15th Year for South Downs Way Classic Ride

News Release / 05.02.2010

In the mid 90's, cycling was an afterthought on the South Downs Way. The official trail had been increased by 20 miles at the Winchester end, to bring it up to the magic 100 mile mark, but with the telling inclusion of several sections of footpath. The powers that be clearly considered it solely as a long distance walking route.

Then, in early 1996, mountain bike event pioneers Trail Break sat down with the local authorities to discuss their plans for an organised mass bike ride along the route. Temporary alternative bike-legal sections were agreed to circumvent the footpath stretches. Then Trail Break approached map makers Harveys to suggest a single sheet map covering the whole South Downs Way, including the bridleway alternatives. In September of that year, Trail Break staged the South Downs Way Lemming Trail (named for it's spectacular cliff top finish location at Beachy Head) and 200 bikers in the garish clothing of the day discovered the joys of this epic ride.

Today, while the 'official' cycle-able route is still not carved in stone, the South Downs Way is an established icon in mountain biking culture, and bikes are as commonplace as hikers along it's length. The South Downs map is Harvey's best selling product and Trail Break's now classic South Downs Lemming is celebrating it's 15th staging. Largely unchanged in format the event aims to do what it always has; offer you the best level of support available as you tackle this famous challenge.

Every aspect of the weekends' logistics is taken care of, leaving you to concentrate on the ride. The two day Lemming Trail package provides you with full route marking along the whole 100 miles (in addition to the permanent SDW signs), a choice of start points for 100 or 80 mile overall distance, on the trail checkpoint and feed station support, luggage transportation to the overnight stop, a choice of hostel bed or camping space, Saturday dinner and Sunday breakfast, plus a packed lunch option for Sunday, coach transport option back to the start from the finish and a free finishers t shirt.

The 15th South Downs Lemming Trail takes place on the 4-5th September, and is now open for booking at trailbreak.co.uk. There's full information about the event on the site too, or you can call Trail Break on 0118 988 6041 if you want to know more.