Hard luck. The SDW is a bit like 'Nam ,Man , as you leave a bit of yourself there ! 😉
You more than most. 🙂
How many crashes was that then on the SDW in 1 trip ?
Sounds like far more of an adventure than i've ever had doing the SDW that's for sure.
'Touching the Void' had nothing on this.
I’m not having a pop at Poopscoop but you have to really make an effort to crash five times on the SDW!
Chapeau on perseverance but good god man learn to crash less!
I'm thinking that maybe the SDW locals like myself should club together and guide Poopscoop on his next attempt of this epic journey.
Let get him from start to finish in one piece !
3rd time lucky they say........
Vicarious pleasure out of this. I've had to abandon my attempt this year due to an injured back. So I'll watch this thread and use it to fuel (hopefully) training for next year...
But, you don’t mention that you enjoyed it 😜🔥🙏
Sounds like a proper adventure!
I'm cooking up a unique SDW challenge to take place at the beginning of September; should be one to keep the forum riders chatting for a while.... just got to get used to hauling an incredibly heavy bike around for the day.
So if you want to tag along Poopscoop, there will be a wheel for you to get on for a bit of a tow.
Tell me you’re doing it on a butcher’s bike, meat & all? BBQ at the end to celebrate....
"just got to get used to hauling an incredibly heavy bike around for the day."
Are you towing a caravan?
Are you towing a caravan?
Nope, he's got Poopscoop on a tag-along.
excellent thread.. really enjoyed reading it - thanks Poopscoop.. and most certainly "chapeau!"
Nice one poopster. Good to hear folk out having adventures...
Hey poopers, loving the thread mate. Respect on the solo ride side of it. Get the rest of the pic's up when you can.
wow. proper adventure poopscoop. impressive!
Can't wait for Rob's "South Down It!" ride!
poopscoop - 10/10 for effort there. You've inspired me to push my luck on a ride in a couple of weeks so I've tacked on an extra few hours riding to try to finish in a day not two.
Thread resurrection, it lives!
Just waking up the thread ready for SDW attempt 3, 2019 edition.
Going to start from Winchester next Friday, early morning.
Something I didn't get round to mentioning last year though....🤔
I wobbled on a short road section last year as I was going up a hill. A young guy shouted abuse at me "you think you own the bloody road!" And pulled up and got out.
I sighed as I was likely to get a good kicking as he was obviously up for a fight and even even had his top of ready for the brawl. I don't do fighting and I had no Bombers available. Then an act of God happened...
As he walked around to me this car started to roll backwards down the hill!
It mounted the curb and started ploughing into bushes....he was legging it after the car and managed to get in and pull up the hand brake. I walked down to him and asked how he was. He was visibly staking, with a cut hand too. I said "ok then" and walked back to the bike and carried on.
In truth there were a few bizarre moments on last year's ride but that one stands out.
I love the SDW. Truly I do. It's the highlight of my Summer though by the end of the attempts I'm a broken man.lol
_____________________________________
This year. 2019
Well, been riding zwift/real bike for minimum of 12 miles every other day for a few weeks. Feeling a bit fitter and weight loss is accelerating. Doing the low carb thing too.
But.... Got a torn rotator cuff from an off in April. Only just been referred for an NHS ultrasound... for next Thursday. The day before the ride. Physio said I have an impingement too but need scan to see how bad the tear it. Going to cancel the scan till after the ride. Don't want bad news the night before I leave.
F*** it.
I know it's reckless but the SDW is more than just about a bike ride for me. Personal stuff. I*need* to ride it. Shoulder doesn't hurt too much whilst riding but I really, really can't crash. If you remember this thread from last year you will remember that crashing was a bit of a theme for me...
That and getting lost...leading to me ending up riding the trail in reverse Losing that miles and the time destroyed me... Along with the 30+ degrees heat wave.
Anyway, going to put a label on the bars basically saying to take it easy and don't crash! No really,I am. Lol It makes me wince just thinking of the pain in my shoulder if I do have an off.
Also going to try and make it too Amberley on the first bivvy night. 48 miles. Longer than I've ridden in one go in about a decade. I usually sleep in a field at Cocking but figure if I make Amberly I can relax a bit on the second/ third day. There is a pub there too. The one in cocking is closed now. I'll bivvy in a field there but I think there is a camp site too? A shower would be haven by then I reckon.
Need to get to Eastbourne for early Sunday evening when I lad will pick me up.
Watch this space. Adventure awaits!
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Good luck this time Poops. I remember reading this thread with interest ( and a few smiles) last year with all the shenanigans.
Just take it easy and pace yourself, follow the signs and top up at tap stops and you'll be fine.
Keep us updated with regular progress reports.
Fingers crossed the weather stays favourable for you.
Brilliant .
Can you get lunge to do a “race”preview every day please?
Best of luck.
The Sportsman in Amberley has some cracking views from the deck. And a bike rack I seem to recall. I'll be there at the half way stop on my yearly SDW pilgrimage in about a month!
Good luck, ride safe and have fun.
Good luck. I’m riding it in a day on Saturday so will say hi when i see you. I will be on a blue Jamis.
Just take it easy on that down and don’t come off, walk if needed.
Thanks for the support guys and will look out for you guys that will be passing me as i bimble along.😁
just read this thread,jeepers man you def were having an interesting time with your previous rides to say the least 😬
i definitely wish you good luck for your next attempt poopscoop (3rd time lucky this time 👍
you definitely deserve to do it without incident man this time lol
good luck to you 👍🚴😀
Again, thanks guys!
Decided to change back tyre to a HR on the from the Minion ss. Couldn't make a decision on my own.... braking grip or rolling resistance! Gah!
Did the only thing logically left. Flipped a coin, best of 3. The HR won 2 to 1. Lol
I'm a bloody nightmare.
Anyway.... Flapjacks, SIS gel, emergent bivvy bag, inner tube etc all taped to frame with electrical tape.
Just got to finalise stuff to go into backpack. Must be as light as possible. Going to try riding with only 1 litre in the 2 litre bladder to save weight. On the shorter water stops anyway. Was over 30 degrees last year and I was constantly out of water. Temps this year looking much more amenable to cycling luckily.
Leaving Kent for Winchester about 4am on Friday.👍
Good luck Poopscoop
Good luck!
Just. Stay. On. The. Bike.
(But try and do something entertaining and non-harmful... Imagine the disappointment on this thread if you just finish the ride and go home without incident!)
Good luck with it all, one piece of advice regarding camping is try not to camp in the valley at Amberley as the cold moist air collects there, sucked in by the river and it will make everything damp.
Good luck Poopscoop! You’ll be fine this time. The temperature is a lot more sensible. Just take it easy and enjoy it.
robcolliver
Member
Good luck with it all, one piece of advice regarding camping is try not to camp in the valley at Amberley as the cold moist air collects there, sucked in by the river and it will make everything damp.
Damn, that's just what I was planning to do. Might camp a bit further along on that case, cheers for info mate.👍
Just read this entire thread. It's brilliant - what an advert for mountain biking. Cheered me right up (grumbly with a tweaked knee and a savage cough at the moment). Good luck! Makes me want to ride it one day.
Hello again!
Yeah, carpet, walls etc....not my house....
Right...Bike got everything taped to it or packed in modified Evoc. Modified to carry the Lim Down +1 sleeping bag (brilliant but expensive...), emergency bivvy bag and the ultralight Thermorest... The bright yellow one that sounds like a crisp packet when you lay on it. Comfy and light though.
[url= https://i.postimg.cc/MXJHNhKV/IMG_20190801_153736.jp g" target="_blank">https://i.postimg.cc/MXJHNhKV/IMG_20190801_153736.jp g"/> [/img][/url]
Compression strap for shoulder on the floor for my torn rotator cuff/ impingement... Cancelled ultrasound scan successfully to have it soon after I get back.
I don't want bad news about my shoulder the day before I go....
Just got to try not to crash.😊
Also taped a message to myself on the bars... If you can read it.😉
Alex let me have the Gnarpoon logo to print off, for a bit of fun. Just a one of u should mention,I can't forward the logo or anything. Thanks Alex, makes me smile just looking at it. Yes,I bought the T shirts too! Lol
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Also taped a message to myself on the bars… If you can read it.
Tried enhancing it, but still can't quite make it out.
^^ lol 😁
Good luck. Hopefully see you on the trail sometime Saturday.
Good luck Poopscoop. Remember, rubber side down.
Yep, hope to see a few of you guys on the trail.👍
Also, yes, rubber side down. Ffs.lol
You could overnight in the woods at Whiteways ?
Its 2 miles winch side of Amberly .There is a cafe and toilet block but not sure of times, its deffo not late/ all night due to sexual deviants using the toilets , so I have been told.
Just before you cross the A24? Bury hill , wooded area on your RHS
I'll have a look mate but as I'd be there over night the sexual deviant content might be a bit too high for me.lol
Keep us all updated on the adventure Poopscoop, dry and gentle tailwind east to west, keep upright.
Stayed about 6.40 at cathedral, for lost in town. Now at Exton. 2 gravel biked guys passed me doing the full 100.👍
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[img] 
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This story is great. Thanks Poopscoop.
I hope you make it this time, and without leaving a trail of blood and bits. However, there is a small part of me that is hoping to read about you fighting locals, cycle the wrong way, and abandon with 5 miles to go when you realise you've left the gas on.
At cocking now.😁
Will ad write-up to top pics on a bit.👍
Art the top of a road climb from QE. Hell yes, £1. Not bad in Brexit Britain.
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This innocuous track leads to my nemesis. I crashed there in '17 and 18 whilst trying to do the SDW. Trouble is I went down the wrong track and avoided my nemesis.Doh! Decided to walk back from the cobbled sign post to ride it. I had to do it this year.lol
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I should have gone down the track on the right, not the one with the small hate on the left. Back up I go....
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This hill beat me.
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Starting to feel it now and damaged shoulder definitely is.lol Amazing weather and people.
My nemesis below....but... pic was from last year. I didn't crash! Kept on disposing to myself "allow is fast, fast or slow. Not really a mantra for biking but I really must fall on this shoulder again. So... Slow but sure.👍
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Right, off I go! Next Ambury. If that's the right name.lol
Absolutely epic thread. Good luck today!
Hope you are keeping on top of your hydration, it's a lot warmer out there than I expected it to be today, I know I'd go through ~1.5 litres of chilled water very quickly between Exton and Butser alone.
Great effort Poopscoop. I did it last week (not camping though). Much better to walk up the hills than over exert. As everyone says keep drinking - think about taking electrolytes too to hold off the cramp - seemed to work for me - but may have been placebo! Will keep following this and good luck!
Amberly! Yeah baby yeah!
I love this thread
A question for those who have done/are doing this. At QE park do you follow the signed route over the hill or go through the middle of the park more or less following the blue route?
Nice going Poop i will say hi if i see you tomorrow.
I’m lazy and just follow the middle track up and out of the park. Avoids a crappy bit of bridleway and only reduces the distance by a few hundred metres.
Mobile almost dead and forgot power block idiot!
Last post till I get home lads.👍
Poopscoop. What phone/charge port type? I'm going to be carrying two powerpacks so could leave one with you.
Worked it out from your picture data. A pixel. Will have a charger for that with me.
Wait, what?! No more updates? He could be in a fight to the death with a family of badgers intent on robbing his last flapjack and we'd never know! He's a bit past my patch now but can any of the Sussex squadron be mobilised with a charger? Will Nixie find him?
Thank you so much Nixie but I've found the power pack! It was in my water bottle thing that actually holds tools. Phew!
Also bivvying at a camp site tonight in Amberly, the "Foxlie Barn".or something.
Me sleeping on the floor with the bike and about 5 caravans for some steam show or something.
Shower was heaven. Shame I've not got any clean clothes though.lol Washed the inner shorts which will will hopefully be dry by tomorrow though. Going to wash my top in the morning and just ride with it wet till it dries.
Had cheesy chips at the Sportsman pub,I think it was called. Met some other bikers there and had a chat.
In campsite now. 2 bottles of Doombar, 2 packets of Scampi fries followed by a flapjack.
Had another small off... fell on the bad shoulder. Again....but was in a field of wheat so had a soft landing.
Also thought id punctured the Thermarest sleeping mat as I found bramble thorns sticking out of its cover. Seems ok so far though. Fingers crossed.
Can't upload pics to postimage.org for some reason. Still, not many taken as was trying to conserve battery.
I'll update how tomorrow goes.👍
Ahhh... The Sportsman. Many a post ride pint there looking at the view!
Sleep well Poopscoop!
Best bit is the last 50.
Top work fella. I have a soft spot for the SDW as I grew up in its foothills and have spent many a days up on that exposed ridge in all weathers.
BTW, is that Amberley Mount?
Good thing you found the battery. Don't think I'm going to make the start. Ill child :(.
Harting Down , from the East looking back west towards Winchester
Bitch of a climb , do able but you can feel the effort removing energy levels
Morning poopster. Hope the day goes well. And in the words of Rob Warner, 'stay on your bike [s]Danny[/s] poopscoop'....
Stop crashing you plum! Enjoy the day lots!!!!
Good luck poopscoop.
This bloke, this ride, this write up.
Epic!
Go Poopy 😎
Fiona has competition for my interest today.
Morning update.
Open wounds in my crutch from abrasion I guess,yes, used butt cream.
Thought it clever to hand wash the inner last night so setting off with a wet chamois (sp)
I do dumb **** like this so you don't have to.
Slept well though and thermarest wasn't punctured. Heavy few though in Amberly as someone mentioned.
Tonight's stop is planned at a 24 hour service station for supplies,then kip up the road a bit in a field or something.
My sore arse and wet inner are going to be today's news.
Picture of arse to come later.😉
nixie
Subscriber
Good thing you found the battery. Don’t think I’m going to make the start. Ill child :(.
Sorry to hear that, kids come first though, bless them.👍
Thanks. Ended up with an ambulance visit at 3am! She is ok now though. I'm resetting to go tomorrow morning instead if she stays ok.
Hope you have a good day out there today. Weather looks ideal.
You’ll be in my neck of the woods today. Should anything go wrong, let me know ...
How's it going poopscoop?
nixie
Subscriber
Thanks. Ended up with an ambulance visit at 3am! She is ok now though. I’m resetting to go tomorrow morning instead if she stays ok.
Glad she is on the mend and fingers crossed for you, for tomorrow!
Thanks for the kind offer mate,all went okish-ish. Lol
Today could be summed up by simply saying "ouch,my arse."
Firstly been constipated and finely thought I might be able to go. Took ages finding somewhere covert, down a bank with tree cover. Planned to perfection. Was desperate not to poo in my liner so hung backwards from a low branch to get the necessary lean whilst holding onto a tree branch. Squeezed a nugget out and that was that. Then noticed that I was surrounded by the shells of conkers that an animal must have munched on last autumn. I very gingerly moved away from the area as I couldnt tell one conker from another if you get my drift.
My arse is now beyond sore. I took a selfie earlier to look at the area and it's not a pretty sight. Somewhere between a pizza and a donner kebab. Tomorrow's going to be painful. And constipated.
Early in the day I had a real throaty cough, coughed up some red....c was convinced it was blood for a few minute then remembered the energy feel is had a few minutes earlier.
Met a group doing the 100 today whilst stopping for water at the Truleigh YHA. Nice bunch of guys and had a bit of a laugh before I headed off. They were having chips and a burger so I tried to stay ahead of them for as long as possible to speed me up a bit. They caught me up a few miles later but I was happy to have used them for a bit of motivation!
Staying at a campsite tonight again, lucked out as where I was going to camp was a bit noisy....being Right next to the A27.
So at a farm with a nice camp site. Had a short but no clean clothes... Still gave me a chance to wash the old under carriage. Very carefully. I'm pretty sure there are boys hanging down that weren't there 2 days back.
A rider by the car park with the ice cream van (that only took cash so couldn't but water ir a snack unfortunately. Yeah, not asking for much am I.lol) Recognised me from this post. He's a lurked and I can't remember his name! Hi anyway bud!
Did my food feed for the day helping out a guy that is running inner tubes. He put a new one in after a puncture but his pump keep pulling the valve core out every time he unscrew ed it. Just happened that after some messing around my pump didn't do that.
Pictures...
Simply stunning. It's why I love riding. Keeps me sane.
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Never realised how deep this really is till I saw purple at the bottom today!
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No idea why I'm a little....bunged up.
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Spelt consisted jumping in this, felt like I was melting but it was only about 21 degrees.ffs!
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No cash for water or a softy. Damn him to hell!
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Prerry sue I crashed where this new fence is to the left on lay treats attempt. No idea how I managed it still.
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Home for tonight.
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And it's pretty stunning... Night night guys...
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Sorry about the predictives guys, in turning in, too tired to error correct.
Make sure you keep the fluids intake up.
👌
I was the ice cream van car park random fan 😅 I was 80 miles in to a 105 mile sdw/gravel epic and wasn’t thinking too much after doing Streat Bostal and across to ditchling at full whack, but saw your bike as you held the gate for me (what a gent) and it all clicked suddenly. Great to chat to you and I, as many are, feel part of this entire journey and am rooting for you! Hopefully the trail down towards Falmer was a nice rest as it’s not too savage. Go well!
Sam
I even got a selfie 😅 #teampoopscoop
Keep it up, good luck. I'm loving this whole thread
... and thanks for not posting that selfie
Can't find bum cream anywhere!
Had it in a little tub to keep size/weight down. Gone.
So...just bought some germalene (spd?) And baseless and will try mixing something up from the 2! I KNOW the proper stuff is on the ruucksack somewhere but no joy!
Going to be a bum day.
I always take 2 pairs of cycling shorts. One is usually tied to the bike drying aftrer I've washed it. If you put them in a towel and stand on them it takes most of the water out. You really need to look after your bum.
I've also found the right saddle makes all the difference. Most saddles feel OK for a few hours. Only after you ride day in, day out, do you kkow if you've bought the right one.
I currently have about 10 saddles I've bought and tried that didn't work for me that I need to sell on!
Good luck riding through the pain!