If you’ve not yet filled your 2023 gravel events calendar to the brim, there is a new event to add. Wild Cycles, a cycling adventure organiser, has partnered with the British bike brand Mason Cycles and launched a new bikepacking event, the Mason Wild South Downs Way.
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The mostly off-road route takes in what some say is “one of the UK’s must-ride off-road routes”, offering riders views across land and sea over a 100-mile distance with over 9,000 feet of climbing. The event starts at England’s ancient capital, Winchester, and follows the rolly “Neolithic motorway” all the way to Eastbourne.
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It would not be a bikepacking event without a picturesque overnight stay, so the participants are setting up an overnight camp at Mason Cycle’s headquarters in Applesham Farm on day one. After tackling the 100km ride, there’s plenty to experience at the farm, from star-gazing (the area is one of the 19 International Dark Sky Reserves in the world) to campfire chats and tasty food.
The second day of riding kicks off with breakfast and tackles a lot shorter distance (65km) tracing the coast above Brighton. Views are again plentiful with a 360-degree view from the Ditchling Beacon and finishing off with the Seven Sisters cliffs before rolling to Eastbourne.
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The starting point at Winchester is easily accessible by train from London and riders can choose to stay at Holden Farm which is six miles from the start point.
Tickets are available now on the Wild Cycles website but come in limited numbers so you better be quick to grab one.
