Sunset Ride: 23 July - South Downs Way loop

On Thursday, 23 July, we meet outside the Rotunda Cafe in Preston Park ready for departure at 6.30 p.m.

We will ride up to Devil's Dyke via Withdean and then a steep climb up Tongdean Lane. From Devil's Dyke we continue on the South Downs way, with sweeping views across the Downs, the Sussex coast to the left and the Low Weald to the right.   Past Truleigh Hill and the Youth Hostel, we descend steeply towards the Downs Link and on to Shoreham.  From Shoreham we head east back towards Hove and then Brighton, via quiet roads and cycle paths. The ride leader will continue on to Brighton station, and riders can leave the ride when is right for them.

The first 2.5 miles of the ride are on roads that can be busy. Most of the rest is on away from traffic - gravel, bridlepath, cyclepath or quiet back roads. Care will be needed on Dyke Road Avenue, and negotiating the two roundabouts on Devils Dyke Road. Low gears are recommended for the climb up Tongdean Lane, as are wide and robust tyres for the gravel sections. Also bear in mind that the weather is now around 10 degrees cooler than it has been recently, so an extra layer or two might be useful.   

Please note: All our rides are weather-dependent. If the weather looks bad, a ride will be cancelled! Take note of any weather alerts and respond appropriately. Always bring plenty of water to drink when the weather is hot.

If you plan to come on any of our rides, please make sure your cycle is in a roadworthy condition. Bring a puncture repair kit, a spare inner tube (or, for tubeless tyres, as appropriate), essential tools, a mobile phone if you have one, snacks, enough to drink, and sunscreen/waterproofs/warm clothing as appropriate. Don't forget your lights if you expect to be out in the hours of darkness. Please follow Cycling UK guidance and the Highway Code.

Check with us about the distance and the ride's hilliness if you are unsure.

Ideally, ride a hybrid - gravel bike. Let the ride leader know if you wish to leave the ride or go ahead.

🚴 35km
📐+ 411m
💰 Free

A GPX file of the route is available on this page. Scroll down for the link below.

The event is also on Meetup and Strava and the route is on Komoot.

There is a simple signing on process at the beginning of the ride. Please inform the ride leader if you have a medical condition that might affect your ride.