[Closed] SDW Double gpx Vs my Harvey map. Which is right?

Doh! All shouted now. I should read the SDWD site properly!

I like the different end point by the cafe in Eastbourne, nicer place to end the ride, even if closed by the time I get there.

I'll do the official route by Old Winchester Hill though as it's more scenic/less road.

I should read the SDWD site properly!

To save me having to do the same can you summarise the differences `:-)

I've used the site to work out a one way route from Eastbourne but I also have the Harvey's map to follow.

I'm going with the double's route (though have cut the GPX file in half and added taps as direction points). I compared to the BHF route yesterday and there were differences at two points, one being Warnford area and the other about 2/3rds in (I couldn't see why this was there other than perhaps a feed stop on a town).

The SDWD gpx appears to actually be a ride log as it has HRM data and times attached (as well as visiting all the taps which you wouldn't do when plotting).

@avdave2

The differences seem to be at Warnford as mentioned above*, tiny difference at Bignor and a small diversion right near the end at Eastbourne which I am going to take as it brings you to the classic start/end point at the cafe kiosk. Looks a nicer place to finish, even if it will be closed when I arrive.lol

* I am going the Harvey map route at that point as the SDWD route misses out a pig of a climb and has more road. Is feel I'm cheating myself if I go that way. Though I'll just be pushing up that climb to the first anyway...but still. It's the principle.lol

Doing the double or even just single in one day and I absolutely WOULD take the Warnford direction. I'm just a funny Bugger about this sort of thing.lol

Does the ‘Warnford’ diversion head up the disused railway line?

The SDW ‘proper’ crosses it, the next section heading East can be very boggy and also has a ridiculously steep section up onto Old Win hill.

Its possible that the alternative route you have seen heads up the railway then turns right up Station Lane at the end of it. This is a tarmac narrow lane that starts quite steep then slackens off, heading up to top of Old Win hill.

If it’s been particularly wet this would be a viable alternative, it may involve a bit more tarmac but it would definitely be rideable to the top as opposed to potentially being a boggy push followed by a steep grassy push.

The BHF route may also go that way to avoid putting loads of riders on that bit.

The SDWD double route is to the north, in black. I think I see what you mean mattbee. Hopefully the "normal" route is pretty dry at the moment?? Anyone know?

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The SDW double website has this explanation for the Warnford section

The route around Warnford is the subject of a lengthy dispute – there is a ‘new temporary route’ in place in that area and the signage will take you this way if you are not careful, however the ‘classic’ AKA ‘old temporary’ route as listed here is considerably faster and remains 100% legal. Even events organized by BHF and CX Sportive are using the classic route nowadays

Indeed mate and I think mattbee may well be right about part of the reason why, with it avoiding a section that can get boggy.

It does also get rid of Old Winchester Hill too but I don't mind pushing up that.lol

Thanks Poopscoop,

Looks a nicer place to finish, even if it will be closed when I arrive

Yes it is right at the end of the seafront in Eastbourne and does seem the best place to end. The walking route and bridleway now having the same start/finish point. I'll be starting there when I do it and getting what seems to me the hardest climb on the route done first!

Cycled the SDW this weekend on the "new temporary route" and it wasn't noticeably boggy, but certainly was a big steep push up Old Winchester Hill.

Tenuous

Member
Cycled the SDW this weekend on the “new temporary route” and it wasn’t noticeably boggy, but certainly was a big steep push up Old Winchester Hill.

Yep, that hill is a sod. I've never even managed to really get going up it.lol

I'm not a local but found bottle Grove in Eastbourne was a very good place to finish my ride over that way the other week. Better hours than the cafe too...

^^ Made a note of that, cheers.👍

Ha looking at those routes i now know how I ended going back on myself. So be careful when the routes join.

^^ I did that last year but later on in the ride. I think I was just so exhausted and suffering from the heat I just wasn't thinking clearly.

Was gutted though.😁

I have no hope of riding up Old W hill; legs just won't do it and it was even quite hard on an ebike, so I've always done the Warnford leg (esp when doing the double double) as the thought of hike-a-bike up that twice would have been orrible!

The cafe at the east end makes a better piccie than the old finish line too.

Poopscoop was a little gutted at first, but it's all part of the ride.

The old Winchester hill is great when going down it and i have managed to get up it but only by getting the turn at the bottom right. The rest of the bit that can get boggy is also good going down not so up.

My understanding is that if you are out to ride the SDW and do it all properly you ride the signed route and climb Old Winchester Hill via the steep route. If you want to set a fast double then the classic route via Warnford is the way to do it as that's how most of the fast times have been done because that was the historical detour.

Yeah, I'll be following the signed route as you mention... But just plodding along... And pushing up Old Winchester Hill for sure....and many others no doubt.lol