EVENTS
NR_GRVL x STRAIGHTLINE CONSULTING
Pro Rider Nicholas Roche will be visiting Cuckmere Cycle Company for our Easter Sunday Ride Out, to promote his new team NR_GRVL, supported by Eastbourne based Straightline Consulting.
After the ride we will be watching the Paris-Roubaix race in the shop, whilst having a few drinks and a chat with Nico.
Food and local beers will be provided by our neighbours Saltmarsh Cafe, included in the ticket price (food and first drink only).
Free parking is available on site, but we encourage arriving by bike wherever possible. We are a 10 minute ride from Seaford train station which is easily accessed from Brighton, London or further afield.
This event costs £15 to join, with proceeds going to charity. There are limited tickets available, please register here
THE RIDE
We will ride out from the shop, following a route that is 95% off road.
First we head into Friston Forest, following the gravel tracks towards the nature reserve at Lullington Heath. From there we break out of the forest and climb up to the South Downs Way, offering 360 degree views to Hastings, Brighton and beyond. After cresting Windover Hill and the Long Man of Wilmington, we have a long descent back down into the Cuckmere Valley. This track encourages you to ride fast, but watch out for tyre slashing flints!
We cross the river at Alfriston, then follow the ‘Old Coach Road’, a historic route along the base of the downs towards Lewes. After a few miles of gravel we turn off, up the testing climb of Firle Beacon and back onto the South Downs Way to Bopeep Bostal.
From Bopeep, it’s a gradual descent back towards the coast, looking across Cradle Valley to Rathfinny Vineyard. We skirt the edge of Seaford, then it’s back down to the Cuckmere Valley and our finish at the bike shop.
The route is mostly wide tracks of chalk and gravel that are reasonably smooth, but there are a couple of steep climbs and some rocky descents where caution should be taken. This classic XC route is Suitable for Gravel or Mountain bikes.
To view the route in more detail or download the GPX file please click here
The cause
Cuckmere Cycle Company and Straightline Consulting are owned by local rider Craig Eadie.
This year Craig is planning to ride TOUR21 – the entire Tour de France route, a week before the professional race!
For his ride, and as part of this event, Craig is raising money for Cure Leukaemia – the blood cancer charity.
To find out more and donate to Craig’s ride please click here