South Downs Way 2006 – Background
8 people set off on mountain bikes to ride the South Downs Way – a range of hills running for 100 miles from Winchester to Eastbourne.
We planned to do the ride in 3 days, meeting in Winchester on the Wednesday night, riding to Cocking for Thursday night, Brighton for Friday night and finally to Eastbourne on the Saturday. We all intended to do lots of training, but alas when it came down to it, didn’t.
The riders were:
- Tim – Organiser of the trip and wearer of the tightest cycling gear known to man. Self appointed leader of Team A!
- Rob – He-Man hair Bob, Rob, Bert whatever his name is.. Liked to lead up the hills, particularly once we fixed his wheels so that they would actually turn past his brake pads.
- Andy – Most serious looking luggage – brought a shirt but no trousers of any kind! Bravest and therefore fastest down hill rider.
- Neil – The one with the 900 quid bike.. so no excuses allowed!
- Mark – Heaviest bike and luggage. Impressive home made rack built on top of child seat mounting. Leader of Team B.
- Craig – The quiet one in the back. Never seems that tired but clearly a firm believer of beer in preference to strenuous all-day exercise. Also handy if you need some hair product.
- Alison – Uphill riding Queen, but less than swift on the downhill ever since her little accident in Bracknell Forest.
- Sam – Pretty much never stops smiling – chief morale officer for any future adventure! Also gives a great massage.
