Going to ride the SDW over three days.
Wild camping. I know you're not supposed to but by camping I mean a sleeping bag on the ground on to of a thermorest. All that will be left is a small patch of flattened grass!
I'm over biked (YT Jeffsy 29er), overweight, overloaded with stuff on my knackered back and not very fit.
It'll be a mini adventure for sure! I've got back into biking with this as a goal for this Summer... And summer isn't around much longer.
Battery power allowing I'll post some updated along the way!
If you see a black Jeffsy on the Way say hi!
EDIT: Got here too late to make a start so camping next to the A31. Lol
Should have brought another light... and more food.... and now mozzy spray. Luckily remembered a small-ish bottle of vodka!
Early start tomorrow!
Night! 😀
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Enjoy!
Good on you mate! Enjoy!
you've not heard about the beast of Arlesford ? 😯
Good effort, if you were slightly further along (QECP) I'd have offered you a floor / garden
Sunrise isn't until six so you might get a good sleep
Ah, no forget that - we're not on the last Saturday of a month are we ?you've not heard about the beast of Arlesford ?
Sod off! . Lol
Anyway, It's ok, I've had my "Blair witch" half hour but now the vodka has kicked in! 😀
Run out of munchies though! 😀
Go find some watercress to munch?
Best of luck - lovely weekend for it.
Good luck! looking forward to the updates 😀
I finish night shift at 7am. I could bring you a coffee and meet at the milburys at 0730. Place your order! Costa only at that time I'm afraid.
Sorry mate, only just packed up gear!
Thanks for the offer though, you're a star!
Just had blackberries for breakfast. Happened to be a load of them next to where I camped. 🙂
Got a fair way before the first water/beer/food stop today. I think there is a pub before the next water tap.
Which is nice. 😉
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Good luck. Enjoy your ride.
Nice one! You've got great weather for this, keep hydrated, hope you know where water and food stops are along the way. I'll say hello if I see you around the Brighton/Eastbourne area.
What a day!
Incredible scenery and amazing people!
Got beasted by a guy on a rigid single speed Jones. Jeez, almost killed myself on a step up Hill trying to hang on to him. Had to admit defeat and walk up. Really nice guy, might be buying a single speed bike off him next week, an Inbred.
Said hello to everyone I met and people responded in kind.... Apart from roadies. Got totally blanked.lol
I am shagged. Not sure I've ever been this knackered. Been drinking loads but only had one pee... Which was Lucozade orange colour. Not good.
And.....
Had a bad stack on a down hill a few miles after the QECP. 🙁
Damage to jeffsy:
Bent rotor, grips ripped up, paint removed from the Pikes, seat ripped,Evoc back pack ripped up badly..... and worryingly an awful noise from front wheel. Got to be loose spokes yet none feel really bad? Makes a "twanging" over bumps or when I bounce the front wheel on the ground. Very disconcerting. Taken the down hills slow and held off the front brake Incase the rim folds! 😯
Any advice guys?
Damage to me:
Need new lid, head hit the ground pretty hard. Saw stars! Lol
Broken pinky on right hand. Strapped up with insulation tape.
Not sure what I've done to my collar bone. Bleedin hurts though.
Blood, lots of blood from arms and legs.
In truth I'm really only concerned annoy the front wheel, any help appreciated guys. I'll finish the Sdw if I have to walk it! Riding is better though. 😀
no pics I'm afraid, taking ages to upload and I need sleep.
In Cocking village now, bedding down on a playing field. Usually would be more discrete but I really don't care tonight.
I want bed!
Will update tomorrow!
Said hello to everyone I met and people responded in kind.... Apart from roadies. Got totally blanked
This usually happens to me. The acknowledgement rate from roadies is about 20%. But roadies are far superior to mountain bikers so it's totally OK right?...
BTW Cool story. Looking forward to the next installment.
Was it on the chalky decent after Harting Down? Where it spits you out into a meadow ? Lots of gulleys and debris in there. Cant think of a different decent thats dangerous tbh , maybe the drop of Beacon hill as its got stepped over the years and the smooth line is on the far right
STM I wondered if it was the next one East.
Been a few months since I rode through there but once you have gone down in to the meadow on that rutted bit, you would then climb up and round to to the right on a wide track and then a very rutted farm track that swings right and drops sharply at the end into a mini valley. The climb up is then almost straight away and really steep.
Blimey! Take care out there. There's a few fast steep bits my way, long concrete road just after Kingston where it's easy to get speed up and then just after Mill Hill there's a steep finish to a short steep hill that ends at a gate so you'll have to stop on the slope or end up in the gate. Good luck.
Having struggled on the SDW a while ago I always follow these posts with interest. Let us know you're doing alright this morning it sounds like a nasty crash. Take care and get yourself looked at, you can always come back and have another crack at it another time - it's not going anywhere!
Anyone heard from poopscoop today? Is he still alive?
Hope you're doing ok Poop, I was going to do the SDW this year too but chieckened out 🙂
Earth to poopscoop. Come in poopscoop.....
How did it all go? Are you ok?!
Send us a sign!
Sooooo, did he make it or is he in a ditch somewhere?
Come in Major poopscoop!
Am worried. Hoping not dead in ditch.
Gnn. Rode some of the sections of this between QECP and Houghton last week and while the terrain isn't hard, it's bloody hilly and there are a few sections where excessive speed would certainly leave you in the ditch. There's loads of chalk to ride on too, and although it was dry when I did it, the couple of damp bits that I slid off suggested that this is no ride to do in the wet!
Hope he's ok. With those symptoms, I'd have detoured to find a GP to check me out I think!
Sheesh, that was an interesting day1.
Ground control to Major Poopscoop have you:
a) been detained in a hospital ?
b) drowned in a ditch ?
c) been arrested for vagrancy ?
d) been attacked by the midge preservation society for killing the little bu**ers with your vodka bottle ?
Please provide situation report.
Should someone go and look for him?
Sorry!
Will update properly when I have time.:-)
Struggled in the next day but I felt utterly s**t. Most concerning is I had nystagmus come on after the crash. I had neurosurgery years ago and that tends to come on after I've "over done it" carrying to much etc etc.... crashing a bike does it too it turns out! 😀
Even though I had to bail (got train from Chichester back to Winchester) I absolutely loved the experience. The weather, the countryside and the people. So, so glad I went for it.
If I hadn't I world have been going into the autumn feeling a bit low to be honest. However I can live with the fact I tried but didn't succeed this time.
Oh, the noise I thought was don't wheel spokes is actually from the [b]Pikes![/b] Sounds expensive but fingers crossed
Will do a little write up soon with some pics. My second time on the South Downs. Truly God's Country! Incredible. 😀
Nice one! Glad you're ok. And the good thing is that the scenery gets even better on the second half.
I do it every year in July over two days. I start counting down the months from January. There's nothing quite like the SDW!
Glad you are ok.
Good to hear you've survived. Looking forward to the write up.
Glad to hear you're OK. I've slipped off on what I think must be either the same hill, or one of the ones close to it - they can be quite surprising.
I've also been dropped by super-fast single speeders.
Nice to hear from you Poopscoop - good effort and thanks for sharing. I have 'unfinished business' with the SDW - I love hearing about other people's assaults on it, helps keep me motivated 🙂
Proper adventure 🙂
Glad you survived 🙂
As a Yorkshire rider, my first visit to the South Downs was accompanied by some surprise ("Good grief, they have hills South of Sheffield!") and the 40-odd miles I did were certainly more taxing than I would have given credit for prior to riding.
I'll definitely be back to do the whole thing.
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REBIRTH!!
SDW ADVENTURE, THE SEQUEL.
The weather is too good to not give the SDW another try later this week.
Will be over 3 days probably, bivvying overnight. All gear taped to bike or in the rucksack...
Fitter than I've been in years but not even close to MTB Fit. Lol
Today I repaired a stuck down Monarch Plus....what's the worst that could happen... And now deciding whether to swap the HR2 for a minion SS.
The eternal SDW tyre debate!
Hopefully won't crash out this time. Look out for an all black jeffsy with a porky rider mincing around later in the week. 😃
I'll update things in this thread as I go.😃
Pic from last year:
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Jealous its stunning up there at the moment. Enjoy
Also very jealous, note the headwind if going the right way - west, though.
Did Steyning-Eastbourne last week, shrouded in sea mist (although it was bright sunshine when I dropped down into Eastbourne!).
Will be heading the other way tomorrow morning. Not sure if I can be arsed to go beyond QE Park though, I mean the original SDW started at Buriton, didn’t it?
Posted 9 months ago
Poopscoop
Subscriber
——————————————————
REBIRTH!!
SDW ADVENTURE, THE SEQUEL.
Aha! that explains the "sun rises at 6" comment! More like ten to 5 at the moment, and probably light enough to ride without lights from 4, unless you're under trees.
Good luck Poopscoop! Was talking on a ride last night about giving this another go. Jealous, especially it being midweek!
Take it easy in the heat - plenty of rehydration stops (apparently beer is isotonic) , and keep up the salt intake (bacon sandwiches, crisps & peanuts)
It’s stunning on the tops, trail ran some of it yesterday morning and it was simply stunning.
Enjoy it.
Some mates did an sdw in a day attempt at the weekend - the heat really slowed their pace so plan for less distance per day if this heat continues.
Wear sunscreen! (and a buff under your helmet)
Agreed, the conditions are superb at the moment.
biggest problems will be sweat and dust !
Keep us updated as to where you will be when.
It is really hot up on the Downs at the moment. Lots of fluid & take extra care on the dh sections as a lot of it has become quite loose with random floating lumps of chalk & flint, especially around the section between QE & Cocking.
I was thinking of attempting the organised South Downs in a day CX Sportive on the 7th of July on the cross bike so following updates with interest.
Was up near storrington yesterday super weather you have a blast!
mattbee
take extra care on the dh sections as a lot of it has become quite loose with random floating lumps of chalk & flint, especially around the section between QE & Cocking
It's that section that I crashed on last year! Lol
Small problem at the moment....the"fixed" stuck down Monarch Plus.....isn't so fixed. It's packed down over night. 😠
Got to fit a spare Monarch today and send the Plus away to TFT when I'm back I suppose.
Hoping to start the ride on Friday from the look of it.
Right, bike checked over as good as possible. Backpack all packed. Only taking a "disposable" emergency bivvy as I don't reckon I will need it.
Haglofs Lim Down +1's second outing and although bloody expensive it is warm and insanely light.
Decided to go to bed early and set off for Winchester about 4 am.... Then off we go!
Best of luck mate, be careful with heat etc.
Sounds good, but sounds like you think you’ll be on top for quite some time.
Best of luck. I’m still licking my wounds from a one day attempt . I’m keeping my fingers crossed*for another attempt in July.
* tailwind!!
Just did bishops Waltham to Amberly 2 days ago. It's in great Nick but because it's soooo dry the gravel patches are pretty slippy!
Group of 5 of us going to attempt a one day Eastbourne to Winchester SDW tomorrow (Sat). Date was set over a month ago so amazed that its looking like good weather and even a partial tailwind.
I'm on a Whyte T129, others on Cube 29r hardtails or Giant Anthem. Will keep an eye out for anyone on a Jeffsy.
I'm planning a Devils Dyke-Eastbourne-Devils Dyke ride tomorrow early. Will be on a Niner RKT. See you all out there.
Did Steyning to QE Park yesterday, was very fast and very hot!
Watch the gravel on the descents.....
Settling down for night in a field at Cocking.
2 minor crashes but enough to get blood everywhere.lol Took a flap of skin off a finger but insulation tape sorted that.
Crashed on the SAME place that ended my STW attempt last year! FFS! It's my nemesis obviously. Luckily was going a bit slower this time.... Took several off piste adventures too.....meaning I got lost and add a few miles on to the ride!
Drinking water like it's gone out of fashion. A rider and some residents in cocking gave me water.... The guy who owns the only shop in Cocking actually reopened it for me to get water and food.
Most prime are innately good you know. It's not like all the doom and gloom on the news.
BTW, Pub in Cocking is closed. Had to carry on down road to an open pub..... 2 ales later the aches went away.lol
Pikes fubared but will make another post about that. They are functioning though so ploughing on tomorrow! 😁
Oh, wearing a bright blue helmet,a Catlike Leaf. Hopefully see done some of you tomorrow!
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Second one is where I crashed.lol
Nighty night.
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👍
👍🤳🕺
It’s been hot out there today. Currently relaxing at the White Horse, Graffham, after a glorious day of roadying around E Sussex. Have a good one OP and stay safe
Today was brutal. Felt nauseous, balance went even when pushing the bike. Dropped it twice because I was just staggering along. About 2ish I ditched the bike and rucksack and laid in some shade. Felt a lot better afterwards. Was drinking tonnes, stopped at houses for to ups. No amount of water made me feel better.
I repaired the Pikes but it included a 6 mile round trip to Steyning (speed?) A big thanks to the guys and South Downs Cycles for lending me the tools.... 2 tokens had come loose. Amazing the amount of noise 2 bits of plastic can make!
Also.....on A24 crossing.....I managed to back track WEST.... I didn't even notice! Lost about 10 or more miles I was totally gutted... You have no idea.
Arrived at YH at 10 to 10... Just before they close. Beasted myself to get there.
No rooms, so bivvying here.
Tomorrow will be a birch! Lol 😆
Crack on you should be there soon .
Bravo so far.....
Well, that is about survival now. Pretty bad OTB and legs just have nothing on them. Nothing. Can barely walk straight.
I'm determined to get there. Wish me luck!🍀
Are you sure you should be allowed to ride on your own? 😁
I think you need a riding buddy to look after you!
The best memories come from tough adventures, keep up the good work.
Hope you do it poopscoop, you picked a hell of a w/e to do it on but put yourself first they'll other chances to do the ride.
Poopscoop, are you there?
#prayforpoop
I did the SDW last weds on my fatbike. Was very hot, used all the water taps, felt queasy all dag in the heat. Missed the turn at black cap which added an extra climb and lost an hour. After a 6am start at Winchester we got to Alfriston at 9.15pm and decided to call it quits. Only 8 miles short but 2 more bastard hills and no light!
That was a hard day. Unfinished business though so will be back!
Also need to do a multi day bivvi to enjoy the ride and scenery a bit more - definitely the best option.
Good luck poops, it's a tough old ride!
Second one is where I <span class="skimlinks-unlinked">crashed.lol</span>
I think I crashed in pretty much exactly the same spot!
There was a moment of "wait, what" followed by "this'll be fine, I can sort this" followed by "nggghghghgrr".
You sound like an absolute disaster. 😯
Also…..on A24 crossing…..I managed to back track WEST…. I didn’t even notice! Lost about 10 or more miles I was totally gutted… You have no idea.
How the hell did you manage this ?
Did you take the alternative route over the bridge into Washington then back up the Bostal Road then manage to cross the A24 again ????
Any way, keep the report coming as its keeping me smiling 🙂
You sound like an absolute disaster.
Shhh. This is the 'encouraging noises' thread. The piss-taking can start once we know he survives. 🙂
Quick bump - is he OK?
Quick update. Got back home late last night.
Had to abort with 12 miles to go. Was running on pure obstinacy (sp?) but as n night set in and my cheap head torch went flat I had to give in. I'm a carer for my mother and had to be back Sunday night without fail so my sister could head of home. I was exhausted, gutted and beyond tired.
I will check on Strava as at some point but I ride an extra 15 miles approximately do to a detour to the bike shop and DOUBLING BACK ON MYSELF TWICE. TWICE!
That was like a Greek tragedy in my head I can tell you.
Had 2 more crashes,both fairly bad. The last one coming down a fast, smooth decline to a gate.... broke too late and just managed to avoid the gate by streering left into bramble.... And a barbed wire fence....which slowed down my left arm and leg even further.....
I look like I've had a fight with a guy who was hitting me with wire wool.
My arse is on fire, my vision is a little odd and I was so out of it I didn't remind my son we had to go pick up my car when I aborted. So we went home to Kent before I even realised....So going so Winchester as I type, to pick it up!
Oh,a bloke in a car got out to have a fight with me because apparently I thought "I owned the road."
The ending to that little issue was comedy genius though!😂
Will post pics and more details in a day or so!
It’s an extraordinary thread. How are you crashing on the SDW? How are you getting lost on the A24?
i mean, kudos for trying and not being a quitter but surely there’s an easier way? 😳
You didn't so much ride the SDW as go to war with it by sounds of It ! Ten out of ten for effort poopscoop.