South Downs Gravel X
GG
From Glorious Gravel
Saturday 12th April 2025
Past event
08:00
Lewes, Plumpton
£62.72 · 2 races
Event summary
Join us for the exhilarating South Downs Gravel X, organized by Glorious Gravel, on Saturday, April 12, 2025. Set in the picturesque landscapes of Lewes and Plumpton in East Sussex, this event promises a thrilling adventure on one of England's finest gravel trails. Riders can choose between two challenging distances: a medium 60km route and a full 75km route, both offering stunning views of rolling hills and the iconic South Coast.
Prepare for an epic spring ride through charming back lanes and scenic gravel paths, featuring five significant climbs on the long route, including Plumpton Bostall and Itford Hill, all while enjoying the breathtaking vistas from the top. With approximately 70% off-road terrain, participants can expect a ride that blends sharp climbs, steep descents, and smooth rolling sections. Whether you're a seasoned gravel enthusiast or a budding cyclist, the South Downs Gravel X has something for everyone! Don't miss out on this fantastic opportunity to experience the beauty of East Sussex while tackling some exhilarating trails.
Prepare for an epic spring ride through charming back lanes and scenic gravel paths, featuring five significant climbs on the long route, including Plumpton Bostall and Itford Hill, all while enjoying the breathtaking vistas from the top. With approximately 70% off-road terrain, participants can expect a ride that blends sharp climbs, steep descents, and smooth rolling sections. Whether you're a seasoned gravel enthusiast or a budding cyclist, the South Downs Gravel X has something for everyone! Don't miss out on this fantastic opportunity to experience the beauty of East Sussex while tackling some exhilarating trails.
South Downs Gravel X
This event has taken place
Congratulations to everyone who took part. We're waiting on information about the next edition of this event.
Did you race? Let the community know how you got on and leave a review.
Add your review
Reviews
Done this event?
First-hand event reviews from people who have been there, done that and got the breathable T-shirt, really help everyone choose their next event.
Races
-
Saturday - Long Route
Entries closed08:00
£62.72
-
Saturday - Medium Route
Entries closed08:00
£62.72
Event information
LONG ROUTE
The South Downs way has long been a storied ride for the off road trip.
Starting from Plumpton Racecourse we hit the first (tarmac) climb after 4km and then hit the South Downs Way and follow it over two gravel climbs to the furthest point (Alfriston).
The way home takes in some great local off road tracks and three big climbs before rolling back into Plumpton for a well earned beer.
MEDIUM ROUTE
The medium route cuts out 17km at the bottom of the route towards Alfriston.
There are two climbs (one road, one gravel) on the way out and two on the way back. A challenging 60km option but very rewarding with most of the route miles away from the crowds and some stunning views.
The South Downs way has long been a storied ride for the off road trip.
Starting from Plumpton Racecourse we hit the first (tarmac) climb after 4km and then hit the South Downs Way and follow it over two gravel climbs to the furthest point (Alfriston).
The way home takes in some great local off road tracks and three big climbs before rolling back into Plumpton for a well earned beer.
MEDIUM ROUTE
The medium route cuts out 17km at the bottom of the route towards Alfriston.
There are two climbs (one road, one gravel) on the way out and two on the way back. A challenging 60km option but very rewarding with most of the route miles away from the crowds and some stunning views.
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 South Downs Gravel X starts at Plumpton Racecourse, just over an hour away from South London.
The nearest big town is Lewes but Brighton is also close. These towns have plenty of accommodation options but there are also some lovely country pubs with rooms near Plumpton.
There is a train station next to the racecourse with hourly trains from London Victoria (duration approx 55 mins).
The nearest big town is Lewes but Brighton is also close. These towns have plenty of accommodation options but there are also some lovely country pubs with rooms near Plumpton.
There is a train station next to the racecourse with hourly trains from London Victoria (duration approx 55 mins).
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
The South Downs Way is one of the best gravel trails in England with long sweeping sections & views over rolling hills and the south coast.
Join us in April for a classic spring gravel ride taking in back lanes and gravel trails around Brighton, Lewes & the East Sussex coast.
With a choice from the medium 60km to the full 75km, there is a route suitable for all riders on this challenging terrain with plenty of punchy climbs and stunning long flowing sections on the Downs. A perfect early Autumn off road epic!
RIDE HIGHLIGHTS:
Ride parts of the legendary South Downs Way.
Five big climbs on the long route (with glorious views from the tops) including Plumpton Bostall & Itford Hill.
Brilliant fast flowing sections on the South Downs.
WHAT TO EXPECT
The South Downs Way is lumpy with some sharp climbs and steep descents mixed in with some lovely rolling sections in the valleys and on the tops.
The long route is approx 70% off road so expect the 75km to take between 4 & 7 hours.
RIDE DIFFICULTY
Both routes involve some tough climbs. The medium route has 4 major climbs & the long route has 5, both starting with a punchy intro at 4.5km – the 1.2km long Streat Borstal averaging 10%.
Long Route ****
Medium Route ***
TECHNICAL DIFFICULTY
The conditions will largely depend on recent weather. This part of the South Downs Way is chalk based with some long grassy sections. Look out for ruts when dry and slippy conditions when wet.
Long Route ****
Medium Route ***
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. You may want wider, grippier tyres for more control on the off road descents. If dry, a wider all-rounder gravel tyre (40-50mm) will be ideal. In the wet, you will want wider and knobbly tyres to get some grip in the slippy chalk.
EVENT PROGRAM
10th April: GPX files and pre ride briefing sent by email to each rider.
12th April: 7.45am: Ride village at Plumpton Racecourse. Collecting your ride number takes approx 10 mins.
12th April: 8am to 8,45amm: Ride start. We will give you a short ride briefing and set you off in small groups.
12th April: 6pm: Rider village closes.
12th April: 7pm: Link to ride times & rider photos sent to each participant by email.
Join us in April for a classic spring gravel ride taking in back lanes and gravel trails around Brighton, Lewes & the East Sussex coast.
With a choice from the medium 60km to the full 75km, there is a route suitable for all riders on this challenging terrain with plenty of punchy climbs and stunning long flowing sections on the Downs. A perfect early Autumn off road epic!
RIDE HIGHLIGHTS:
Ride parts of the legendary South Downs Way.
Five big climbs on the long route (with glorious views from the tops) including Plumpton Bostall & Itford Hill.
Brilliant fast flowing sections on the South Downs.
WHAT TO EXPECT
The South Downs Way is lumpy with some sharp climbs and steep descents mixed in with some lovely rolling sections in the valleys and on the tops.
The long route is approx 70% off road so expect the 75km to take between 4 & 7 hours.
RIDE DIFFICULTY
Both routes involve some tough climbs. The medium route has 4 major climbs & the long route has 5, both starting with a punchy intro at 4.5km – the 1.2km long Streat Borstal averaging 10%.
Long Route ****
Medium Route ***
TECHNICAL DIFFICULTY
The conditions will largely depend on recent weather. This part of the South Downs Way is chalk based with some long grassy sections. Look out for ruts when dry and slippy conditions when wet.
Long Route ****
Medium Route ***
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. You may want wider, grippier tyres for more control on the off road descents. If dry, a wider all-rounder gravel tyre (40-50mm) will be ideal. In the wet, you will want wider and knobbly tyres to get some grip in the slippy chalk.
EVENT PROGRAM
10th April: GPX files and pre ride briefing sent by email to each rider.
12th April: 7.45am: Ride village at Plumpton Racecourse. Collecting your ride number takes approx 10 mins.
12th April: 8am to 8,45amm: Ride start. We will give you a short ride briefing and set you off in small groups.
12th April: 6pm: Rider village closes.
12th April: 7pm: Link to ride times & rider photos sent to each participant by email.
Location
Lewes, Plumpton, East Sussex
Plumpton Racecourse Ltd, Plumpton, Lewes, UK
South Downs 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.
On Find a Race
Since
2021
Events
80+
Avg. review
5.0
