| 1. This is basically an off road route, via the Downs Link, that initially follows waterways, then tracks and paths and finally ends on roads in Brighton. I wouldn't advise anything other than a good mountain bike. Also, a pretty fit person, if you want to do this at the speed we did. We didn't break any world records, but we managed it in 3hrs 41mins, and raised a fair bit for my charity.
The start of the ride down the waterway is absolutely gorgeous, and it gets better!! The kind of ride that you could do over a couple of days camping or B&B'ing. We tried to blast it as best we could, but still managed to take in all of the amazing scenery, the heritage of the railway and it's many bridges. The ride starts off gently and the hills are minimal, until you get to about 11.5 mile in the woods. It's steep on the way up and very steep on the way down!! but a good blast! Most of the rest of the way is either flat, downhill or very slightly uphill, nothing major, but it does sap your energy. The only other hill was coming up to Bramley, but this isn't too bad. Stopped into a lovely pub in Partridge Green, called the Partidge, nice pub and beer.
As I say, the rest of the ride is pretty easy, just very sapping. I will be doing it again, but next time I will make sure I take more food, energy drinks and hydration, as I suffered form terrible cramp over the last 12 miles or so.
Enjoy!! :) |