NRC Swaps Tarmac for Trails: Our First Gravel Away Day on the Downs Link

When you think Newbury Road Club, you think smooth tarmac and skinny tyres. But every now and then, it’s fun to throw the rulebook out the window. That’s exactly what we did on our inaugural NRC Gravel Away Day — and wow, did we have a blast!

The idea came from NRC member Mark Nelson, who suggested the Downs Link — his tried-and-tested gem of a route. It’s a 100 km ride along a disused railway line from Guildford to Shoreham-by-Sea, winding through some of southern England’s most gorgeous countryside. Part woodland, part open meadow, it’s like someone designed a “smile per mile” cycle path.

Mark providing hints and tips at the pre-ride briefing.

So, 11 riders — a mix of seasoned gravel grinders and wide-eyed first-timers — gathered at Bramley & Wonersh station on Thursday 14 August 2025.

The Downs Link didn’t disappoint. The wide, well-packed gravel made for smooth but speedy progress, with the occasional bump to keep things interesting. The sun lit up the rolling Sussex countryside, the air was full of birdsong, and — best of all — not a car in sight. The dry summer weather meant the track was dusty, so within an hour both bikes and riders wore the same earthy shade of brown. No one cared. In fact, it just added to the sense of adventure.

We rolled into Shoreham-by-Sea with one thing on our minds: fish and chips. Refuelled and recharged, we turned our wheels north for the return leg.

The afternoon ride felt different — the sun warmer, the laughs louder and the group a little looser in the saddle. It was more about soaking up the scenery and enjoying the shared rhythm of the ride. There’s something about gravel riding — the mix of freedom, flow, and the feeling that you’re exploring somewhere just a little off the beaten track — that gets under your skin.

By the time we rolled back into Bramley, 100 km later, we were dusty, tired, and wearing the kind of grins that don’t fade easily. The verdict was unanimous: this won’t be NRC’s last gravel adventure.

Mark is already planning a programme of shorter, more local Saturday morning gravel rides, and more away days — perfect for anyone keen to give it a go or just sneak in some weekend off-road fun - check out Spond for details and sign-up info.