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Epic Hit the Downs MTB off-road cycling event rescheduled for October

Test your endurance and raise funds for local hospice care.

Are you looking for a socially distanced cycling challenge? Cycling fans will be pleased to hear that Hit the Downs MTB has been rescheduled for Sunday 11 October 2020, after the May event had to be postponed amid the coronavirus pandemic.

Now in its fourth year, the off-road charity mountain bike challenge will see cyclists raising money for Worthing-based adults’ hospice, St Barnabas House whilst taking in some amazing views along the way. This year, steps have been taken to ensure you can enjoy the thrill of the ride, whilst maintaining social distancing throughout, with additional hygiene and safety measures to keep you safe.

The stunning South Downs course will test riders with its multitude of climbs and rapid downhill descents. Participants will set off from Adur Recreational Ground in Shoreham-by-Sea and can choose from a cool 30km route or dare to take on the epic new 80km distance.

Mark’s story – riding for St Barnabas House

Mark Tyler, 55 from Upper Beeding, was the highest St Barnabas House Hit the Downs fundraiser at the event last year with a total of £2,150. He challenged himself to the 60km route in memory of his mother, Angela Tyler, who was cared for by the hospice and sadly passed away just a few weeks before the event.

Mark says: “It’s a proper cycling event, up there with the best of them. The course is a good test whatever distance you take on. The scenery is stunning and the terrain a mix of everything the beautiful South Downs have to offer, from river paths to open rolling fields with some tough climbs thrown in for good measure.

“Raising the money for St Barnabas was a small way to say thank you to them for the wonderful and compassionate way they helped and cared for mum and our family at the end of her life. I couldn’t do the job St Barnabas do but I can cycle, so it was my way of doing something positive in remembering my mum.”