A Permanent Event
Seafold - Yalding
When you want to get some distance in and there isn't any Audax calendar events locally at the time you can opt to do a permanent. A permanent event is down to you to choose the date you wish to ride and enter the event online. With this one I was able to get onto the route at my nearest point Rottingdean rather than going to Seaford.
The Start
I had chosen to verify by GPS file once done but took photos at the checkpoints as a back up. I headed out early figuring that it would probably take me between 10-12 hours to complete and wanted to beat the traffic build up around Brighton and Lewes before hitting the country lanes of Kent.
Check Point 1
The climb out of Rottingdean to Woodingdean and then over the A27 through Stanmer Park and up to Ditchling Beacon is what you would call a drag and slow going. I was going to have to work hard to raise the average speed with such a lumpy start.
Check Point 2
The route from Ditchling took me along the foot of the South Downs via Westmeston, Plumpton, Offham and through Lewes and Ringmer before dropping onto the A22 down to the Boship RTB and into Hailsham town centre.
Check Point 3
After leaving Hailsham I headed towards Robertsbridge through Cowbeech, Dallington and Brightling. These were quiet roads and away from the traffic build up of the town centre. CP3 was to be at the country shop in Rolvendon where I grabbed some food and filled up my water bottles from what lovelies the shop offered. It was turning out to be a nice day and the rain that was forecast wasn't anywhere to be seen.
Check Point 4 - The Turn
I was now well into Kent and heading into unknown territory for what I would call the turn where I would then be heading back south. The CP was at the Orchard View Stores in Yalding and was at approx 120km in. I travelled through Benenden, Sissinghurst, Horden and Marden Thorn. I was required to get a picture outside the shop in case it was closed and then I could make the return journey towards Seaford.
Check Point 5
CP5 was located in Mayfield and the lumpiness of the route was starting to take toll on my legs. Still in unknown territory the route directed through Horsmonden, Lamberhurst, Sparrows Green and Best Beach Hill before entering Mayfield on a nice 10% climb. This would be another feed stop and bottle fill knowing I had the draggy Newick Lane to come.
Check Point 6
Once fueled up I took to Newick lane which is 5.5 kms (3.6 miles) long with ramps up to 25% before hitting traffic at the top end. I knew where I was now and the roads were familiar which made for a pick up of speed. Heading to Heathfield, back through Hailsham and across to the Long Man of Wilmington I was making good progress. The route was due to go up the climb at Seven Sisters but knowing this road was busy with no real opportunities for cars to pass I opted for the steeper quieter climb out of Alfriston before dropping down to Seaford.
Finish
Well now it was just along the coast back to Rottingdean and that would be the Audax completed. This was rolling terrain as I went through Newhaven, past the port to Peacehaven before arriving back at where I had started in Rottingdean. All I had to do now was take a picture and then ride the 5 miles back home for a well earned brew. Job done!
The Terrain
Here's the route - https://www.strava.com/activities/8620315706 - All in all it took me just under 10 hours with the stops and a total of 222 kms (136 miles).