Salisbury Plain Easter Epic
From Glorious Gravel
Event summary
Participants can look forward to an exhilarating day filled with adventure, camaraderie, and the thrill of exploring varied terrains, including singletrack through enchanting woods and scenic backroads. While the primary route measures 100km, there’s a possibility of adding a 20km loop around the lost village of Imber, subject to MOD permission. Whether you’re a seasoned gravel vet or a newcomer, this event promises to be a highlight of your cycling calendar. Join us for a day of fun, fitness, and fantastic scenery – let’s make this Easter one to remember!
Salisbury Plain Easter Epic
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Salisbury Plain Easter Epic - Long Route
Entries closed13:57
£62.72
Event information
We start from Thruxton Motorcircuit and head west to the Plain. Our first off road section is at 7km & from here, we head onto the Plain for a long, glorious section on the gravel with a feed stop at around 40km, a climb at 54km and then a long, fun descent off the Plain.
The second feed comes at 75km before a mix of rolling gravel & off road sections through the woods to get back to Thruxton.
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 nearest big town is Andover which has plenty of accommodation options.
The nearest train station is Andover (6 miles away) with trains from London Waterloo.
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
Now in it’s 5th edition, the Salisbury Plain Epic is as much a part of Easter as hot crossed buns Roast Lamb.
This was our first ever gravel event coming just after months of lockdown and is always one of the highlights of the year. Ride the best gravel in the South of England on the tank tracks of Salisbury Plain. This stunning 100km route contains long, sweeping sections on fast rolling gravel & views of the ancient sites of this region.
Please note – we may be able to add a 20km loop around the lost village of Imber but this is subject to MOD permission (in this case we would have a medium route of 100km & long route of 120km). Their need to protect the free world slightly supersedes our desire to ride in cool places so work on the assumption that we will not get permission.
RIDE HIGHLIGHTS:
Ride the best gravel in the South of England with long, flowing sections on the Plain.
Varied route taking in singletrack through woods, backroads & gravel.
Great views of the rolling Wiltshire hills.
WHAT TO EXPECT
Salisbury Plain contains some of the best gravel in the South. There are a few sections between Thruxton and the Plain that can be muddy when wet but this is a quick route and expect finish times between 4 & 7 hours.
RIDE DIFFICULTY
There isn’t much flat on this route but other than a longer climb (2km) about half way round, there are no challenging climbs.
Long Route ***
TECHNICAL DIFFICULTY
Conditions on the Plain are normally decent throughout the year as the gravel drains well but there can be some very deep puddles (take the trails around these). There can be mud on sections to / from Thruxton. Watch out for deep ruts on the Plain particularly if you are carrying speed after descents.
Long 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 is very wet, an all-round tyre (35-45mm) will be ideal.
EVENT PROGRAM
17th April: GPX files and pre ride briefing sent by email to each rider.
19th April: 7.45am: Ride village at Thruxton Motorcircuit. Collecting your ride number takes approx 10 mins.
19th April: 8am to 8,45amm: Ride start. We will give you a short ride briefing and set you off in small groups.
19th April: 6pm: Rider village closes.
19th April: 7pm: Link to ride times & rider photos sent to each participant by email
Location
SP11 8PN
Thruxton Motorsports Centre, Thruxton Circuit, Thruxton Airport, Andover, UK
Salisbury Plain Easter Epic
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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