Somerset Gravel Epic
GG
From Glorious Gravel
Saturday 23rd September 2023
Past event
08:00
Cheddar
£51.86 · 2 races
Event summary
Get ready for an unforgettable cycling experience at the Somerset Gravel Epic, organized by Glorious Gravel, taking place on Saturday, September 23, 2023, in the stunning Cheddar, Somerset. This exciting event invites cyclists to explore the best back roads, gravel paths, and breathtaking beaches of Somerset, showcasing the county's incredible variety. Participants can choose between two exhilarating routes of 75km and 100km, both featuring a unique 9km stretch on the remarkable Brean Beach—one of the longest beach cycling sections in the UK! Riders will enjoy fast and flat sections across the scenic Somerset Levels and tackle glorious climbs in the Mendips, culminating with the iconic Cheddar Gorge. Join us for a day filled with adventure, camaraderie, and the stunning beauty of Somerset—it's a ride you won't want to miss!
Somerset 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
Starting out near Cheddar, we go straight onto the gravel for the first 5km before heading west before a couple of short, sharp off road climbs (the first is 2.3km at 7.4%, the second is 2.2km at 7.3%) before the first feed stop.
From here, all roads lead to the beach and we take on the iconic 9km of Brean Beach. The challenge here is to find the right line where the sand is hard packed – not as easy as it seems as the line keeps changing and you don’t want to get stuck in the soft stuff!
After the beach, recover on the flat Somerset Levels with a couple of gravel sections before heading north back to Cheddar.
The final section takes us up the beautiful Cheddar Gorge (3.5km, 4.7% gradient on road) before a lovely rolling section back to the ride village for a well earned beer.
Percentage of Route Off Road: 45%
Distance:
100km
Elevation:
1200m
Difficulty: 3.5/5
Medium Route
The medium route follows the long route but takes out one of the off road climbs before the first feed stop.
After the beach we head to the levels and back north but remove sections in the Mendips to go straight back to the ride village rather than up and around Cheddar Gorge.
Percentage of Route Off Road: 45%
Distance:
72km
Elevation:
800m
Difficulty: 3/5
Starting out near Cheddar, we go straight onto the gravel for the first 5km before heading west before a couple of short, sharp off road climbs (the first is 2.3km at 7.4%, the second is 2.2km at 7.3%) before the first feed stop.
From here, all roads lead to the beach and we take on the iconic 9km of Brean Beach. The challenge here is to find the right line where the sand is hard packed – not as easy as it seems as the line keeps changing and you don’t want to get stuck in the soft stuff!
After the beach, recover on the flat Somerset Levels with a couple of gravel sections before heading north back to Cheddar.
The final section takes us up the beautiful Cheddar Gorge (3.5km, 4.7% gradient on road) before a lovely rolling section back to the ride village for a well earned beer.
Percentage of Route Off Road: 45%
Distance:
100km
Elevation:
1200m
Difficulty: 3.5/5
Medium Route
The medium route follows the long route but takes out one of the off road climbs before the first feed stop.
After the beach we head to the levels and back north but remove sections in the Mendips to go straight back to the ride village rather than up and around Cheddar Gorge.
Percentage of Route Off Road: 45%
Distance:
72km
Elevation:
800m
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.
21st Sept: GPX files and pre ride briefing video sent by email to each rider.
23rd Sept – 7.45am: Ride village opens. Collecting your ride number takes approx 10 mins.
23rd Sept – 8am to 9.30am: Ride start. We will give you a short ride briefing and set you off in small groups.
23rd Sept – 6pm: Rider village closes
23rd Sept – 7pm: Link to ride times & rider photos sent to each participant by email.
23rd Sept – 7.45am: Ride village opens. Collecting your ride number takes approx 10 mins.
23rd Sept – 8am to 9.30am: Ride start. We will give you a short ride briefing and set you off in small groups.
23rd Sept – 6pm: Rider village closes
23rd Sept – 7pm: Link to ride times & rider photos sent to each participant by email.
Where does the ride start / finish?
The ride starts and finishes just outside Cheddar. There is free parking onsite as well as toilets & refreshments. We will send the ride village address by email.
Are E Bikes Allowed?
Yes, e-bikes are allowed on all Glorious Gravel ride. These must comply with UK law.
What Happens if I have a mechanical / accident?
We have first aiders & mechanics at the feed stops. There will be a phone number on the back of your ride number – call this if you need collecting.
Can I Start with my friends?
Yes, we start between 8am and 9.30am and set people off in small groups so the off road sections are not too busy. Please come to the start line with anyone you want to ride with, we will give a short ride briefing and set you off.
The ride starts and finishes just outside Cheddar. There is free parking onsite as well as toilets & refreshments. We will send the ride village address by email.
Are E Bikes Allowed?
Yes, e-bikes are allowed on all Glorious Gravel ride. These must comply with UK law.
What Happens if I have a mechanical / accident?
We have first aiders & mechanics at the feed stops. There will be a phone number on the back of your ride number – call this if you need collecting.
Can I Start with my friends?
Yes, we start between 8am and 9.30am and set people off in small groups so the off road sections are not too busy. Please come to the start line with anyone you want to ride with, we will give a short ride briefing and set you off.
Organiser's description
One of the great counties in England for cycling, come explore the best back roads, gravel & beaches of glorious Somerset. Featuring longer climbs in the Mendips, fast & flat sections on the Levels and one of the longest beaches to ride on in the country, this route packs in an amazing amount of variety across this charming county.
Choose between a 75km or 100km route starting near Cheddar. Both routes include the 9km section on Brean Beach – a very unique cycling experience, just make sure you pick the right line! After some quick miles on the Levels, the ride finishes in the Mendips. A brilliant & varied ride 👊.
Highlights
Ride one of the longest beach sections in the UK on the beautiful hard packed sands of Brean Beach.
Fast sections on the flat Somerset Levels.
Some glorious climbs in the beautiful Mendips including the iconic Cheddar Gorge – one of the UK’s most picturesque climbs.
Choose between a 75km or 100km route starting near Cheddar. Both routes include the 9km section on Brean Beach – a very unique cycling experience, just make sure you pick the right line! After some quick miles on the Levels, the ride finishes in the Mendips. A brilliant & varied ride 👊.
Highlights
Ride one of the longest beach sections in the UK on the beautiful hard packed sands of Brean Beach.
Fast sections on the flat Somerset Levels.
Some glorious climbs in the beautiful Mendips including the iconic Cheddar Gorge – one of the UK’s most picturesque climbs.
Location
BS40 7XU
Cheddar, England, United Kingdom
Somerset 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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