Hi, I'm looking for some guidance for ride times for the standard SDW single. Having not done it I can't judge how hard compared to other long routes. Clearly there is a massive range depending on all the factors. So based on the following rider spec, and assuming weather is good + mid summer date, what would be a rough guess of ride time?

BB200 2013 - 24hrs
Kielder100 - 15hrs
Lakeland200 - 42 hrs

Thanks
Ian.

Hmm reckon it would take 11 hrs.
Much easier with a tail wind.
I think it would take me between 11 and 14 hrs.
Never done it all in one lump.
Have done eastbourne to qe park.
And numerous other sections.
The hills are a lot bigger at the eastbourne end.

The one thing you need to consider if you plan doing this on a weekend, is that the route is very busy. Bikes, walkers, horses, wild children and dogs. You may find this slows you down if you are rushing. Sadly, there are gates at the bottom of several hills which kind of kills your momentum.

98 gates or something isn't it?

composite wrote:98 gates or something isn't it?

Not sure about the number but there were a lot. Rode from Winchester along first 15 miles last weekend. After surviving the 6 inch wide 'bridleway' bordered by stinging nettles once I'd crossed the M3, there was at least a dozen gates before hitting the railway line. Going along a bit more of SDW this weekend so could give another update. I'll count the gates.

Farawayvisions wrote:...After surviving the 6 inch wide 'bridleway' bordered by stinging nettles...

That's what the roads are like here in Devon at the moment!

SDW Update Exton to Amberley

MUD. Quagmire conditions for a couple of miles up towards Old Winchester Hill. The chalk is slippery. The downhill into Amberly has seen a lot of erosion and has pretty deep ruts, large rocks and you'll probably love it.

Cheers for the update. Hope you had fun. First description doesn't sound too great but the second could add a bit of fun to a long stretch.
There have been some heavy downpours over the last few days. We have swollen rivers all around here.

Looking at June 14th for an attempt at a single. Hopefully limited mud by then. That SD chalky mud is special. I remember sliding sidways down a little slope still attached Fitness levels mean I could do with peddling all of it.

Do it the same day as the British Heart foundation ride and you'll have clear signposting, all the gates held open for you and probably get handed a bottle of water every couple of miles.

Hope it's not like this https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QTVhrnDWW9o

mountainbaker wrote:Hope it's not like this https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QTVhrnDWW9o

Brilliant. Image meeting that at 4AM on the BB200. You'd be pressing the SOS button on your Spot as hard as you can. Or joining in.

I've heard water taps are sparse on the SDW. Maybe a swig of scrumpy or Mad Dogs might be welcome on a hot afternoon?

Water on the SDW

From West to East

The Milbury pub SU 570 246
Shoe Inn Exton

Meon Springs, Whitewool farm SU 655 215

Queen Elizabeth Country Park cafe

Hill Barn A286 crossing SU 879 166

Amberly (Near Arun river crossing) TQ 025 124

Franklin Arms, Washington TQ 123 129

Parkfield Farm, Washington TQ 118 119

River Adur crossing TQ 198 094

Truleigh Hill YHA TQ 220 106

Devil's Dyke Pub

Saddlescombe Farm TQ 271 114

Housedeane Farm A27 crossing TQ 368 092

Southease Church TQ 423 052

Itford Farm YHA TQ 433 056

Alfriston Village, pubs and toilets

The Eight Bells, Jevington pub TQ 562 017

Farawayvisions wrote:Water on the SDW

From West to East

The Milbury pub SU 570 246
Shoe Inn Exton

Meon Springs, Whitewool farm SU 655 215....

Brill, thanks for this. I'll make good use of it.