Essex Gravel Epic

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

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.

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.

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.