South Downs Way Double

Cycle 200 miles, climb 22,000ft and open 200 gates in under 24 hours

For thousands of years, people have been crossing the South Downs using nothing but the power of their own two legs and in all that time, every traveller has been looking for the easiest route: what’s the quickest way over the next hill – around it, over it, or across its flanks? Eventually, out of all those small, individual decisions a trail emerged, worn into the chalk over countless journeys.

The end result of all those collective decisions and knowledge is the South Downs Way.

Of course, of all those people over all those years, someone’s got to have made the quickest journey, there-and-back. Nowadays, that’s going to be someone riding a bike.

200 miles (there and back). 24 hours to do it in. It’s that simple.

Congratulations to Jonathan Stedman

Congratulations to Jonathan Stedman

Jonathan Stedman - 21h 46m 31s on the 29th of July 2023. Jonathan contacted us 2 years ago with plans to attempt the double, well he finally got there! Check out Jonathan's Strava ride In Jonathan's words I fell in love with the South Downs and the South Downs Way 15...

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Congratulations to Mark Edwards

Congratulations to Mark Edwards

Now for something completely different. Although not a double attempt (yet), I thought Mark’s efforts were worthy of mention. South Downs Way single effort on a BMX Bike! Yes that’s right. Mark joined the annual Trailbreak South Downs Century sportive this year for an...

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Congratulations to Ollie Beresford

Congratulations to Ollie Beresford

Ollie Beresford - 16h 45m 12s on the 29th of July 2023. Ollie hailing from Winchester thought it would be rude not to have a crack at the Double, and smashed out a great time! Check out Ollies Strava ride In Ollies words I’ve decided to keep this one short and sweet....

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Current record holder
Ian Leitch

15 hours 35 minutes

Hall of Fame

All ride times and records for the South Downs Way Double.

The route

Maps, Distances, Timing, GPS data and water sources.

Trying the Double

Advice and tips on your preperation for the double.

THINKING OF TRYING THE DOUBLE

Advice and tips on your preperation for the double.