Essex Gravel X
GG
From Glorious Gravel
Saturday 17th May 2025
Past event
08:00
Brentwood, Kelvedon Hatch
£62.72 · 2 races
Event summary
Get ready for an exhilarating day of adventure at the ESSEX GRAVEL X, organized by Glorious Gravel! Taking place on Saturday, May 17, 2025, in the picturesque setting of Brentwood, Kelvedon Hatch, Essex, this event promises a fantastic escape into the lush countryside just outside of London. Riders will enjoy a well-designed route that features a delightful mix of small country lanes, hidden bridleways, and beautiful sections of The Essex Way.
The ESSEX GRAVEL X offers two fantastic race distances, catering to gravel riders of all abilities. With a long route estimated to take between 3.5 to 5.5 hours and a medium route designed for ease, participants can expect a rolling terrain that flows smoothly without any major climbs. Approximately 40% of the ride will be off-road, showcasing a blend of smooth gravel and farm tracks, ensuring a thrilling experience while soaking in the stunning surroundings. Whether you're a seasoned rider or new to gravel biking, this event is the perfect opportunity to explore the serene beauty of Essex. Don't miss out on this exciting day of cycling camaraderie and adventure!
The ESSEX GRAVEL X offers two fantastic race distances, catering to gravel riders of all abilities. With a long route estimated to take between 3.5 to 5.5 hours and a medium route designed for ease, participants can expect a rolling terrain that flows smoothly without any major climbs. Approximately 40% of the ride will be off-road, showcasing a blend of smooth gravel and farm tracks, ensuring a thrilling experience while soaking in the stunning surroundings. Whether you're a seasoned rider or new to gravel biking, this event is the perfect opportunity to explore the serene beauty of Essex. Don't miss out on this exciting day of cycling camaraderie and adventure!
Essex Gravel X
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Races
-
Essex Gravel X - Long Route
Entries closed08:00
£62.72
-
Essex Gravel X - Medium Route
Entries closed08:00
£62.72
Event information
LONG ROUTE
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. 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.
MEDIUM ROUTE
The medium option follows the long 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
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. 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.
MEDIUM ROUTE
The medium option follows the long 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
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.
The Essex Gravel X starts at the Secret Nuclear Bunker in Kelvedon Hatch – not far from both the M11 & M25.
The nearest big town is Brentwood which has lots of accommodation options but there are some lovely small towns and villages nearby with smaller hotels / pubs.
The nearest train station is Brentwood (5.5 miles)
The nearest big town is Brentwood which has lots of accommodation options but there are some lovely small towns and villages nearby with smaller hotels / pubs.
The nearest train station is Brentwood (5.5 miles)
The route takes in some remote sections. We have support vans available but we recommend you are as self sufficient as possible including:
Bike spares
2 x inner tubes suitable for the size of your tyre
If running a tubeless set up, have a tubeless repair kit including plugs and spare sealant.
Multitool | Chain link specific for your bike chain
Small pump | Brake pads (especially in wet conditions)
Personal Medical kit
1 x crepe roll bandage | Gauze or similar absorbent dressing
Assorted plasters | Antiseptic (spray, cream or wipes) | Prescribed medication
Bike spares
2 x inner tubes suitable for the size of your tyre
If running a tubeless set up, have a tubeless repair kit including plugs and spare sealant.
Multitool | Chain link specific for your bike chain
Small pump | Brake pads (especially in wet conditions)
Personal Medical kit
1 x crepe roll bandage | Gauze or similar absorbent dressing
Assorted plasters | Antiseptic (spray, cream or wipes) | Prescribed medication
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. 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 and is suitable for riders of all abilities.
RIDE HIGHLIGHTS:
Just outside London but very quiet backroads and trails through picturesque villages and lovely countryside.
Ride parts of the Essex Way & local gravel trails.
A fast course suitable for gravel riders of all abilities with a balance of backroads and gravel sections.
WHAT TO EXPECT
The route is on rolling terrain but no major climbs. 40% of the ride is off road on a mix of smooth gravel and farm tracks, suitable for riders of all abilities. Expect the long route to take 3.5 to 5.5 hours.
RIDE DIFFICULTY
Out of all our rides, this is one of the most straight forward with no major climbs. The route is rolling and flows well in this lovely corner of Essex.
Long Route **
Medium Route *
TECHNICAL DIFFICULTY
60% of the route is on tarmac on some great back roads. The off road sections are a mix of gravel & hard packed mud. When wet, this could have big puddles and sections may be slippy but in the dry this is a route with few terrain challenges.
Long Route **
Medium Route **
TYRE & BIKE RECOMMENDATIONS
This route is designed for gravel bikes but you will be fine on a hardtail MTB. We do send out tyre recommendations closer to the time. Unless it’s very wet, a standard gravel all-rounder tyre (35-45mm) will be ideal.
EVENT PROGRAM
15th May: GPX files and pre ride briefing sent by email to each rider.
17th May: 7.45am: Ride village at the Secret Nuclear Bunker opens. Collecting your ride number takes approx 10 mins.
17th May: 8am to 8,45amm: Ride start. We will give you a short ride briefing and set you off in small groups.
17th May: 6pm: Rider village closes.
17th May: 7pm: Link to ride times & rider photos sent to each participant by email.
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. 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 and is suitable for riders of all abilities.
RIDE HIGHLIGHTS:
Just outside London but very quiet backroads and trails through picturesque villages and lovely countryside.
Ride parts of the Essex Way & local gravel trails.
A fast course suitable for gravel riders of all abilities with a balance of backroads and gravel sections.
WHAT TO EXPECT
The route is on rolling terrain but no major climbs. 40% of the ride is off road on a mix of smooth gravel and farm tracks, suitable for riders of all abilities. Expect the long route to take 3.5 to 5.5 hours.
RIDE DIFFICULTY
Out of all our rides, this is one of the most straight forward with no major climbs. The route is rolling and flows well in this lovely corner of Essex.
Long Route **
Medium Route *
TECHNICAL DIFFICULTY
60% of the route is on tarmac on some great back roads. The off road sections are a mix of gravel & hard packed mud. When wet, this could have big puddles and sections may be slippy but in the dry this is a route with few terrain challenges.
Long Route **
Medium Route **
TYRE & BIKE RECOMMENDATIONS
This route is designed for gravel bikes but you will be fine on a hardtail MTB. We do send out tyre recommendations closer to the time. Unless it’s very wet, a standard gravel all-rounder tyre (35-45mm) will be ideal.
EVENT PROGRAM
15th May: GPX files and pre ride briefing sent by email to each rider.
17th May: 7.45am: Ride village at the Secret Nuclear Bunker opens. Collecting your ride number takes approx 10 mins.
17th May: 8am to 8,45amm: Ride start. We will give you a short ride briefing and set you off in small groups.
17th May: 6pm: Rider village closes.
17th May: 7pm: Link to ride times & rider photos sent to each participant by email.
Location
Brentwood, Kelvedon Hatch, Essex
Kelvedon Hatch, Brentwood, UK
Essex Gravel X
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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