Now in its 2nd year, experience the South of England at it's natural best. This challenging cycle route runs West to East from Historic Winchester to the stunning white chalk cliffs of Eastbourne. Two ability based groups ride over two days to complete the distance. Self navigate following a signed route.

 

Event

South Downs Way MTB Challenge 2009

Date

25-04-2009 - 26-04-2009

Type

Mountain Bike Endurance Challenge

Cost

£105

Closing Date

19-04-2009

Places

100

Distances

Approx 106 miles over two days.

Location

Winchester to Eastbourne.

Schedule

Meet at Winchester for Challenge registration briefing.
Day 1 Winchester to Washington - 54 Miles
Day 2 Washington to Eastbourne - 52 Miles
Detailed timings and meet points will be made available on the 'Further instructions' link 2 weeks before the event.

Terrain

Approx 80% off-road following the well established Southdown Way cycle path. This tough ride provides some stunning scenery as well as over 10,000 feet of climbing and some steep descents throughout the 106 mile route.

Facilities

Two weeks before the event full joining instructions will be displayed under the 'Further instructions'. Maps and challenge numbers to be collected on the day at challenge registration.
On route votwo will provide:
Route signage. A fast votwo rider will be ahead of you frantically stapling fluorescent arrows to things to help guide you on the route. Its anticipated that this marked route will be the same one as marked on your maps! Thus giving you no excuse to got lost.
Group guides. Several votwo riders will be maintaining different paces over the whole course.
Check points every 15 miles approximately. These are used to make sure you are safely on course, as feed stations and as timing points. There will be achievable cut off times at each checkpoint. You must physically check in at all check points.
All food and water at check points. Food comes in the form of filled roles, flap jacks and other healthy snacks! Hot drinks are provided at the later check points in the day.
Kit transportation. We will get all your over night kit to the camp site then transport you, your bike and your kit back to your car in Winchester on the Sunday Evening. We refuse to put your tent up for you though (sorry!)
A professional bike mechanic supplied by www.offcamber.co.uk will be on route to help out. in the evening the Off Camber boys will be setting up there bike shop and service / bike repair station. There is small charge for their service in the evening but its more than worth it to make sure your bike works on the Sunday!
Physiotherapist Chris Blythin, will be on hand in the evening to massage and look at injuries (£10 per 15 min massage).
Event medic. Votwo medic will be route to supply first aid to the injured.
Dave Blow the votwo photographer will be snapping you at your best and you will be able to purchase photos on CD after the event.
Transportation. Votwo will transport all your camping kit and bags to the camp site then transport you and your bike back to your car in Winchester on the Sunday.
Group meal on Saturday night. We will be off to the local pub who are providing us with a set menu. the meal is included in the entry fee.
If you are just doing one day of the challenge votwo will transport you back to your car (at the start point) at the end of the day.
Breakfast on the Sunday morning. Porridge made by Andy 'one lump or two' Blow.

Accommodation

The over night stop is at the Washington Camping and Caravan park. We will transport your bags and equipment there for you however you need to put up your own tent.
The campsite has excellent facilities including toilets, showers and washing/drying facilities. For more information on the site please see www.washcamp.connectfree.co.uk . Camping fees are inclusive in the event entry price.

Prizes

Every entrant will receive a quality laser engraved glass trophy that will take pride of place on any self respecting mantle shelf or trophy cabinet. A goodie bag at registration including the now famed Forgoodnesshake. Event T-shirts and hooded tops can be purchased when you enter online.

Categories

On day one it will be a mass start that will break down in to natural ability groups.
Day two will have two start times. Earlier start for 'Speed impaired' riders and a later start for the trail whippets! Timings will be confirmed in the 'Further instructions'.

Entry Confirmation

All entries on line. Confermation email sent.

Spectators

Spare maps will be available at challenge registration if your supports want to find the check points and cheer you on.

Other Details

A list of results, overall times and check point times will be posted on the votwo website after the event.
See the gallery for pictures of last years challenge.

Andy's Comments

Im only doing this event for the porridge.