track, I have the track from my SDWx4. I'm not that good on tech, but I know I can see it loaded back into Basecamp.
How I publish it here, I have no idea.
I did Warnford, and all the funny tracks at the side of any tarmac.
I also have the one I used available if anyone wants it!
Nice ride njee20.
This is on my list too. I've ridden all of it lots of times in various chunks, but never linked it all up as a 1day ride. Maybe later on in the summer. .
Just had a detailed look at your Strava route.
Great to see you went round the boundary of the early field that has the signs telling you to do so and not rip straight across. 😉
Not sure what you did at QECP but the main track through there is surprisingly tedious so perhaps your southerly route was more fun?
31.5 miles was where you went off course in Harting though I think you already know that. However you did discover the [url= http://royaloakhooksway.co.uk/ ]Royal Oak in Hooksway[/url] on your detour. 8)
I first encountered that when I went off course on a foggy early morning ride to Winc and thought WTF is a pub doing in a wooded clearing when I got there?
I see you also turned N towards Jack & Jill as opposed to straight on which is shorter. Does anyone know if the route has been officially straightened out there?
Is the Southease water tap still by that horrible petri dish of a water trough?
Cracking ride 8)
Bikebuoy
What time are you aiming for? Sub 8 has to be a perfect conditions type of thing surely?
top work.
This is on 'the list'
Does anyone have a definitive-ish GPX (or link to) of the current route of choice?
I'd be interested to do the other way, I imagine Butser Hill would be horrible, and there was a straight, fast, concrete descent off Alfriston (I think?) which I imagine would be hell to climb!
It's alright that climb out of Alfriston going E to W. I rode Eastbourne to Ditchling on my new CX the other day, I'm sure it's easier going that way. Except Butser. Like you I'm just going to pick a (week)day when it looks right.
Good work, Nick!
Just followed Nick on Strava and he has reciprocated.
Possible spam warning though, unless he wishes to follow an older bloke struggling with his fitness...
Just had a detailed look at your Strava route.
Interesting, thanks Mike. Yes, I saw the sign that said "permissive bridleway", but thought I'd be good and follow the signed route around the field!
I did follow my GPX in the end at QE - it sent me along the start of the mountain bike trails, then across the road (where it was signed) and sharp left up the hill, looks like I probably should have gone up the road!
Harting bit makes sense, I wasn't entirely sure if I was supposed to go up the mentally steep looking grass climb in that clearing, my route sent me around around it, but I obviously should have turned left at some point, like you I was slightly confused by the pub!
Didn't know about the bit at Jack & Jill, fairly sure I followed the signs/my GPX, but possibly not!
And yes, the Southease tap still looks like a corking place to get some dysentery!
Possible spam warning though, unless he wishes to follow an older bloke struggling with his fitness...
Haha, it's all good, always like to see what and where people are riding, irrespective of the speed!
njee, could you send me a copy of either the gpx you followed or the one you generated, whichever you think is closer to being more accurate?!
Much appreciated. Email in my profile.
IIIRC the 1st time we got to Harting in 04 there was a collective you're avin a laff about going straight up.
Just after you little double back loop, you went up the valley and then as you got to a little wooded copse, you should have hung a sharp left. IIRC, you probably went straight on through a gate?
You only missed a hoony descent off the top but probably did more distance.
How was Amberley Mount at midday? 😈
moonboy
Does this work for you - [url= http://bikeroutetoaster.com/BRTWebUI/Course/699580 ]http://bikeroutetoaster.com/BRTWebUI/Course/699580[/url] ?
How was Amberley Mount at midday?
Silly! That was a real low point, just far too hot, and not a breath of wind to cool you down!
CP - YGM!
😆
I HATE Amberley mount
The only time I've had a nice ride through there was a night time descent when a white owl took off a fence just in front of me.
Oh yeah, if you ever fancy a solo night run, make sure you take some music. The noises in those woods are fackn scary!
I came down AM going east for the first time a couple of weeks ago.
On a CX bike, trying to keep my average speed up. Wasn't a lot less unpleasant that going up it!
At least it was over quicker.
Aye, wouldn't fancy a few of the descents on a cross bike. I wasn't pushing at all, but you gain a lot of speed quite rapidly, invariably with a gate at the bottom!
Aye, wouldn't fancy a few of the descents on a cross bike. I wasn't pushing at all, but you gain a lot of speed quite rapidly, invariably with a gate at the bottom!
Wiggle have a CX event on the SDW in a couple of weeks - I wonder if they are choosing a few route changes ?
?? West!going east
Bit of a harsh aspect of the route that all the speed you pick up on the descents has to be ditched for the gate, then you have to start at the bottom from a standing start!
Well far be it from me to stomp over njee20's thread but I do have a time I'm aiming for yes.
There are a few claims to the west/east record and I've seen 7:50 & 7:15 mentioned. Clearly it's a tough one to ratify, but I'm close to my goal. Don't forget I'm doing on my CXer and there are some sections where I will gain, the downhill bumpy bits will/ are still work in progress but I'm happy so far.
I'm doing it again in 3 weeks time concentrating on Lewes through Eastbourne since this is the furthest away from home for me and clearly the end of the ride.
Anyways anyone who does this ride gets my support. Have to be honest I'm not massively keen on Wiggles SDW event coming up, simply because of the shere amount of folks on it that s time of year.
I think Tim Dunford is widely recognised as the 'record holder' for one way isn't he? 7:40 west-east or sommat. He's an animal too. Chapeau to go under 8 hours! Is that all in, or just riding time?
Tough one since no one has published the times 😕
But anyone who does it under 8 riding is, lets face it, a bit mental.
Great effort njee20, I do wonder after the "glow" has worn off when you will be back for a few more "i can shave a bit off here, and there, and perhaps climb on the right on that bit and bunny hop the gates" attempt..
Come on, join us 😆
I absolutely know I could save time: I'd drink differently knowing where the taps are, I'd go harder early on and I'd not get lost!
I reckon knowing the way is worth 10-15 minutes, and a similar amount in other savings. Sure I could go sub-9, for me it's a route you need to talk about your 'all in' time really! I could probably go sub-8 riding if I stopped a lot more/for longer and ate more.
But no, right now, still zero desire to try again!
Yeahhhh rigghhhttt 😆
Do it over 3 days 😉
Is Tom Morris on here - [url= https://www.strava.com/activities/171347467 ]SDW 7:47[/url] ?
Straightened out a couple of bits and took the 'old' route through Warnford but that's a mental time 8)
Bikebuoy is that you?
Tom Morris is on BikeRadar, he did the double recently too.
I've ridden it all in one go before, and sections of it from time to time.
I recently rode the CX bike from QECP to A24 - I'm certain there's a new route up through QECP - it goes through the wood, rather than up the simple gravel path?
Seemed MUCH longer/slower tbh
DrP
That's the way I went - out on the mountain bike trails, then left, but it seems it's signed two ways, one up the road and one on the path beyond the road (which I took), but it's not actually signed at all from the visitor centre that I could see, just the Butser direction.
When i did my SDWIAD attempt I got lost/faffed about in QECP! You kind of follow the foot of the hill 'round', then go up the gravel path.
Recently I simply followed a shiny sign - the one up the trail. Slippy and slow on teh CX bike.
So I'd advise others aiming to do it in a decent time to simply head up the path to the LEFT of the 'car park behind the hill' (you'll see when you get there!)
DrP
We as a club (Southdowns MTB Club) are having an attempt tomorrow. Will almost certainly split into small groups as we're all different speeds.
Doing the Warnford route not Exton and will go up the centre of the QECP. Know the first 50 miles well, the 2nd 50 are less well known to me. I rode it 2 years ago in 12:50 with a puncture so hoping for sub 12.
Nowhere near as fast as njee I know.
Please don't rain!
I also got massively lost at QECP and we ended up cycling along a very nice path heading south for about 3 miles before turning round and going back. Keep left of the car park as Dr P says. To be honest, with my Garmin not working properly the whole ride was a nightmare - our excuse for bailing like a pair of losers at the 60 mile point....
I take the path DrP suggests, it's the easiest route rather than going right around the Hills and back on yourself the other side.
Cheating a bit I know but it saves about 20mins of horse track.
I'm not Tom no, 7:47 is a really good time.
When I have a go, I pray for no punctures otherwise I'll be rather depressed.
😆
It's funny - for a really 'simple' route it's dead easy to get lost!
I bombed down the wrong bridleway and ended up on the road at Duncton! And I'm from these parts!
Had to tab it round on the road, to the foot of Cocking.
CX bike was good there!
DrP
Mike
There is a tap at southease church now, much nicer than the one by the trough
[u]DrP[/u]
When I've got to QECP I've always gone higher on the NE side above the car park etc and then dropped down to the E road/track. Is that the same as you?
[u]
andyg & the SDMTBC crew[/u]
Good luck tomorrow 🙂
[u]
Bikebuoy[/u]
Keep us posted when you next have a blast 8)
Mark
Yeah I know that's been there a while but it's "not on the route" - I also never realised that the round tower is also very rare in this country (but surprisingly popular in the Ouse valley)
I hope I can keep up with the South Downs mountain bike club ride tomorrow.... not used to the speed of a single. Please wait for me at the tops.
sat opposite a chap in a SDMTBC jersey on the train to Petersfield the other day. Big chap. Not much hair.
There's a tap just before Exton now too if you want an early top up. Means one bottle is very doable, rather than needing two to get you to QE. Was installed in October I think.
That's worth knowing, although I think I'd still take 2 bottles.
Did you weigh your bike after you'd 'accessorised' it? I know what you're like!
robcolliver
I hope I can keep up with the South Downs mountain bike club ride tomorrow.... not used to the speed of a single. Please wait for me at the tops.
NUTTER! 😆
I should imagine you'll be rocking along, encouraging t'others
Did you weigh your bike after you'd 'accessorised' it? I know what you're like!
I didn't actually! With two bottles, the gels, the Garmin plus extra battery, tougher tyres and two tubes I imagine it would've been 25lbs ish. I feel dirty.
Tom Morris lives up the road from me. Cat 1 roadie and member of PNE road club.
Did it on a 26 in wheeled bike as well , on a route where 29ers really shine.
He tried to do the double solely on gels . starting puking as he left Eastbourne and pretty much puked all the way to Amberly .
Finished in around 19rs iirc and was a monumental effort and claims it was the hardest ride of his life.
Think he could go sub 18hr if lady luck was with him , and a 29er .
Will be attempting my own sub 12 effort in a few weeks .
Done a 13.20 so know the score
Did it yesterday, 10h 25mins moving time. Got lost a few times, could certainly improve on that but no desire at the moment!
https://app.strava.com/activities/329506234
Set off from Winchester at 6:30 and rode into Eastbourne with the South Downs MTB boys.
Doing it on a CX bike was pretty painful. Was interesting comparing ourselves to some MTB groups we saw, at times we would pull away, up the really steep stuff we didn't have the gearing where the MTB boys could spin. I came off twice, once when it rained in the morning and I lost it on some chalk and the second time just a concentration lapse and went over the bars into some nettles. You can't stop paying attention for a second on a CX bike on the SDW!
A memorable and mainly enjoyable day. Sore today though!
Anyone doing the SDW from Winchester to Eastbourne today could be setting a record time. I rode 40 miles of it at dawn and was flying along with a very strong tailwind.
Then I had to turn round to go home...
I have firmly got into the "well if I did x y and z I could go under 9 hours" mindset. Next year maybe.
did you need to use the extra battery on the garmin or was it plugged in anyway?
Plugged in anyway, but I absolutely would have done, whilst navigating you'd only get about 6 hours out of the 1000 at most.
Thanks for the mention SkillWill. We left Winchester at 6AM dead as a group of 9. We made good time until just before Cocking then our first puncture. Shower of rain here but that soon passed. Another puncture at Washington and a brief rest. After that it was all clear. RobColliver and another (tired) peeled off at Ditching to fulfill prior commitments. After that it was just getting it done and the remaining 7 all ended up at the Kiosk with the 2 CX riders and another group all finishing at the same time. Total time 12:55 5 minutes slower than before, but Strava showed 1h30 stopped time.
[url= https://app.strava.com/activities/329777050 ]Andy G Strava SDWIAD[/url]