Congratulations to Kevin Newlyn

In Kevin's Words

I’ve lived at the foot of the South Downs my entire life, and I feel incredibly fortunate to call such a beautiful part of the world home. Three of my greatest passions are wildlife, the countryside, and cycling.
This challenge has a bit of all three.
In fact, it has a lot of all three!

I’ve been riding on the South Downs since I was a young lad, and I love it just as much today as I did then. Although I had spent years riding different sections of the South Downs Way, I had never attempted the full route from start to finish—all 100 miles in one go.

On 30th July 2021, a couple of friends and I decided to give it a go, riding from Winchester to Eastbourne on our cyclocross bikes. The conditions were far from ideal: wet, windy, and relentless. Despite the weather, I learned a great deal from that ride, and it sparked something inside me. The idea of attempting the double was born.

Riding the South Downs Way in one direction is a tough day out. Riding it both ways in a single day is a serious challenge. Anyone who has attempted and completed it has my full respect and admiration.

At 4:19 a.m. on 10th May 2022, I set off from the foot of Truleigh Hill near Botolphs in the Adur Valley and headed east towards Eastbourne. The first leg of the ride felt fantastic. My legs were fresh, and I had a helpful tailwind pushing me along.

However, once I reached Eastbourne and turned around for the journey to Winchester, reality began to set in. I realised I had probably gone out a little too hard and was in for a very long day.

The Eastbourne-to-Winchester leg was ridden largely into a crosswind and headwind, particularly through the morning and into lunchtime. It took a toll on me and forced me to burn far too many matches just to maintain pace. Having to pedal down descents where I would normally tuck in and freewheel was all the confirmation I needed.

When I returned to the car at Botolphs, I seriously considered abandoning the ride. By that point, I knew my target speed and finishing time were no longer realistic. After a much-needed pep talk from my wife, I accepted that simply completing the challenge should be the goal.

As the day wore on, cramp became a real issue, especially on the climbs. If I’m honest, I was in survival mode for the final few hours. The challenge became as much mental as it was physical. I focused on keeping the pedals turning and refused to let negative thoughts take hold.

A few minutes after the 20-hour mark, I finally arrived back at my starting point. I felt relieved, exhausted, and elated all at once. At the time, I was too tired to fully appreciate what I had achieved. It was only in the days that followed, as I reflected on the ride, that it truly sank in. I knew I had done something I would remember for the rest of my life.

I think everyone who attempts this challenge has their own story and their own journey. It sounds obvious, but the key is to just keep those pedals turning—one revolution at a time. Minimising stopped time is also crucial; it’s surprising how many minutes can disappear over the course of such a long ride.

I feel proud and privileged simply to be able to ride in such a stunning landscape. Being up on the South Downs often feels like stepping back in time. It’s wild, breathtaking (in more ways than one!) and peaceful.

Apart from the heavy breathing, of course!

I completed the challenge on my On-One Whippet hardtail mountain bike, running a 32-tooth chainring, a 10–51 cassette, and 2.1-inch Vittoria Mezcal tyres.

I used the Eggbeater-style pedals, which in hindsight probably weren’t the best choice. While they’re lightweight, they don’t provide much of a platform, and my feet became a little sore over the course of the ride

For storage, I carried a saddle bag and three small frame bags. One of the frame bags was dedicated to rubbish, which I found very useful for storing sticky gel wrappers until I could dispose of them properly.

I also took a small backpack.

One of the things I love most about a challenge like this is the preparation. Planning the route, choosing equipment, and deciding on the right setup are all important parts of the process. They each play a role in the final outcome and add to the overall experience.

The South Downs also delivered some unforgettable wildlife encounters. Over the course of the ride, I saw almost every resident imaginable, including an adder, badgers, and owls. One of the highlights was seeing around fifty deer cross my path. Watching them scatter into the darkness as they caught sight of my lights was a magical moment and one I’ll never forget.