Teef, it ain't the steepness or length of the climb that bothers me per se, this is my 'back yard'. The B road, tackled slowly, has been one of my regular summer "just popping out for a ride darling" climbs since I rediscovered cycling, and the SDW climb from Houghton is one of my faves on an mtb.
Rather the quantity of traffic on both those roads, and the manner of its passing, would concern me, more than a little, riding in a group. Simon won't go there on an FNRttC, and I used to pull his leg over such timidity. But since then I've had cause to revise my opinion and bow to his, award winning, wisdom.
A29 - not on your life!
Yes, it'll be the B2139. I've done it a few times on a summer's afternoon and thought it's a bit iffy, but having also tried it after a few night rides, and it's been fine. I'd agree you wouldn't want 80 people going over it, but in a small group at 7 am there's unlikely to be much traffic. And then the run down to Arundel is a sheer delight which I feel must be shared with others.
I love the A29. The only problem is that it's too fast. You could be at Bognor by 3.45
Or fast.
Seeing as the weather's now turned colder, now is the time to start planning for that hardy perennial, the Christmas Night Ride to Bognor, which I've scheduled for Friday 3rd December.
There are 4 trains an hour back from Bognor to London Victoria - 2 direct and 2 requiring changes at Barham and Horsham (which are quicker than the direct trains). Alternatively, you can go via Brighton.
Anyone else interested?