Hove to the Hills - Touring Tangerine

THIS IS RIDE SEVEN OF NINE IN OUR 'SOFA TO SPORTIVE' SERIES - going from 10 to 40 miles over 9 weeks, to get you ready for a cycling challenge, charity ride, or holiday.

This is a TOURING TANGERINE ride aimed at experienced riders, 9 - 10 mph on varied roads with more hills.

This is a hilly route, getting you used to climbing as well as descending if you're following a series of training rides.

We start by warming up along the seafront from Hove to Shoreham Airport. From there, we start to head up Coombe Lane, past Lancing College and through Botolphs. At the outskirts of Steyning we turn to go through Bramber then head west along Edburton Road (through the villages of Fulking and Poynings). We finish by coming over Devil's Dyke for a glorious final descent with the city in front of us.

We can pause in Bramber or Steyning if we want a breather, or push on to keep going. If anyone is too tired to tackle the Dyke at the end, there is the option of finishing along the NCN20 cycle path alongside the A23.

Please check your bike before heading out:
- are the tyres fully inflated?
- do both brakes work well?
- is the chain lubricated?

Bring a spare inner tube for your bike (easier to change an inner tube than fix a puncture by the side of the road, and all bikes are different so you need one to fit your bike), suitable clothing for the weather, and money for the café.
If you're not sure what an inner tube is, or how to know which size to buy, this little video should help you: https://youtu.be/3uzsEystB-Q

Please arrive at the café in plenty of time for the ride. We will not necessarily wait for you if you're late.