Local North Downs bivvy tomorrow night?

[Dan_K]

As per the title, anyone want a short overnight bivvy tomorrow? Got a few bits of kit to test out.

Was thinking of meeting around 7 (I'm in Croydon). Ride out to the north downs (60-90 mins) and then sleeping out. Could do a pub if people wanted.

[InspiredRamblings]

Hey Dan...

I was contemplating a last minute S Downs bivvy last weekend (didn't make it due to bike issues) so was also contemplating this Saturday night... (mainly because I figure I'll be knackered by Friday night given this week, will need a lie in, and I haven't quite sorted my tarp out... (no poles, guys not all done)...

But I only live up the road in Streatham so it seems silly if you're going...

Any ideas where you might go to?

[Dan_K]

I was literally just thinking of something like heading towards Warlingham or possibly on the ridge at the top of Titsey Hill (near the car park):

http://goo.gl/maps/TW6Jy

I've cycled past there a few times and it looks like it might be ok, unless you've got some better ideas?

I'm 5 mins from East Croydon station so could meet you there around 7-8pm. Up to you really.

If the forecast is for a clear sky, i'll just use a bivvy bag and not bother with the tarp. Not seam sealed my Lunar Solo yet so that can stay at home.

[InspiredRamblings]

Ok, I've no excuses... this is possibly the closest to home bivvy opportunity I'll have. I don't have any better suggestions - don't know the N Downs very well so am keen to find some spots.

Wonder how long it takes to ride down to you and whether fighting with the traffic is preferable to fighting with the commuters on a train with a bike...

Now where was that thread on meeting random men off the internet....?

[Dan_K]

I think either by train or bike you won't have a problem - A23 south by bike or a few mins on the train. If you wanted to meet later, that's no issue either. I literally just want to get a night out with all the new bags on the bike so am not fussed about a long ride.

[InspiredRamblings]

Cool. I'll PM you my mobile number and then can let you know what I'm doing tomorrow. Happy to meet at the station or somewhere else...

I'll be the one with the...err...bike.

[tonyb]

Did you guys get out ?

[Dan_K]

Did we heck!

Laziness conspired against us and then we both went off on other trips.

[tonyb]

Shame ,I've only just got a bivvy bag and done 2 nights out ,one over ranmore near dorking and one on leith hill ,

[tonyb]

Weather great lets do a little short rde then sooooooooooooon

[YetiTony]

Planning a night out on the next Bank Holiday weekend and the North/South Downs is the potential location. Any advise on possible route or overnight locations from locals?

[Dan_K]

What sort of riding you after? Any ideas on roughly where you want to go?

[YetiTony]

Not really sure Dan to be honest.
We are based in Essex and haven't really done much of the Downs even though it is in easy reach. I imagine the South Downs is better for bike friendly trails?
Wouldnt mind a nice route with some nice singletrack to keep us amused. Thinking around 60 - 80 mile round trip.
Maybe a nice couple of stop offs for lunch and dinner (with a couple of drinks).
Any thoughts or ideas would be appreciated.

[Dan_K]

In terms of singletrack, the North Downs around Peaslake (Surrey Hills) are better than anything else i've ridden on the South Downs (although i've not ridden the hills close to Brighton which I hear are good too). Hills are bigger and views better on the South Downs if that's your thing. North Downs is more about wooded trails.
Obvious choice without singletrack would be the SDW.
Off road fast touring, i'd do Sustrans route 20 or 21 and link them up into a loop.

This is a good loop from STW:
http://singletrackworld.com/forum/topic ... -mile-ride
Route here:
http://connect.garmin.com/course/3847241

I'd like to explore Kent more at some point. You could map something out that way (Ashdown Forest perhaps) and stop off for a blast on the (relatively tame) singletrack at Bedgebury. Dump your bags at the bike shop there.....

There's plenty of woodland around the South East to find a nice spot to bivvy. Coldharbour (near Dorking - Surrey Hills) could be a good bet as it's a nice quiet village with a decent pub. There are a couple of marked trials there now (Summer Lightning etc).

Transport links with Southern trains are great. Practically the whole south coast is 1 hour away from me (East Croydon). Southern rail do a "network downloader" ticket that offers unlimited day travel. Opens up a whole world of one way options.....

[YetiTony]

Cheers Dan,

Some good points in there and some food for thought.
Thanks for the input!