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Is it a goer?
I have not done it before but a friend is looking to do it to raise money for a two year volunteer trip to Ethiopia. I have a feeling that the chalk turns to slime in the wet but i may be wrong.
I know it would involve a dark start and finish, but any "local" advice/info/thoughts would be great
If its a no-goer id rather nip this idea in the bud sooner than later and decide on anotheroption.
Were all decent riders, however we will need to cram in some miles beforehand im sure
Wait until the summer - it can be very punishing even then!
Madness . I got slammed on some chalk ridng up hill on saterday. You would need to do 4 hours in the dark to start with, then allow 8 hours in daylight , then another 3 -4 in the dark at the finish .
You would be pressing on by trying to make up time by belting down slippery chalk descents,whilst I am not saying you will crash its highly likely.
Plus the amount of gear you would need to carry, even with some support. food water clothing etc. Training will also be harder as its dark , wet and cold.
Best of luck
Oh, hi Pete!
you OK?
Hi Rob,
I'm good ta, how about you - are you doing the Whiteways ride next Sun?
Have done it a number of times (I live in Brighton) I would recommend doing it in the dry and in the summer when the days are longer
The climbs are harder than people expect and the chalk is more slippy than people expect and the mud is more gloopy. Even with a succession of dry days there are big stretches that can remain really churned up by horses and waterlogged as well. It can be miserable. The Downs has some great riding in the winter but you need to avoid certain bits in my opinion and the SDW doesn't!
Give it a crack in the summer though, you'll love it
Just as i tought, at least that settles an argument!
Its got to be done by the 1st Feb, as he leaves then, so winter is the only option! Time for plan B, C2C in two!
I can't believe it ! Usually when someone says they are doing the SDW at anytime there's usually some moron comes on saying how easy it is and how they did it on a unicycle blinfold or something !!
Well done guys, VERY good advice !
I forgot to add when I did it, I did it on a Raleigh Chopper!
😉
It took us 14 hours inc some rests, and that was in dryish conditions. The best option is to wait for a cold spell in January when the ground in perma frozen. That will help massively! The only problem is the taps which fetaure at regular intervals will also be frozen! Hmmm! 🙄