Biking Brighton

[jules123]

Hey guys

I'm back in the UK after some time away. I'm now down in Brighton for a while and looking to get back on the road bike.

Can anyone suggest any decent rides near Brighton, for a 40 year old semi-fat bloke who isn't as fit as he used to be!

Many thanks,

Jules

 

[xxDarkRiderxx]

Along the coast is good... and there is always Ditchling Beacon.

 

[GrumpyGregry]

You have three directions, North, East and West. South will require you to take up swimming.

That @User13710 knows of what she speaks, in all matters. @rich p can also provide wisdom in these matters.

For me, very much an ex-Brightonian, the answer is always up and over the Beacon then peel off through the lanes of the Weald in direction of say, a Henfield, or an Uckfield, before turning south, hitting the coast via one of the river valleys that pierce the Downs, and then steam along the seafront to home. Stay off the A roads, as far as possible, the drivers are awful, and use the A23, A27 and A24 only where there is a cycle path (and with earplugs in to dull the road noise of the incessant traffic)

If you don't ride the entire length of Underhill Lane at some point you are bonkers in my book.

 

[GrumpyGregry]

I was assuming from the OP's description that he wanted to build up gradually to tackling the hills and Downs! Yes, Underhill Lane is lovely @GrumpyGregry, but I wouldn't recommend the Beacon during any day of the week (too many impatient motorists during the week, too many impatient cyclists at weekends). I've only ever ridden up it in the early hours after a FNR, when there's no traffic.

From the south, climbing out of town, it is not so bad.

 

[hatler]

Can I highly recommend The Jolly Sportsman at East Chiltington for a mid-ride beer in the cosy bar or garden. Don't eat there, you need a mortgage for that.

 

[arallsopp]

I remember living in Brighton about 10 years back. New (at the time) to the joys of bike ownership, I once rode west along the coast, really enjoying the feeling of speed and fresh sea air. It was my first time out on a bike down there, and I was amazed how fast and far I could travel. When I'd used up half my time, I turned around and ... bam. Headwind from hell. Cue an hour and forty mins of dragging myself into a gale. That was good training, that

 

[hatler]

If you can find the place that is.

Hmmm. We stumbled on it on my stag weekend (a few years ago). And we stumbled out about three hours later, on bikes.

 

[mustang1]

I'm riding to Brighton in a couple of weekends time. If I see a semi fat bloke wobbling around ditchlong beacon, I'll be sure to say hi as I whizz past you at breakneck speed, possibly uncontrollably.

Says another fat bloke.

 

[jules123]

Thamks guys for all your posts. I'm going to head out to Ditchling Beacon from the south over the weekend - so wish me luck!! Maybe try the coast over the next few weeks as well but it sounds like there's loads to try! Mustang if you see me....you will overtake me!