Cotswolds Gravel X

Long Route
A ride of two halves taking in some of the best gravel & backroads of the beautiful Cotswolds.
Heading out of Didmarton, we head north west into the hills for a punchy first 45km packed with climbs of all shapes and sizes.
After a stop for a sandwich at feed two we head onto the Fosse Way – get in a good group and work together to smash through this fast 20km section. After this, its a quick 13km section on a mix of tarmac and gravel back to the finish line.
Percentage of Route Off Road: 50%
Distance:
91km
Elevation:
1150m
Difficulty: 3/5

Medium Route
The medium route takes out a chunk at the start and near near the end but has the routes have the same shape with a tough first half in the hills and a quick second half on the Fosse Way.
For a medium route it does have challenging sections but is rideable for cyclists of most abilities.
Percentage of Route Off Road: 50%
Distance:
65km
Elevation:
950m
Difficulty: 2.5/5

Fully Signed Route

Our team work tirelessly to create the best gravel routes in the UK. All courses are fully signed so you can just enjoy the ride.

Checkpoints with Proper Food

An epic ride deserves proper support. We have tea, coffee and cake at the first feed and sandwiches & crisps at the main feed. Checkpoints are approx every 30 - 35km

Accurate GPX Files

A few days before the ride, we will send GPX files for all of the route options so you can follow the course on your GPS as well as the signs.

Mechanics Available

At the rider village & at selected feed stops we have mechanics available to help with any bike issues. We also have spare inner tubes, CO2 & more .

Rider Support Vans

We are here to make sure you have a great day on the gravel. If you have any major mechanicals or need collecting, support vehicles are a phone call away.

Beer at Finish Line

You will be greeted at the finish line with a beer & food available from our food truck. Perfect to chat about your day with fellow riders.

Bike Choice: The route is about 50% on backroads and 50% off road on a mix of smooth gravel, grass & singletrack. We recommend a gravel bike though a mountain bike will be fine. E-bikes are allowed on all of our rides.

Tyre Choice: We will send an update on conditions closer to the ride. The gravel on the route is mixed so a 40mm all rounder gravel tyre will be ideal.

Packing List: Bring equipment to be self sufficient on the route (inner tubes, sealant, multi-tool, pump or CO2 etc). We recommend a bell to warn walkers / runners of your presence.

Clothing: Mid May in this part of England should be pleasant. Check the forecast, the morning is likely to be fresh so pack accordingly (arm & knee warmers, gilet, lightweight jacket etc). Helmets are mandatory, you will not be able to ride without one.

Where does the ride start / finish?
The ride starts and finishes in Didmarton. There is free parking onsite as well as toilets & refreshments. We will send the ride village address by email.

Are E Bikes Allowed?
Yes, e-bikes are allowed on all Glorious Gravel ride. These must comply with UK law.

What Happens if I have a mechanical / accident?
We have first aiders & mechanics at the feed stops. There will be a phone number on the back of your ride number – call this if you need collecting.

Can I Start with my friends?
Yes, we start between 8am and 9.30am and set people off in small groups so the off road sections are not too busy. Please come to the start line with anyone you want to ride with, we will give a short ride briefing and set you off.

18th May: GPX files and pre ride briefing video sent by email to each rider.

20th May – 7.45am: Ride village in Didmarton opens. Collecting your ride number takes approx 10 mins.

20th May – 8am to 9.30am: Ride start. We will give you a short ride briefing and set you off in small groups.

20th May – 6.30pm: Rider village closes

20th May – 7pm: Link to ride times & rider photos sent to each participant by email.