Perhaps you’re looking for something unique or different to do for a special occasion? Or maybe you want to try something new and get out of your comfort zone? There have been a couple of adventures I’ve wanted to experience for a while but haven’t had the courage to do, so this year, I decided to say yes to any unusual opportunities that came along. It’s an approach that has served me well.
Cue Marmalade MTB and the Ride and Dine experience
If you love the great outdoors as well as exceptional dining experiences, well then grab your sense of adventure, this bike ride experience is for you. But let’s start by busting a few myths.
Busting the myths
- You don’t have to be good on a bike to love this experience. Full disclosure, I am rubbish down hills, prone to falling off, not very fit and just a tiny bit intimidated by the idea of going mountain biking on the South Downs. But none of these issues were a barrier and I loved the experience. The moral being, if I can, you can.
- E-bikes aren’t cheating. You still have to pedal and you can work as hard, or not, as you like. The e-bikes are incredibly easy to ride with a range of settings which you can pick and choose from as you go along. Big hill? No problem, set it on turbo and off you go. Want to burn a few calories on the flatter bit? Fine, turn off the booster or drop to the eco setting and pedal away.
- The e-bikes are very sturdy with hydraulic disc brakes and chunky tyres. That means they just take the rugged, chalky slopes of the South Downs in their stride and that is a massive confidence boost. And, for the record, you are not going to be cycling the steep slopes of the north side of the Downs, just the more undulating south facing paths.
- Having a bike guide by your side makes a world of difference. Apart from knowing the route and local landmarks, little tips about how to adjust your position and words of encouragement soon have you doing far more than you thought you were capable of.
The plan
I joined Marmalade MTB for a three-hour, small group and mixed ability Ride and Dine bike ride from Wiston Estate at Washington in West Sussex. Wiston is a prestigious wine producing estate that also has an outstanding restaurant, Chalk. Their vines twist their way across the slopes of the South Downs towards the iconic landmark of Chanctonbury Ring.
Next to Wiston is the Bicycle Exchange who were providing our bikes and helmets. They also do food and drink so you might want to get there for breakfast first. Bikes fitted and a quick lesson on the settings and gears (very straightforward) and you’re ready for the off.
The Marmalade guide will adjust the length and difficulty of your ride according to your ability, but our mission was to do a 20 to 30 km loop and finish with lunch at Chalk. My guide was Claire, a very experienced bike lead but looking up at the path ahead as we set off, I was very conscious that this felt out of my league.
Don’t worry, this is cycling at its best
The ride starts with a climb up to the top of the Downs but far from a struggle, I quickly realised this was fun! I did try to put in a bit of effort but each time the burn got a bit too uncomfortable, I upped my e-bike setting. Rather than being a battle, I had time and energy to enjoy the spectacular and emerging views as we climbed. And before I knew it, the first cattle grid had been conquered and we were enjoying a first break with 360 views at the top of the Downs! And I was falling in love with my bike.
From there, we had some gentle grassy slopes down for the next section which was a great way to get used to the downhill position and start building my confidence for bigger downhills. Claire was on hand to help with advice and I was beginning to feel like I’d got this.
Travelling new paths
I know the South Downs pretty well, but there’s only so far I can travel by foot. Suddenly I found myself going down new paths I didn’t know and discovering new nooks and crannies. The Medieval church at Coombe (which is painted inside with some incredible frescoes) is a rich reward having ridden down a steep woodland path and the nearby farm has a meat vending machine if you have room in your backpack. The vast Gothic chapel at Lancing is the opposite end of the architecture spectrum and at that point, I couldn’t believe I’d cycled so far.
Pushing your comfort zone
If you’d asked me at the beginning of the day if I’d be cycling down some of the tracks and slopes that I did, I wouldn’t have believed you and as my legs started to tire (I did do some pedalling, honest) the joy of a turbo boost up the hills meant I could really enjoy every moment and I didn’t feel like I was holding anyone back (actually, at one point, I was leading the charge!).
Not wanting it to end (and not wanting to part with the bike), all too quickly, we had covered 25 km and were heading down the last slope back to Wiston. I felt fantastic. I had got out of my comfort zone, conquered a few fears and seen some incredible countryside into the bargain.
A taste of the landscape at Chalk
The Marmalade Ride and Dine includes lunch at Chalk, a rising star when it comes to Sussex culinary experiences. They use a lot of local and seasonal produce, much of it from the estate and they list many of their suppliers on their website.
Their restaurant is in an old, converted barn which combines elegant style with a relaxed, informal atmosphere. Similarly, they have a relatively straightforward yet sophisticated and subtle menu. The Cornish octopus with Romesco sauce was possibly the best octopus I have ever had and I felt I had more than earnt the melt in the mouth wood fired lamb rump with aubergine and mint, not to mention the Jivara chocolate bar, Ecuador vanilla ice cream, cherry and olive oil (don’t ask me how olive oil and cherry work together but they really do). And of course, it would be wrong not to wash it all down with a first-rate Wiston Estate glass of wine (or two).
Reflections
This was a day well spent. It’s a great way to spend time together with friends or family and gives you the chance to see the South Downs with a fresh perspective. It’s hard to beat that feeling of having exercised well and conquered your demons combined with enjoying outstanding cuisine in a beautiful setting. In short, it’s a celebration of some of the best things in life.
Ride and Dine details
Costs for Ride & Dine for two people vary and you have a choice of lunch at Wiston Estate’s Chalk restaurant, The Star, Alfriston, or Goodwood’s Farmer, Butcher, Chef restaurant.
Marmalade MTB run a number of other rides including the South Downs Way and the Surrey Hills.
To find out more or book: Marmalade MTB
