From Hove to the Hills - 20 mile hilly loop

Here is the route and elevation chart: https://connect.garmin.com/activity/738860271 This is a more challenging ride, particularly useful if you have a stretching summer cycling goal such as the London to Brighton or a sportive. There is a combination of quiet country lanes and busy main roads. There are several hills, so you need to be strong even though the distance isn’t long. We start on the A279 Old Shoreham Road (busy and fast moving) to get us west whilst sheltered from the head winds that can plague the coast road. Once we get to Shoreham, we head north up Coombes Lane, a quiet road that is a favourite with local cyclists because of its undulating hills and great views across the South Downs. Depending on the group, we can stop in Steyning Tea Rooms for a breather or push on once we're at the north-westerly point of our oblong shaped route. Heading out of Steyning through Upper Beeding, along a short stretch of the A2037, we turn to join Edburton Road, hugging the northerly edge of the South Downs ridge as we ride west to east, and passing through Fulking and Poynings. At Poynings we will decide how to finish the ride depending on the group. We can either head up over Devil’s Dyke (a sharp steep hill), along Saddlescombe Road (big hill again, but less sharp), or take the cycle path beside the A23 (flat but less pleasant as well as less challenging to finish the ride). Please make sure your bike is in good condition before coming on this ride – are the tyres fully inflated? Is the chain properly lubricated? Do both brakes work well? Bring a spare inner tube for your bike (much easier to put a new tube in than sit on the road side fixing a puncture), pump, puncture repair kit (just in case you get more than one puncture … it does sometimes happen!), appropriate clothing for the weather, and money in case we stop at the café. Please also bring water and a snack. Helmets must be worn on this ride. Road bikes (dropped handlebars) only please. This is NOT a beginner’s ride. We will try to ride as a group and will not leave anyone behind, but the pace is not expected to be too leisurely. You should be able to ride on the drops for the fast downhill sections, drink whilst cycling, and know how to ride safely in a group, both drafting behind each other and two abreast. Do get in touch with Alison the ride leader if you have any questions – [email protected] or 07967 094967