Advice and tips on your preparation. Take on the challenge entirely at your own risk.
We are delighted to announce that in conjunction with Exposure Lights we are able to offer loan lights for your Double attempt - details here.
Firstly, this is a personal challenge and you are under no obligation to get us involved. However, in keeping with the ethos of the challenge, a degree of evidence is customary to be included in the Sub 24 Hour Club. When we say 24 hours, that means total elapsed time - not moving time. A GPS log or Strava link is the gold standard, plus photos at the start, turnaround and finish. Please let us know beforehand if you can; we'll try to get down at some point.
However long it ends up taking, completing the Double is an achievement in itself and anyone who takes it on deserves respect. It will be an amazing experience regardless of time. Trust me 😊
Your ride will be categorised depending on the level of support you receive. There are three categories:
More details can be found here.
Details on the Route page. The better you know the route, the less chance of getting lost. In the middle of the night when mist is down and you're tired, it's very easy to go wrong, especially at the Eastbourne end on the open grass areas. A GPX file on a decent device is highly recommended. Try to ride all sections beforehand if possible, and learn the major turns.
No need to carry too much - there are plenty of public taps. A single 750ml bottle is ample for most stretches, but carry a spare. Cover in cling film and tape to the down tube if you only have one bottle cage.
Always consider filling up when you pass a tap - don't assume the next one will be working.
Assuming you're riding through the night, these items are essentially required:
There are justifications for starting at any time. An early evening start gets the night section out of the way first, but means you won't sleep for many hours regardless of finish time. An early morning start at dawn maximises daylight hours - at the right time of year, quick riders can complete the whole Double in daylight. It's a personal choice based on how your body works.
If you're attempting the Double, you should know what works for you. The key question: have you ridden over 12 hours before? Will you be able to eat solids? Many people find they can't manage solid food after about 10 hours. It's not a prerequisite to have ridden 24 hours beforehand, but know how your body needs to be fuelled - gels, energy bars, or sandwiches.
24-hour food: The only known 24-hour facility en route is the BP Petrol Station at Pyecombe - London Rd, Brighton BN45 7FJ. Gpx file here. Download and save to device and use if needed.
Don't rely solely on GPS, but it can save significant time by preventing wrong turns. The main issue is battery life. Power is largely consumed by map display and constant updates - if you know the route well, turn off the map view and flip back to it only when needed. Most modern units can last the duration; older ones may need a backup battery pack connected via USB. Test this thoroughly in advance as it can be troublesome.
A rear light is worth running throughout - there are road sections especially at the Winchester end. Front lights: you know how long they need to last, so make sure you have the lumens. Exposure Lights are a great choice and loan lights may be available - contact us for details.