One thing and another I find myself down on the south coast for a week next week 17th - 22nd/23rd. The plan is to take my bike and disappear off for the days whilst Mrs. brain works from "home".
So I'm looking for a bit of help, possibly in the form of some routes or maybe showing around if anyone fancies joining me for a bit and showing me [s]round[/s] up.
I'll be based out of Bexhill but very much expecting to travel as it hasn't exactly looked like exciting riding country when I've been down there before.
Entirely up for debate and change but for the moment at least...
A day or (maybe two) up to the Surrey hills seems sensible but I've zero clue where I'm headed, anyone able to give me any pointers on a good place to get to and ride from and any "must do" type trails?
I'm thinking I'll do a day over on the south downs/Friston as it's an easy run over to Eastbourne either by bike or train and then it's a nice pedal from there and I know where I'm going. If I decide to just pitch along the SDW I'm sure I could fill a few days as an out and back especially if I make stops at QECP and the like.
I imagine I'll be dragged over to Worthing at some point to say hello to some friends and coo over their newish little person so maybe tie something in over there? @Drp I think that's your neck of the woods, any advice on a ride that way out?
I know there's an official route round Bedgebury but I've never been, is it worth a stop at all? I'm more mincer than shredder but equally I'm not keen on driving for an hour each way to ride an hour if its only one short loop.
And that's sort of where I start to run out of ideas and it's certainly not enough to fill a week.
So STW what have you got by way of suggestions for me?
What type of riding do you like? If you will only be happy with moorland romps and someone recommend a DJ spot you'll definitely be disappointed!
Bedgebury is a 1 hour-ish XC loop. It makes good use of limited elevation and there's some fun but non technical trails (the most challenging features are a few small drops on an optional section).
I like it but live nearby. There's not enough for a day out.
Friston I had trouble finding where trails started from. The official signposted route isn't worth it. Should be fun if you can find a guide or at least a gps route.
Was an Eastbourne local for 7 years until last week. My usual weekend rides were Friston or Stanmer park in Brighton. Both good for half a day or so, see trailforks for the popular trails if you're pushed for time. Surrey is also worth a visit, would suggest visiting on a weekday as it gets very busy at weekends. Whenever I went, I would meet friends at the main car park near Peaslake village and just tick off the popular trails from there, plenty of options. Bedgebury is a bit bland, not really worth it unless you're heading that way anyway in my opinion. The loop there is pretty short, so I'd usually do two laps with a quick refreshment stop between as an after work spin. Newhaven pump track and the Bull Track are also pretty good if you have the desire to get the wheels off the ground at all.
Heya.. Yeah I'm worthing based...
You're welcome to join for a night ride on the Tuesday (17th) if you want, so bring lights!
Or.. I'm sure I could spare a bit of availability on the wednesday afternoon to show you a few bits around here then too?
What bike you brining? What sort of riding are you after?
DrP
Activ cycles do a Thursday night shop ride which includes awesome views across to France =, maybe drop them a line?
everyone gives up hope in bexhill.
For some reason no one really explores Bedgebury. When I lived down there I could easily put together a decent 45km ride of mostly single-track and that is without the extensions to Bewl and Angley woods.
If you search, there's about 4 lakes, some "challenging" steps a couple of evil climbs and even an abandoned railway tunnel. Sure its not Dunkeld but it's certainly not bland.
although..Bexhill is quite a trek away from Worthing!
I've a good XC/Gravel route around that way (E Sussex) i could share?
DrP
What type of riding do you like? If you will only be happy with moorland romps and someone recommend a DJ spot you’ll definitely be disappointed!
Most actual riding works for me, an hour humiliating my self at DJ is certainly enough but, stick it in the middle of that moorland romp and I'll be happy enough (though I imagine DJ will be heaving with scary teenagers drinking monster given its school holidays and they'll all laugh at me, so maybe not that)
Friston I had trouble finding where trails started from
The bench at the top 😉. I've been a few times when down that way so can string a loop or three together well enough but I'm certainly not that familiar with the place, last time I came to the bottom of the wrong side of the hill and didn't notice until I got clear of the trees and the sun was 180 degrees from where it should have been!
My usual weekend rides were Friston or Stanmer park in Brighton. Both good for half a day or so, see trailforks for the popular trails if you’re pushed for time. Surrey is also worth a visit, would suggest visiting on a weekday as it gets very busy at weekends. Whenever I went, I would meet friends at the main car park near Peaslake village and just tick off the popular trails from there, plenty of options.
Stanmer might be worth a look ta & Peaslake is a good shout on a starting point thank you.
everyone gives up hope in bexhill
Not true, (a) you've clearly never been to Bradford, or Huddersfield or, actually, most of the m62 corridor cities. (b) you go to Bexhill when you've given up hope, you don't do it once you get there.
Activ cycles do a Thursday night shop ride
Excellent thank you!
although..Bexhill is quite a trek away from Worthing!
Yeah, it's not exactly doorstep but it's only an hour or so away and I'll likely have to go anyway.
Not sure on the bike, probably be on my following as it's a bit more pedal friendly than the process and frankly the biggest limiting factor is me not the bike!
Tempting though a night ride sounds in honesty if I do end up riding over that way it'll be the one day where my timing is set for me rather than entirely of my own volition, so a few pointers on places is probably a better bet than trying to arrange something - I'll be for the high jump if I don't go and try to look excited over the baby. Still at least I don't have to take it home.
Xc gravel route in East Sussex sounds good if you wouldn't mind sharing?
For some reason no one really explores Bedgebury. When I lived down there I could easily put together a decent 45km ride of mostly single-track and that is without the extensions to Bewl and Angley woods.
That might be a good call for the weekend then if I pop the wife's bike in too.
(b) you go to Bexhill when you’ve given up hope, you don’t do it once you get there.
i grew up round there and went to bexhill 6th form. all hope was nearly extinguished....
Actually.... I'm off Thursday.. kid free....
Was planning a nice day of riding....
You keen for a lovely 100km xc loop around East Sussex on Thursday?
It's a figure 8, starting at itford youth hostel...
55km first loop... 45k second...
Time for lunch stop and beer stop ...
Fancy it?
DrP
You got my email address?
You keen for a lovely 100km xc loop around East Sussex on Thursday?
I guess that depends on which power meter you're using 😉
I've pm'd you!
Depending on when you last went to Friston, you might find it a bit different! There has been a lot of forestry work recently (pump track obliterated, several good trails maimed etc) and some fencing has gone up to block off other trails, mainly on the left of cardiac (descending) Still worth a visit in conjunction with a bit of SDW and some trails on the right of cardiac hill (descending) have been improved.