UK's Hardest Hundred: South Downs Beast

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From Hardest Hundred

  • Date Sun 10th July 2022
  • Time 08:00
  • Location Lewes, East Sussex
  • Price £45.00
  • Races 2 races

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A scenic view of rolling green hills leading down to a cliffside coastline. A narrow winding road cuts through the grassy landscape. In the distance, white chalk cliffs overlook a calm, blue sea under a clear sky. Scattered buildings can be seen near the shore.

UK's Hardest Hundred: South Downs Beast

Sun 10th July 2022

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Event summary

Get ready for the ultimate cycling challenge at the UK's Hardest Hundred: South Downs Beast event organised by Hardest Hundred on Sunday 10th July 2022 in Lewes, East Sussex. This summer ride by the seaside will test your limits with plenty of ups and downs, including iconic climbs like Ditchling Beacon and Firle Bostal. The stunning coastal scenery around Beachy Head coupled with rolling hills makes for a truly unforgettable experience. Choose from the long route covering 172km with 1938m of elevation gain or the medium route at 109km with 1380m of climbing. With a difficulty rating of 3.5/5 for the long route and 2.5/5 for the medium route, this event promises to challenge and inspire riders of all levels. Don't miss out on this summer classic that combines breathtaking views with a test of endurance and skill.

UK's Hardest Hundred: South Downs Beast

Sun 10th July 2022

A scenic view of rolling green hills leading down to a cliffside coastline. A narrow winding road cuts through the grassy landscape. In the distance, white chalk cliffs overlook a calm, blue sea under a clear sky. Scattered buildings can be seen near the shore.

Organiser's Description

RIDE OVERVIEW

A challenging summer ride by the seaside that packs in plenty of ups and downs. Starting outside Lewes, we hit the mighty Ditchling Beacon with fresh legs after 10km and then enjoy stunning scenery on the way to a local classic climb, Firle Bostal. After hugging the coast around Beachy Head, the route goes inland to finish back near Lewes.
A stunning mix of coast & rolling hills riding on this summer classic.

LONG ROUTE: 172KM, 1938M
MEDIUM ROUTE: 109KM, 1380M
LONG ROUTE DIFFICULTY 3.5/5
MEDIUM ROUTE DIFFICULTY 2.5/5
Key Climbs:

Ditchling Beacon – 1.5km, 9.4% average gradient
Firle Bostal – 1.9km, 7.3%
East Dean – 2.4km, 4.1%
Beachy Head – 2.3km, 5.9%

Races

  • South Downs Beast

    Long Route

    £45.00

    CLOSED

  • South Downs Beast

    Medium Route

    £45.00

    CLOSED

Book

  • South Downs Beast

    Long Route

    £45.00

    CLOSED

  • South Downs Beast

    Medium Route

    £45.00

    CLOSED

Course Details

Long Route: 172km, 1938m

Starting from Plumpton, we have a short flat section to warm up the legs before hitting one of the toughest climbs in the South – Ditchling Beacon. Averaging nearly 10%, this is best done on fresh legs!

After taking in great views from the top, we loop around Lewes before heading to the second monster of the day – Firle Bostal. Then it’s down to the coast around Beachy Head before finishing on the gentle rolling hills of the South Downs.

A great mix of hills & coastal riding, rolling terrain and a couple of punchy climbs. One of the best routes in the South of England.

Medium Route: 109km, 1380m

A beautiful 100km route in the South Downs with a couple of super punchy climbs.

Starting in Plumpton, we follow the long route for the first 50km over Ditchling Beacon and Firle Bostal. You can choose on the day which route to ride so if the legs are feeling great, you can switch to the long route.

After Firle Bostal, the medium route turns inland to the lovely rolling hills of the South Downs before a fast finish back into Plumpton.

What's Included

FINISHERS MEDAL
Get to the finish and collect your well earned UK's Hardest Hundred Medal

FEED STOPS
We have feed stops approx every 30 to 40kms with fruit, cakes, water, hydration tabs & sports bars / gels.

FULLY MARKED ROUTE & TIMING CHIPS
Focus just the stunning views & thrilling ride. The route is marked out all the way & you can check your time for the route at the end.

RACE VILLAGE AT THE FINISH
After an epic ride, grab a coffee, cake & more from the food trucks at the end. Free parking for the day & toilets & also included in your entry.

  • Classic climbs: Take on the iconic Ditchling Beacon & the punchy Firle Bostal.
  • Stunning Seaside Riding: One of the highlights of the long route is the Beachy Head road with rolling hills and coastal views..
  • Fast flowing section in the South Downs: The route is packed with long, rolling sections with gorgeous views. Get in a group, share the work and soak in the delights of the South Downs.

FAQs

  • Is the route marked?

    Yes, the route is fully marked. We also suggest bringing a bike GPS to follow as well, we will send you a GPX file with the route one week before the ride.

  • How do I find out my start time?

    Riders start in groups of maximum 6 at a time. We will send you an email after you have booked to choose your start time between 8am and 10am, if you are riding with a friend you can choose to start with them.

  • Where is the Start / Finish?

    The ride starts and finishes in Plumpton. There is free parking onsite as well as a toilets & refreshments.

  • What happens if I have a mechanical / accident?

    It is important you prepare properly ensuring your bike is in good condition & physically ready for the challenge. If you have an accident or mechanical, we have support at the feeds and sweep van at the back.

  • What shall I pack with me for the ride?

    You need to have two water bottle, basic kit to repair punctures, inner tubes & riding with a helmet is compulsory. Our feed stops have water, cake, fruit & bars.

  • Do I get a medal at the finish?

    Yes, when you finish the ride you will go through the finish line and get your hard earned UK’s Hardest Hundred medal.

on the day

Start Time: From 8.30am

Finish Time: Ride Village closes at 5.30pm

Long Route Cut Off: Must be through route split (50km) by 12pm

Start / Finish Location: Plumpton

Reviews

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Location

Plumpton Lane, Lewes, BN7 3, United Kingdom

Who's In

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Matthew Kaznowski

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UK's Hardest Hundred: South Downs Beast

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