FRIDAY 13TH SEPTEMBER
Another in the ever-growing collection of Landrace rides to the seaside, this time we are returning to that magnet for London’s cyclists, Brighton—an epic ride to end the season with.
We'll be taking the scenic route, crossing the North Downs, working our way across the Weald and Ashdown Forest, before tackling the South Downs to reach the seaside at Rottingdean. From there, it’s a pleasant 5 km cool-down ride into Brighton along the coast.
Meet at Cyclefit’s Store Street store at 7:30 AM for a prompt start, heading directly south to hit the trails at Mitcham Common. The route takes us across the common, past the Grotto Canal in Carshalton Park, and the Bronze Age MTB play zone at the head of the Wandle Valley.
Sneakily avoiding Croydon, we cross the North Downs along Happy Valley, reaching the lookout at Caterham, where, on a fine day, the South Downs can be made out as a thin grey line on the horizon.
We then plunge into the Weald, with its fairly decent bridleways all the way to East Grinstead for an early lunch stop. The next 20 miles is a mix of bridleway and small country lanes, with the South Downs becoming ever more menacing as the ride progresses.
There’s a lovely section of woodland at Wivelsfield, and then it's time for the climb. It’s actually not that bad—shift into the easiest gear, and you'll find yourself in the big skies of the South Downs before you know it.
I’d like to say that would be the end of the climbing, but that would be fibbing. However, the worst is past as the path undulates down towards the sea at Rottingdean.
Once at sea level, the route joins NCR2 along the coast into Brighton. We'll enjoy the obligatory fish and chips before catching a train back home.
We will be riding at pace, so you should be a strong rider, comfortable riding 2 to 3 hours at a stretch, with off-road experience. The ride is unsupported, so it’s important that your bike is in good working condition, fitted with suitable tyres, and that you bring inner tubes that fit, a multitool, and patches.
Get ready for this one last hooray of the season. It’s a great route, quite tough in places, but a load of fun to ride in the autumn.