Sand, Sea and Cycling in Suffolk
12 people attending
2 places left
Join us for this leisurely ride through eastern Suffolk, taking in the vanishing coastline of Dunwich, the natural beauty of the Suffolk Coast & Westleton Heath National Nature Reserves and the distinctive architecture of the many churches and villages in the Suffolk countryside.
This is intended for anyone with a bike and is mostly on quiet lanes, though as there are short sections of riverside paths and bridleways I'd advise against very narrow (23c) slick tyres. We will however avoid the unpaved sections on the day if conditions are found to be poor.
At the 35km point (after Dunwich) there will be the option to return to the start point for those wishing to ride only the first 40km. Maps will be provided for the easy route back for those interested.
We will be keeping to a relaxed pace for the first half of the ride and may pick up the pace after 35km for those doing the full distance. Everyone is welcome to ride the full distance and we will set the pace to ensure no-one is left behind.
This event is being run in conjunction with the Summer Sojourn hostel event but is open to all ODL members. For those attending the hostel there are a small number of hire bikes available at Darsham Country Centre; please contact the hostel leader if you'd like to apply for one of these.
Itinerary
Darsham Station, Wenhaston, Blythburgh, Walberswick, Dunwich
- Break at Dunwich Beach
- Option to return to start at 35km point
Eastridge, Leiston Abbey, Snape, Blaxhall, Sweffling, Bruisyard, Peasenhall, Darsham Station
The route is available via Garmin Connect here. Note this route subject to change due to surface conditions, rider abilities and events on the day.
To find out more about our mountain and road biking community, and for regular event updates go to: https://www.facebook.com/groups/OutdoorLadsCycling/
What to bring
Bike: any bike you like. For those attending the hostel there are 10 hire bikes available
Helmet: OutdoorLads requires you to wear one
Clothing: lightweight and layered, shorts are great even in rain as they allow free movement of your legs. Avoid jeans, which are uncomfortable when wet, and baggy tracksuit bottoms, which can snag in the chain. Colourful and/or reflective clothing will make you more visible to other road users
Footwear: grippy soles if your bike has standard pedals
Gloves: cycle gloves help avoid blisters, and are good in the cold
Punctures: spare inner tube, bike tyre pump and tyre levers
Tools: any special tools that your bike needs
Small snacks: such as chocolate or energy bars
Plenty of water: in bottle/s on your bike or in a daysack/bladder
Medicines: if you have hay fever, diabetes, minor ailments etc.
Eye protection: avoid getting grit or insects in your eyes, sunglasses are OK if they are not made of glass and not too shaded
Sun cream: take care, even on overcast days
Bike lights: be seen and safe
Storage: small day-sack or a bag on your bike
Mobile Phone: keep it in a waterproof bag for use in emergencies
Food & drink
Bring plenty of water and snacks for the ride plus a packed lunch. We'll stop at Dunwich beach for a break, coffee & nibbles and will find somewhere for a picnic lunch when we've covered 2/3 of the distance.
Near the end of the ride we'll stop at a country pub for refreshments. Those staying at the Summer Sojourn hostel will be back in plenty of time for dinner at Darsham station.