Master Cycles South Downs Way - Friday 15 to Sunday 17 May

A Message from the Master:

Many thanks to everyone who generously sponsored me for my cycle ride along the South Downs Way in support of the Scriveners’ Sexcentenary Charity.

I set off from Winchester City Mill on Friday morning encumbered with very little in the way of supplies and spare clothes for my journey and feeling a strange mixture of excitement and concern about the three-day journey ahead of me. Would my bike be up to the challenge and most importantly, would I?

It turned out that travelling light was a gamble which paid off – fortunately I did not suffer any punctures, accidents or mechanical mishaps and the weather was generally benign although there were some heavy showers on day one which made uphill pedalling on the chalky, flinty paths a slippery business and there were occasions when I had to dismount.

There are around twenty significant hill climbs along the whole route (not that I was counting), as the path frequently drops into river valleys and climbs back out, meaning that there is a total cumulative elevation gain of about 3,800 metres or 12,500 feet.

Day two was the most challenging and probably the most intense workout I have ever had – I covered 47 miles in six and three quarter hours and climbed a total height of 1,736 metres or 5,695 feet. I was certainly glad of my light rucksack that day!

Day three felt like a formality as I only had to cycle a little over 16 miles – a breeze compared to the previous day, although I was feeling a bit achy. A stop in Alfriston for cake and coffee kept me going, as did the thought of getting home and soaking in the bath. On the final stretch I was hoping to get a good view of the “Long Man of Wilmington” chalk hill figure but it required a detour and descent, so I contented myself with a distant view of the Litlington White Horse instead.

Sincere thanks again to all who have contributed to the Company charity, and if you have not yet done so it’s not too late!