My second go at this. I did the 100 mile event last year and said
never again. This year I entered the 65 mile event to Devil's Dyke.
First train to Winchester then a mad dash to the start. A quick
sign-on and the 100 or so riders (interestingly outnumbered by over 2
to 1 by the 100 milers who had departed at 0600) all headed off up the
first hill (fortunately tarmac). The SDW was extended from Buriton
several years ago and the 21mile extension to Winchester has a lot of
on-road sections but also some lovely descents. Chatted to several
riders who were trying the 65 as a prelude to the full event next
year.
First serious uphill climb up a root-strewn gully was followed shortly
by the checkpoint at Butser Hill and the best bit of the whole ride
IMO, the screaming 40mph descent down to the A3, all on grass. You
soon learn on this ride that you pay for your descents with wickeder
and wickeder ascents; this was certainly the case at Cocking, Amberley
and Beeding. By this time I had caught up a lot of 100 milers (lower
numbers, including one old boy who was walking most of the hills, hope
he made it in time)) and was kicking myself for not having entered the
whole event. Climbing Truleigh Hill just before the end of the 65
miler I thought _I can carry on_ but after the big finish it all
seemed to run out, especially after the [censored] of a climb the other
side of the Dyke. My lunch stop/broom wagon rendezvous at Ditchling
proved too much to resist and I had already decided to pack there when
I arrived. I felt sorry for the 35 milers who were doing the Dyke to
Eastbourne, but was content just to see Firle Beacon rearing up
menacingly to the East. Maybe next year!
www.bhf.org.uk for details
Trailbreak do the ride over two days in September, but not cheap.