North Wales Gravel X

Long Route
The route starts in Ruthin and begins with a 5km stretch on tarmac to warm up the legs. After a short off road section we hit the day’s biggest climb with fresh legs. The 3km backroad climb through the forest gives some great views as we get higher and from the summit we stay on the flats for the next 40km.
The long route then takes us around two reservoirs on fast, flat gravel with great views as the trails cut through the forest with the water on one side and rolling hills on the other. These are perfect gravel trails – remote, smooth and rewarding.
From the reservoirs we cut through the forest before a fast section on the road back to Ruthin for a well earned beer & some food. An 81km North Wales classic route
Percentage of Route Off Road: 80%
Distance:
80km
Elevation:
1500m
Difficulty: 3.5/5

Medium Route
A short, tough but very rewarding medium route. We follow the long route up to the reservoirs over a big back road climb and through lovely gravel in the forest before skipping the section round the reservoirs and a rapid descent back to Ruthin.
Percentage of Route Off Road: 75%
Distance:
53km
Elevation:
1150m
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.

13th April: GPX files and pre ride briefing video sent by email to each rider.

15th April – 7.45am: Ride village in Ruthin opens. Collecting your ride number takes approx 10 mins.

15th April – 8am to 9.30am: Ride start. We will give you a short ride briefing and set you off in small groups.

15th April – 5.30pm: Rider village closes

15th April – 7pm: Link to ride times & rider photos sent to each participant by email.

WHAT TYPE OF BIKE SHOULD I RIDE?
The route is 40% backroads and 60% gravel trails with a couple of short hike-a-bike sections. We would recommend a gravel bike with 40mm tyres if you are experienced & a good bike handler or a MTB for everyone else.

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 Ruthin. 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.