SOUTH DOWNS GRAVEL X
From Glorious Gravel
- Date Sat 12th April 2025
- Time 08:00
- Location Lewes, Plumpton, East Sussex
- Price £62.72
- Races 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
Sat 12th April 2025
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.
Races
-
Saturday - Long Route
Sat 12th April 2025 (08:00)
£62.72
Booking for more than 1? -
Saturday - Medium Route
Sat 12th April 2025 (08:00)
£62.72
Booking for more than 1?
SOUTH DOWNS GRAVEL X
