Riding 100miles over 2 days on mountain bikes from Winchester to Eastbourne with checkpoints and on route support from votwo guides, mechanics and helpers.  

The ancient South Downs Way stretches 100 miles between Winchester and Eastbourne and includes over 4000m of climbing along the historically significant route. It is thought to have first been travelled over 8000 years ago, way back into the Mesolithic period, with the chalky ridgeline offering wanderers much easier going than the wet and wooded countryside below. What is certainly known is that those early Stone age travellers did not consume anywhere near as many magic ‘Sport Beans’ and Tuna rolls as the 70 or so intrepid votwo cyclists who completed the route last weekend. Also no records exist to confirm whether Stone Age man got through 24 spare innertubes, required his pedals to be mended after just 5 miles or sneaked a lift in a mini bus along a few sections, however evidence exists to support all of these findings from the 27^th and 28^th April 2008. 

Starting off en masse from the picturesque Tesco car park just off the A34/M3 junction at 9:45am Saturday morning around 70 riders were promised warm sunshine, tough terrain and 5 star accommodation at the days finish point, Washington, around half way to Eastbourne. As ever aiming to deliver on at least 2 out of 3 promises votwo organised the clouds to burn off around 10:30am and the hills to make arduous going right from the start. Accommodation wise a trailer load of tents was dropped off at the campsite so at least if it rained over night the riders would only get a bit damp rather than fully soaked through.  

Early on it was abundantly clear that there was a mix of racing snakes and those seeking to enjoy the scenery as the field strung out along several miles of the route. At the first checkpoint of the day atop Old Winchester Hill lead rider Eliot Challifour was dragging/being dragged along at high speed by Matt Zalewski who looked like a man on a mission (and on a very lightweight bike).

Further back down the field the bikes (and riders!) got slightly heavier and more comfortable looking as they weaved their way in the warm sunshine towards checkpoint 2 at Queen Elizabeth’s Country Park, just below Butser Hill. The fast and flowing grassy descent off Butser Hill was responsible for many childish grins on adult faces and as names were ticked off the list they tucked into cheese rolls before heading off in a South Easterly direction to Cocking where the last CP of the day awaited. Matt the bike mechanic was kept busy here with ripped tyres and a lot of questions starting ‘would you just mind having a little look at my gears…..?’ His box of spare brake pads and cables getting lighter by the minute. If anyone wants to get hold of Matt the mechanic for bike servicing or more info on his excellent custom build work go to www.zerofourbikes.co.uk  

Just 4hrs and 40min after setting off Zalewski arrived at the Washington campsite looking far too fresh considering the 50 odd miles he had just completed. From then on a steady stream of riders rolled in looking increasingly weary but nonetheless happy with their day on the trail. The last riders arrived just after 7pm having spent almost 10hrs in the saddle.

A few bright red faces, arms and legs told you all you needed to know about the strength of the late April sun as the riders relaxed in the green and pleasant surroundings of the camp ground.

Meanwhile a crack votwo team of riding guides quickly transformed themselves into BBQ chefs as burgers, sausages, salads and pasta were prepared and served almost as quickly as they could be scoffed by hungry cyclists. Sitting around the camp fire and enjoying a couple of beers the mood was contented yet tired and most turned in fairly early to rest up for another long day in the saddle.  

All evening votwo Physio Chris Blythin was kept extremely busy rubbing legs until well after sun down, though he did comment on a disappointing amount of ‘extras’ sold…..In fact, Chris was working so late he missed the meal altogether having to settle for a ‘For Goodness Shake’ for his tea. Luckily this excellent sports recovery product contains everything a growing lad needs for optimum nutritional balance and before too long he was full of energy and switched roles to become a critical component in the day 2 sandwich making production line.  

Morning arrived to the sound of rain on canvass as the previously advertised precipitation proceeded to fall right on cue. Porridge production was in full swing with the participants fortifying themselves for the day ahead with either 1 or two slices of the stuff (yes, it was quite thick). Luckily the rain eased off for a while and riders self seeded into 2 groups with the faster athletes setting off 1 hour later than the rest to bring timings at the finish a little closer together. The sick/lame/lazy count stood at 16 riders who all forged notes from their Mums to get Ben’s permission to sit out day 2.  

Checkpoint 1 on day 2 caused a little confusion with the number of car parks at the Devil’s Dyke meaning that some riders missed the mini bus, however after some cross checking everyone was accounted for and the entire field back on route well before CP 2. Zalewski was still riding strongly setting the pace once more and had just about caught all of the early starters making him the best bet for first finisher once again.

At the final CP before the finish (Alfriston) people were in general looking tired and the rain was setting in. However having got so close there was a definite air of determination for a big push to the finish. Ticking off the final miles into Eastbourne the riders were generally grinning as they were checked off the list at the pier and just had the final 500m stretch to the mini bus left. The local fish and chip shops did not quite no what had hit them as swarms of sweaty people in garish lycra clothing demanded everything in large portions; clearly there were some calories expended on the route which needed replacing fast! 

Once the bikes were loaded into vans and tired bodies loaded into seats the wagons started rolling back to Winchester. Driving all that way (taking well over 2hrs) really put into perspective just how far everyone had ridden in the last 48hrs and those who stayed awake rightly felt proud of their achievements.  

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