Back in June my friend Mads and I decided to ride to Brighton, the route would be semi-off road (read: bridleways) and would involve one night camping, a perfect opportunity for me to test my newly acquired bike packing gear. Come Saturday morning we set off a bit late (Mads had been out the night before, I am lazy), and headed to the Hampton Ferry (Founded in 1514, it’s one of the oldest companies in the UK). The ferry man said we were lucky to arrive when we did as it had been raining torrentially shortly before, we’d been blissfully unaware in a bubble of sunshine, clearly a good omen. Following the Thames South West for most of the route, we eventually turned due South to camp just below Guildford. We pitched camp, setting up under my tarp, and deciding to go the pub for beer, we were also treated to a free lecture from the landlord on the evils of the EU.
Day two brought a bright morning, and a slug who had decided to have an adventure of his own, into my sleeping bag. Enlivened by beans and hot beverages we packed up and hit the road. Most of the the route followed a disused rail line, until we turned off for lunch in the shadow of the South Downs Way. It came as a welcome break as the path I’d picked to turn off involved a fair portion of riding through waist high nettles and brambles mixed in with long grass which threatened to jam our derailleurs. Once revived we scaled the chalk wall and rode a short section of the South Downs Way before descending into Brighton for some much needed fish and chips.
Ride on Strava – Day 1 and Day 2
Instagram – JackDixDavies and Hulsroy
