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.
Ben Amesbury, so close
Ben Amesbury – 25h 55m on the 30th July 2011. Despite laying long-term plans for the ride, Ben was unlucky enough to have no fewer than 7 punctures in the first 70 miles. Many riders would have abandoned at that point, but Ben kept going and finally completed the ride...
Congratulations to Paul Gibbons
Paul Gibbons - 23h 36m on the 15th July 2011. Paul from Lewes Wanderers CC originally planned to ride with a partner, but ended up going it alone. Starting off after midnight in a gale and suffering 3 punctures, Paul reportedly found time for a "rather tasty ice cold...
Congratulations to Darren Slade
Darren Slade - 23h 36m on the 12th May 2011. Completing the first Double of 2011, Darren Slade battled rain and a strong headwind to complete the ride in 23:38:21. According to this report from Tim Young, opening gates became almost impossible as he had no strength...
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.