Neil Newell at Cocking during his previous SDW attempt

It seems the South Downs Double is the epic ride of choice at the moment, with several attempts gaining much interest recently and, as you read these very words, there’s a rider out there now riding the Double, alone and unsupported. And on a singlespeed…

Neil Newell, one of the original instigators of this challenge gaining the interest it has, already set his mark in the sand with a time of 22h 20m 25s, last September. You can relive that story here. For that ride Neil had support from friends and rode a geared bike, but he’s clearly decided that wasn’t challenge enough.

So, for his latest attempt at the record, Neil has decided to attempt the SDW Double unsupported and on a singlespeed – just to make it a little harder. Neil set off from Winchester at 9.30am this morning, and as you read this he’s well underway. Our man on the ground Rory Hitchens tells us he’s looking good thus far, we’ll bring you some photos soon…

While he might not break the current record of 20h 55m 51s as held by enduro ace Rob Lee, he’ll most certainly set the first record for doing it singlespeed, aboard his rigid On-One Inbred 29er. Neil said, before setting of this morning, that he wants to see “just how long it takes! Ideally less than 24 hours, of course…”

Good luck from everybody at BM Neil!

Watch Neil’s ride live with Bikemagic

Thanks to the wonder that is GPS, you can track Neil’s ride throughout the day and night right here.