THE SOUTH DOWNS CHALLENGE FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

WHAT IS THE ARGUS APPEAL?
The Argus Appeal is the charity of The Argus Newspaper, Newsquest (Sussex) Ltd. In 2007 The Argus Appeal celebrated its 50th year of giving to individuals and organisations in our community.
Our promise is that every penny raised will go to those who need it most. All administration costs of running the appeal are met by The Argus

HOW LONG HAS THIS EVENT BEEN ESTABLISHED?
We have been running this event since 2003.

WHAT IS INCLUDED IN THE £60 REGISTRTION FEE?
Your £60 covers transportation to and from start/finish points for rider, cyclist and luggage (all luggage will be transported between campsites). It also includes all checkpoint food, breakfast (Saturday & Sunday) and evening meal (Friday & Saturday).

HOW FIT DO I NEED TO BE?
Get on your bike! Cycling 35 miles daily off road can be hard work if you don’t prepare well. The fitter you are, the more enjoyable the event will be. If you can’t get out on the South Downs beforehand try and pick a training route with plenty of hills. You will be amazed how much this will improve your level of fitness. Try to cycle at least 3 times a week before the event to get your muscles used to the exercise.

DOES IT MATTER HOW LONG I TAKE?
For those who are worried they might struggle, remember, it is not a race, take your time – we have all day! As long as you finish by the designated finish time of 3.30pm. on the Sunday. Walk some of the steep hills (take in the views and enjoy the experience) and cycle the flat and downhill sections. We envisage that an average cyclist will be on the trail for approximately 7 hours including breaks. Therefore you are likely to finish at approximately 4pm daily. However, this can be dependent on your level of fitness and the conditions of the trail, i.e. weather.

WHAT SHALL I WEAR?
If you don’t already own some, splash out on a new set of padded cycling shorts – it might be the best purchase you ever made!

ABOUT YOUR BIKE:
Ensure your bike is in a roadworthy condition before the event and pay particular attention to tyres and brakes. If possible get it serviced before the event and carry a spare tube and cycle repair kit. If you have decided to invest in a new bike for the event, aim to buy it at least 2 weeks beforehand and have it professionally checked over before the weekend. Due to the rough terrain on the South Downs Way it is advisable to use a Mountain Bike – a racing bike is un-suitable!

WHAT IF I GET LOST - DO I NEED A MAP?
Although we do supply a route map and the trail will be marked, it is always best to carry a map. We recommend a Harveys South Downs Way Map (ISBN 1-85137-242-3) or a set of Ordnance Survey maps that cover the route. If you have one, please bring a mobile phone in case of emergencies. We will supply a list of useful numbers at registration. We also have cycle stewards and back up vehicles on hand should you run into any problems.

MY FRIEND IS TAKING PART IN THE SAME EVENT, BUT HE IS COMING THE OTHER WAY FROM BRIGHTON TO WINCHESTER?
We run the event from both ends because it makes it more comfortable for those taking part in terms of over crowding at the start and at our overnight stops. We limit entry to 100 on each end and we feel from experience this is about right. The infrastructure at each campsite could not take more than a 100 people at a time! We fill up the Winchester to Eastbourne end on a first come first service basis and then start filling the Eastbourne to Winchester end. Experience tells us (I think they call it sods law!) that you are just as likely to get the wind in your face if you cycle from Eastbourne to Winchester! Also, those cycling in the direction of Winchester get home first because the last day is slightly shorter.

WHAT TIME DO WE GET HOME TO BRIGHTON ON THE SUNDAY?
Normally, those traveling from Winchester get home about 5pm and those travelling from Eastbourne about 6pm.

WHAT HAPPENS IF I HAVE A BIKE PROBLEM?
We will be holding bike clinics at both campsites (early evening). Experienced bike mechanics will be on hand to advise and fix any problems.

WHAT ABOUT THE WEATHER?
In May the weather is very unpredictable! It is always advisable to check the weather forecast and bring a good waterproof top and ride with care in the damp, i.e. chalk can be slippery! Ironically, we get fewer accidents when it rains because of the extra care that is taken. On the other hand it is also advisable to bring sun block and ensure your bike is fitted with a water bottle etc. In hot weather - aim to drink at least 2 bottles a day!

WILL I NEED TO TAKE FOOD ON THE TRAIL?
Remember to eat and drink plenty during the day to keep your energy levels high. If the weather is hot, keeping well hydrated is vital. Food and drink will be provided at the three daily checkpoints.

WHAT ABOUT OTHER USERS OF THE SDW?
We work closely with the SDW Rangers to ensure the safety of other users of the South Downs Way as well as your own. Please be courteous to other users of the SDW (especially walkers and horse riders). Please slow down for horses, especially when approaching from behind and shout “cyclist coming through” as you pass slowly.

WHY DO I NEED TO WEAR A HELMET?
Please be careful - wearing an approved helmet is mandatory because cycling on the South Downs Way can be a hazardous activity. Please take care on some of the steep downhill sections. Go too fast and you risk serious injury not only to yourself but possibly to someone else walking up the hill the other way. The St Johns Ambulance Service will be in attendance.

I’M A VEGETARIAN – IS THAT A PROBLEM?
Please let us know your dietary requirements when you register and we will make the appropriate arrangements.

PRE-BOOKED TENTS?
We have a limited supply of tents that can be pre-booked. But you willhave to erect it and take it down yourself. If you have not pre-booked a tent it is imperative that you bring your own. Please be aware that we have had more requests for tents (allocated on a first come, first served basis) than we could supply.

WHERE IS THE OVERNIGHT ACCOMODATION?
We will be camping at Midhurst and Brighton.

WHAT IF I DO NOT WANT TO CAMP?
Camping is not everybody’s cup of tea! If you would prefer to stay in a local Bed & Breakfast or guest house please feel free to do so. It is advisable to book early (especially in the Midhurst area). Please let us know if you will not be eating with us so we can make the appropriate arrangements with our caterers.

WHERE DOES THE EVENT START FROM?
We will all meet at MFI, Hollingbury Industrial Estate in Brighton, on Friday, 9th May, for loading and to pick up the coaches to take us to our start on the South Downs Way. Directions showing you how to get to MFI Hollingbury will be sent to you nearer the time. The nearest train station is Preston Park.

IF I ARRIVE BY CAR WHERE CAN I PARK?
There is off-street parking around the side roads of Hollingbury. Parking at Asda, MFI and Next is prohibited and you are likely to get wheel-clamped.

WHAT HAPPENS ON THE FIRST DAY?
Registration will be in alphabetical order. Find the appropriate post and register. You will be given a brevet card to be stamped at each checkpoint.

HOW DOES MY BIKE GET TO THE START POINT OF THE SDW?
You will be allocated a lorry for your bike and a bus/coach to take you to your allocated starting point. Your bike will be wrapped loosely in bubble wrap. If you are not happy with this arrangement then you are advised to supply your own packaging. Every care possible will be taken to ensure that bikes are not damaged during transit.

HOW SAFE WILL MY BIKE BE WHEN IT IS TRANSPORTED?
We do have a very good record of safely transporting bikes to the start of the SDW and whilst we make every endeavor to ensure the safekeeping of your bike when transporting by using bubble wrap etc., we cannot be held responsible for any loss or damage. We suggest that you have adequate insurance and highly recommend that you invest in a good lock which can be transported with your luggage.

DO I NEED TO LABEL MY BIKE AND LUGGAGE?
Please ensure that your bike, tent and luggage are labeled and secure.

WHERE WILL MY LUGGAGE BE TRANSPORTED TO?
Your luggage will be transported directly to your first campsite at either Midhurst or Brighton.

INSURANCE?
Although Newsquest (Sussex) Ltd. has public liability insurance, as with any event of this size, we do not supply individual insurance cover for cyclists and therefore cannot be held responsible for any personal injury which you could sustain as a result of this event. We strongly recommend, for your own peace of mind, that you take out your own personal insurance for the three days whilst you are cycling. Capital and County Insurance Brokers, who are supplying the insurance for our Paris ride in August, can offer you an individual insurance for the 3 days for a very reasonable amount. Please call Teri Warner on 01795 411725.

WHY IS IT IMPORTANT TO RAISE THE MINIMUM £150 SPONSORSHIP?
We feel that asking each participant to raise a minimum of £150 is do-able and hope you do too and as such you have entered into a contract with the Argus Appeal to commit to raising £150. Sadly, there were a few last year who actually cost the charity money. They came along on the ride, enjoyed the food, drink and camaraderie but chose to renege on their commitment to raise much-needed funds and donated absolutely nothing in sponsorship. Despite gentle (and not so gentle) reminders we heard nothing and we had to resort to legal proceedings to recover our costs and the event went on to raise over £50,000.

WHEN DOES MY SPONSORSHIP MONEY HAVE TO BE COLLECTED?
We normally collect all sponsorship money at a get together in Brighton, six weeks after the event. It is a perfect opportunity to meet friends you may have made during the ride. You will be presented with a special certificate to commemorate your achievement and claim a free drink and buffet and take a look at just some of the people and organisations that will benefit from your donation. Invitations will be sent to you after the event.

If you are unable to attend please send directly to The Argus Appeal, Argus House, Crowhurst Road, Hollingbury, Brighton, East Sussex BN1 8AR. Please make cheques payable to The Argus Appeal.