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 Nick Herlihy
Nick Herlihy – 22h 13m 33s on the 18th May 2014. Near perfect weather for Nick on his double ride. A brief few words from Nick: I set off a couple of hours before sunset because I wasn't confident at all I could do it under 24 hours and didn't want to be finishing in...
Ross Adams – navigation problems cost Ross the record
Ross Adams – 17h 54m 28s on the 30th of August 2013. A gallant effort from Ross but naviagtion problems cost him dear. Read more here
Congratulations to Jon Ellis
Jon Ellis - 22h 23m on the 29th June 2013.At 51 years old Jon shows that age is no barrier to completing the double. Read all about his exploits here
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.