Soo, feeling pretty tired this eve, but have a ‘warm glowy’ feeling that only a day in the saddle can offer!
Here’s some pics from the trip – brain is feeling too fuzzled to be witty and descriptive!
Early start, with moody skies
After the climb up Cote street, still West of the A24
My trusty steed that pulled me through – the reverb was useful even for an ‘epic’ ride like this – mad some of the rocky descents and hellish climbs much more manageable!
The source of my bloodstained gloves, and blood covered camera!
Quickly grabbing shelter in Findon as the heavens opened – checking the camera and phone are watertight
One of the many chalky climbs I’d encounter
I most certainly am here….
Who’s this loon????
Food stop No 1 – made it to Steyning in under 2 hours – not bad as it was the first section that was really muddy/sloppy
The downs link out of steyning – do I see Mr Sun poking his head out from behind the cloud???
The view after the ‘wall of grass climb’ (as described by STW)
There’s always one group of ramblers who won’t get out the way…
At last – a flat bit!
Coffee and grub stop No 2!
You should just be able to make out the ‘Jack and Jill’ windmills a few hills away….
No? Well, here’s a close up… (again, the climb up to them was, ahem, tough!
The view the other side of the Windmills (looking North-East
The climb at the very East of the route – the camera is held level here – talk about a wall of pain!
Sussex border path towards Brighton
The route ‘back’ towards Steyning was pretty much straight along the SDW
After a pretty steep climb out of Steyning bowl – back on my usual stomping ground now – nearly home!
On final sarnie stop on Cissbury Rings before the last descent into Findon (then the last climb over Highdown and back home!)
Total food scoffed:
2 rounds of sarnies – one cheese and ham, one peanut butter an chilli sauce
2 bananas
An apple
2 energy gels
A snickers
Caramel donut
Cup of Coffee
2 “High calorie supplement drinks” (Don’t ask – left over by a rug rep so thought “why not”! – 400calories in 200ml!)
3 litres of water (squash/electrolyte)
500ml dr pepper
500ml full fat coke
And loads more when I got home!
All in all, a fab day’s riding – the route is such that you really needn’t worry about having all your supplies with you – you could get a proper meal at the little cafe stop (though has a nasty climb STRAIGHT after it!) and plenty of pubs/taps/shops along the way.
So – any takers for next time?!
DrP