In February 2015 I rode the South Downs Way as a solo test ride to check how I coped with spending long hours in the saddle and to check that my bike and kit held up as expected.
The ride took me 34 hrs with over 12hr spent in my bivi bag, I like sleepin, although this was in no way a speed attempt I was happy with my average moving speed of approx 12kph.
The South Downs way is reported to be 165km in length, plus I'd say 5km at the start and finish connecting to the railway stations, and includes between 12,500 and 13,800ft of ascent.
The SDW is ridden regularly in considerably under 24hrs but equally many choose to tour the SDW in 2, 3 or 4 days providing a more relaxed experience.
The trail is, as you will see, broad and non-technical although the season plays a huge part in your experience on the SDW. Summer dies can be exceptionally hot due to the lack of shelter along the route, while winter trips can be very muddy, or in my case hit by high side and head winds.

Day one of my ride went smoothly with only one section too muddy to ride, it was also too muddy to push at times, but from first thing on day two a strong head and side wind built. Weather stations along the route were recording 20-30mph winds gusting to well over 40mph, so while I only had 63km to complete, with tired legs, a prolonged period of rain and the wind to contend with, day two was more of a challenge than day one.

At carbon-monkey our primary goal is to facilitate an enjoyable time riding bikes, whether that be a multi day road tour, a wilderness bikepacking trip, or a half day skills coaching course.

When's your next adventure? Book it today at www.carbon-monkey.co.uk - and if the trip you want to do isn't listed yet, drop us an email to tom@carbon-monkey.co.uk and we'll get it in the diary.

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