Essex Gravel Epic
GG
From Glorious Gravel
Saturday 2nd September 2023
Past event
08:00
Brentwood
£51.86 · 3 races
Event summary
Get ready for an unforgettable cycling experience at the Essex Gravel Epic, hosted by Glorious Gravel on Saturday, September 2nd, 2023! Taking place in the beautiful town of Brentwood, Essex, this event is perfect for gravel bike enthusiasts looking to explore the serene countryside just outside of London. Riders will enjoy a scenic route that combines small country lanes, hidden bridleways, and sections of the historic Essex Way and Flitch Way.
The Essex Gravel Epic offers a mix of road and off-road sections, making it accessible for cyclists of all skill levels. While the terrain is relatively flat and less technically challenging, the distances promise to provide a satisfying challenge. Participants will be treated to picturesque views of charming villages and lush green spaces, ensuring a delightful day out in nature. Don’t miss your chance to be part of this exciting adventure in the heart of Essex!
The Essex Gravel Epic offers a mix of road and off-road sections, making it accessible for cyclists of all skill levels. While the terrain is relatively flat and less technically challenging, the distances promise to provide a satisfying challenge. Participants will be treated to picturesque views of charming villages and lush green spaces, ensuring a delightful day out in nature. Don’t miss your chance to be part of this exciting adventure in the heart of Essex!
Essex Gravel Epic
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Races
-
Long Route
Entries closed08:00
£51.86
-
Medium Route
Entries closed08:00
£51.86
-
Short Route
Entries closed08:00
£51.86
Event information
Starting from the grounds of the not so secret Secret Nuclear Bunker we’re making our way north picking up sections of bridleway and byway linked together by quiet country lanes through undulating agricultural land and picturesque villages.
The route will see us pick up sections of The Essex Way, a long distance trail that traverses the length of the county, and sections along the Flitch Way former railway line. Given the nature of the Essex landscape you won’t find any long or steep climbs on this ride but it’s not completely flat either.
The route alternates from backroads to gravel and makes for an ideal event for first timer off roaders.
Percentage of Route Off Road: 40%
Distance:
104km
Elevation:
750m
Difficulty: 2/5
Medium Route
The medium route cuts out 30km to the north of the long route and makes for a very fun and fast 70km ride in the Essex countryside.
Percentage of Route Off Road: 40%
Distance:
73km
Elevation:
500m
Difficulty: 1.5/5
Short Route
The short option follows the other routes medium route for the first 30km and then cuts off the top 20km.
This ride is suitable for riders of all abilities with no technical sections and rolling terrain but no major climbs.
Percentage of Route Off Road: 40%
Distance:
54km
Elevation:
400m
Difficulty: 1/5
The route will see us pick up sections of The Essex Way, a long distance trail that traverses the length of the county, and sections along the Flitch Way former railway line. Given the nature of the Essex landscape you won’t find any long or steep climbs on this ride but it’s not completely flat either.
The route alternates from backroads to gravel and makes for an ideal event for first timer off roaders.
Percentage of Route Off Road: 40%
Distance:
104km
Elevation:
750m
Difficulty: 2/5
Medium Route
The medium route cuts out 30km to the north of the long route and makes for a very fun and fast 70km ride in the Essex countryside.
Percentage of Route Off Road: 40%
Distance:
73km
Elevation:
500m
Difficulty: 1.5/5
Short Route
The short option follows the other routes medium route for the first 30km and then cuts off the top 20km.
This ride is suitable for riders of all abilities with no technical sections and rolling terrain but no major climbs.
Percentage of Route Off Road: 40%
Distance:
54km
Elevation:
400m
Difficulty: 1/5
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.
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.
WHAT TYPE OF BIKE SHOULD I RIDE?
This route is ideal for gravel bikes with lots of smooth gravel and quiet backroads. Road bikes are not suitable for this ride, mountain bikes will be fine on the gravel sections though obviously slower on the tarmac. We have carbon gravel bikes from Pearson available to hire for the day. E bikes are not allowed on this ride.
HOW DO I FIND OUT MY START TIME?
Riders start in groups of maximum 6 at a time. We will send you an email after you have booked to choose your start time between 8am and 10am, if you are riding with a friend you can choose to start with them.
WHERE IS THE START / FINISH?
The ride starts and finishes at the Nuclear Bunker in Brentwood. There is free parking onsite as well as toilets & refreshments.
WHAT HAPPENS IF I HAVE A MECHANICAL / ACCIDENT?
We have first aiders & mechanics at all the feed stops and ride captains along the route to support.
WHAT SHALL I PACK WITH ME FOR THE RIDE?
You need to have a water bottle, basic kit to repair punctures, inner tubes & riding with a helmet is compulsory. Our feed stops have water, coke, cake, fruit & the best tasting sports nutrition bars & nut butters from Outdoor Provisions.
WHEN WILL I GET MY GPX FILE
Our local team do a final recon ride 1 week before the event and can make final tweeks then based on route conditions. We will then send out the route GPX within one week of the ride.
This route is ideal for gravel bikes with lots of smooth gravel and quiet backroads. Road bikes are not suitable for this ride, mountain bikes will be fine on the gravel sections though obviously slower on the tarmac. We have carbon gravel bikes from Pearson available to hire for the day. E bikes are not allowed on this ride.
HOW DO I FIND OUT MY START TIME?
Riders start in groups of maximum 6 at a time. We will send you an email after you have booked to choose your start time between 8am and 10am, if you are riding with a friend you can choose to start with them.
WHERE IS THE START / FINISH?
The ride starts and finishes at the Nuclear Bunker in Brentwood. There is free parking onsite as well as toilets & refreshments.
WHAT HAPPENS IF I HAVE A MECHANICAL / ACCIDENT?
We have first aiders & mechanics at all the feed stops and ride captains along the route to support.
WHAT SHALL I PACK WITH ME FOR THE RIDE?
You need to have a water bottle, basic kit to repair punctures, inner tubes & riding with a helmet is compulsory. Our feed stops have water, coke, cake, fruit & the best tasting sports nutrition bars & nut butters from Outdoor Provisions.
WHEN WILL I GET MY GPX FILE
Our local team do a final recon ride 1 week before the event and can make final tweeks then based on route conditions. We will then send out the route GPX within one week of the ride.
31st August: GPX files and pre ride briefing video sent by email to each rider.
2nd September – 7.45am: Ride village in the Secret Nuclear Bunker opens. Collecting your ride number takes approx 10 mins.
2nd September – 8am to 9.30am: Ride start. We will give you a short ride briefing and set you off in small groups.
2nd September – 6pm: Rider village closes
2nd September – 7pm: Link to ride times & rider photos sent to each participant by email.
2nd September – 7.45am: Ride village in the Secret Nuclear Bunker opens. Collecting your ride number takes approx 10 mins.
2nd September – 8am to 9.30am: Ride start. We will give you a short ride briefing and set you off in small groups.
2nd September – 6pm: Rider village closes
2nd September – 7pm: Link to ride times & rider photos sent to each participant by email.
Organiser's description
Given its proximity to London’s urban sprawl the Essex countryside offers a surprising escape into quiet countryside and wide open green spaces that are ideal for exploring on a gravel bike.
Our route takes in a mixture of small country lanes interspersed with hidden bridleways and byways as we ride on sections of The Essex Way and Flitch Way. With its relatively flat terrain and an even mix of road and off road sections this is one of our easier gravel rides in terms of technical difficulty, but the distance is not to be underestimated.
Highlights
Just outside London but very quiet backroads and trails through picturesque villages and lovely countryside.
Ride over parts of the Essex & Flitch Way.
A fast course suitable for gravel riders of all abilities with a balance of backroads and gravel sections.
Our route takes in a mixture of small country lanes interspersed with hidden bridleways and byways as we ride on sections of The Essex Way and Flitch Way. With its relatively flat terrain and an even mix of road and off road sections this is one of our easier gravel rides in terms of technical difficulty, but the distance is not to be underestimated.
Highlights
Just outside London but very quiet backroads and trails through picturesque villages and lovely countryside.
Ride over parts of the Essex & Flitch Way.
A fast course suitable for gravel riders of all abilities with a balance of backroads and gravel sections.
Location
CM15 0LA
Kelvedon Hatch, Brentwood, England, United Kingdom
Essex Gravel Epic
GG
Glorious Gravel
Outdoor Adventures in Cycling. Glorious gravel rides across the UK from the Isle of Wight to the Scottish Highlands. Explore the UK way off the beaten track.
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Since
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Avg. review
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