Now an annual event and this year on the 18th of July, it was time for the Neighbourhood (NBHD) Gravel beach ride. Thankfully the weather was perfect despite it threatening to rain on the long term forecast much to Masons delight! All future Neighbourhood Gravel rides can be found in our calendar on the Rides & Events page.
The NBHD gravel rides all start together and use a chilli system to know how spicy (hard) they would be. These are no drop rides and the vibes are impeccable. At certain points, there is often the option to do an extra bonus loop and today was no exception. The main route was a 🌶️🌶️ chilli and the extra spicy was a 🌶️🌶️🌶️ chilli route.
Starting at Yellowave Hove cafe at 09:30 in the morning, it was the perfect time to see old friends, check out the frankly awesome bikes and have a pre ride coffee. From here the route meandered through Brighton and Hove and up onto the South Downs for a fun zig zagging gravel blast over 17mi/27km for the 🌶️🌶️ and 21mi/34km for the 🌶️🌶️🌶️.
When the ride spilt into the two chilli categories the riders self choose where they would like to be. This works so well especially with large groups meaning the route flowed beautifully while meeting up again at certain points or passing each other for a high 5!
No ride is complete without a coffee or ice cream stop with the YHA at Truleigh Hill coming up with the goods with an added benefit of being one of the last hills before the beach.
Our final destination was Southwick Beach near Carats Cafe where the NBHD crew had a large cooler full of refreshing ice cold drinks to celebrate. The sea was cool, calm and just what was needed to wash away the sweat from the ride. The community built by the whole NBHD crew is fantastic, inclusive and full of like minded folks. Thank you and can’t wait for the next ride!
