Our first ride of the month runs from the Downs to the sea, starting at Elm Grove, up to Woodingdean and then winding south to Rottingdean beach via Bullock Hill.

The ride offers some epic downland scenery, fast cross country tracks, and even the chance of a swim if the weather is good. There are also two return journey options: a refreshing clifftop spin or a sheltered seaside jaunt.

1. The ride starts on Elm Grove. Once you get to the allotments on your left, look for a rough track that starts to run alongside the road. Take it up over the contour of the hill until it bends away from the road and heads along the top edge of Woodingdean, becoming Drove Road.

2.After three-quarters-of- a-mile you reach Falmer Road. Cross over into the car park and take the right fork, heading up a rutted track towards Bullock Hill.

You will see a radio mast on top of the hill. The path forks here – take the left fork and you will reach a gate.

3. Follow the grass path along the shoulder of the hill and down towards Standean Bottom.

The path loops down and to the right for about a-mile-and- a-half, then round the end of a field, ending in a fast, narrow track under trees.

Bear right and follow the path that leads south, through another gate, and on to where the last field ends and you meet a narrow tarmac lane.

4. Turn right on to the lane and follow it up the hill. Once you have crested the hill it is a fast mile or so down towards Rottingdean, where the lane becomes Bazehill Road.

5.At the end of Bazehill Road you will reach a T-junction with Falmer Road. Turn left and follow the road down into Rottingdean until you reach the traffic lights at the crossroads with the A259 Brighton road.

Go over the crossroads and you will find yourself at the beach. If the weather’s right this is the perfect moment for a swim!

6. Once you’ve dried off, you have a choice of routes to get back to Brighton. The first option is the clifftop cycle path, which is safe, usually fairly empty, but rather windy. The second option is the undercliff path, which is more sheltered, flatter, and offers a wonderful ride along by the sea Officially cyclists are not meant to use the path, but in reality plenty do; just remember pedestrians have priority, and keep your speed well down.

After three miles or so, either route will deliver you to Marine Drive, and back to Brighton’s Palace Pier.

Distance/time: Elm Grove to the Palace Pier is 12 miles or one-and-a-half hours.

Thirsty work: Tea rooms in Rottingdean, and a good cafe on the undercliff path halfway back to Brighton.

Your bike: The route is best suited to mountain bikes with fatter tyres, but you can ride it on a hybrid if you are really careful.

So you don't get lost: OS Explorer map 122