Kent Gravel Epic
GG
From Glorious Gravel
Sunday 6th August 2023
Past event
08:00
Canterbury
£51.86 · 2 races
Event summary
Join us for the Kent Gravel Epic on Sunday, August 6th, 2023, organized by Glorious Gravel, in the charming city of Canterbury, Kent. This exhilarating cycling event invites participants to ride along historic trails that echo the footsteps of early pilgrims, including parts of the famous Pilgrims Way and North Downs Way. With race distances that cater to all levels, the long route offers a thrilling 100km challenge, completing with a spectacular lap of the gravel Lydden Hill circuit.
Experience the breathtaking beauty of South East England as you navigate through easy-going off-road sections and tranquil back roads, all while soaking in the stunning views of rolling hills and picturesque villages. The Kent Gravel Epic promises a memorable mid-summer adventure for cycling enthusiasts and nature lovers alike. Don't miss your chance to be part of this off-road classic!
Experience the breathtaking beauty of South East England as you navigate through easy-going off-road sections and tranquil back roads, all while soaking in the stunning views of rolling hills and picturesque villages. The Kent Gravel Epic promises a memorable mid-summer adventure for cycling enthusiasts and nature lovers alike. Don't miss your chance to be part of this off-road classic!
Kent Gravel Epic
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Races
-
Long Route
Entries closed08:00
£51.86
-
Medium Route
Entries closed08:00
£51.86
Event information
Long Route
Setting off with a lap of Lydden Hill race circuit, we head north towards Canterbury with our first long gravel section coming at 5km.
From just west of Canterbury, we pick up the Pilgrims Way towards Ashford. This off road section includes the longest climb of the day (3.8km at 3%).
After a feed stop we head South East on a mix of backroads and bridleways all the way to near the coast in Dover. The terrain is a mix of flat, rolling hills and a couple of short, sharp climbs that Kent is famous for.
After a climb out of Dover the final 20km is rolling before a finish on the gravel circuit of Lydden Hill. A big but stunning day on the bike for early Aug.
Percentage of Route Off Road: 50%
Distance:
104km
Elevation:
1700m
Difficulty: 3.5/5
Medium Route
The medium route mirrors the long route for the first 60km so you can decide at this point whether to go the direct route (17km to go) or complete your century ride.
The section back to the finish from the split is on backroads with two short inclines before a finish on the gravel lap of Lydden Hill.
Percentage of Route Off Road: 40%
Distance:
77km
Elevation:
1200m
Difficulty: 3/5
Setting off with a lap of Lydden Hill race circuit, we head north towards Canterbury with our first long gravel section coming at 5km.
From just west of Canterbury, we pick up the Pilgrims Way towards Ashford. This off road section includes the longest climb of the day (3.8km at 3%).
After a feed stop we head South East on a mix of backroads and bridleways all the way to near the coast in Dover. The terrain is a mix of flat, rolling hills and a couple of short, sharp climbs that Kent is famous for.
After a climb out of Dover the final 20km is rolling before a finish on the gravel circuit of Lydden Hill. A big but stunning day on the bike for early Aug.
Percentage of Route Off Road: 50%
Distance:
104km
Elevation:
1700m
Difficulty: 3.5/5
Medium Route
The medium route mirrors the long route for the first 60km so you can decide at this point whether to go the direct route (17km to go) or complete your century ride.
The section back to the finish from the split is on backroads with two short inclines before a finish on the gravel lap of Lydden Hill.
Percentage of Route Off Road: 40%
Distance:
77km
Elevation:
1200m
Difficulty: 3/5
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.
3rd August: GPX files and pre ride briefing video sent by email to each rider.
6th August – 7.45am: Ride village in Lydden Hill opens. Collecting your ride number takes approx 10 mins.
6th August – 8am to 9.30am: Ride start. We will give you a short ride briefing and set you off in small groups.
6th August – 6pm: Rider village closes
6th August – 7pm: Link to ride times & rider photos sent to each participant by email.
6th August – 7.45am: Ride village in Lydden Hill opens. Collecting your ride number takes approx 10 mins.
6th August – 8am to 9.30am: Ride start. We will give you a short ride briefing and set you off in small groups.
6th August – 6pm: Rider village closes
6th August – 7pm: Link to ride times & rider photos sent to each participant by email.
WHAT TYPE OF BIKE SHOULD I RIDE?
The route is either on quiet back lanes or grassy/gravel trails. The nature of the route lends itself to a gravel bike and we would recommend tyres with a little bit of tread above 35mm. A mtb will feel slow on some sections but will handle the course fine.
HOW DO I FIND OUT MY START 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 in Canterbury. 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.
The route is either on quiet back lanes or grassy/gravel trails. The nature of the route lends itself to a gravel bike and we would recommend tyres with a little bit of tread above 35mm. A mtb will feel slow on some sections but will handle the course fine.
HOW DO I FIND OUT MY START 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 in Canterbury. 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.
Organiser's description
Ride parts of the Pilgrims way and North Downs way and follow in the steps of a route which was first used in 1172.
The Kent Gravel Epic takes in the best off road sections of this corner of South East England and dips into Dover to briefly see the coast before finishing with a gravel lap of Lydden Hill circuit.
The trails are generally easy going and any road sections are generally on quiet back roads. With varied views of rolling hills & picturesque villages, this is an off road classic for mid summer.
Highlights
Follow in the footsteps of early pilgrims in the glorious Kent countryside
Ride classic off road trails including the Pilgrims and North Downs Way
Complete an off road century (100km) on the long route finishing with a lap on the gravel of Lydden Hill.
The Kent Gravel Epic takes in the best off road sections of this corner of South East England and dips into Dover to briefly see the coast before finishing with a gravel lap of Lydden Hill circuit.
The trails are generally easy going and any road sections are generally on quiet back roads. With varied views of rolling hills & picturesque villages, this is an off road classic for mid summer.
Highlights
Follow in the footsteps of early pilgrims in the glorious Kent countryside
Ride classic off road trails including the Pilgrims and North Downs Way
Complete an off road century (100km) on the long route finishing with a lap on the gravel of Lydden Hill.
Location
CT4 6ET
Parkwood Road, Canterbury, CT2 7, United Kingdom
Kent 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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