Suffolk Gravel X
GG
From Glorious Gravel
Event summary
Get ready for an exhilarating day of adventure at the Suffolk Gravel X, hosted by Glorious Gravel on Saturday, March 18, 2023, in the picturesque surroundings of Thetford, Norfolk. This exciting event invites cyclists of all abilities to explore the stunning landscapes along the Suffolk and Norfolk border, featuring a mix of tranquil lanes and off-road tracks that are perfect for gravel bike riding. Participants can choose from three route options ranging from 47 to 92 kilometers, catering to different skill levels and fitness.
As you ride, you'll experience the beauty of the Icknield Way, one of Britain's oldest roads, and be captivated by the contrasting scenery of dense forests and charming Suffolk villages. With its relatively flat and rolling terrain, the Suffolk Gravel X is the perfect season starter, ensuring an unforgettable experience that will reignite your love for cycling after winter. Join us for a day filled with camaraderie, stunning views, and the thrill of gravel riding!
As you ride, you'll experience the beauty of the Icknield Way, one of Britain's oldest roads, and be captivated by the contrasting scenery of dense forests and charming Suffolk villages. With its relatively flat and rolling terrain, the Suffolk Gravel X is the perfect season starter, ensuring an unforgettable experience that will reignite your love for cycling after winter. Join us for a day filled with camaraderie, stunning views, and the thrill of gravel riding!
Suffolk Gravel X
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Reviews
5.01 review
DH
Dirk Heinemann
Verified entrant
This reviewer is a verified Find a Race user who purchased a place at this event.
Took part in the 2022 edition · 4 years ago
Great organisation, absolutely uncomplicated.
Route was very well signposted.
Feed stations were sufficient. Thanks to all voluntary helpers.
Route was very well signposted.
Feed stations were sufficient. Thanks to all voluntary helpers.
Races
-
Long Route
Entries closed08:00
£47.59
-
Medium Route
Entries closed08:00
£47.59
-
Short Route
Entries closed08:00
£47.59
Event information
Long Route
Starting from the outskirts of Thetford near the Suffolk/Norfolk border the route heads south to take in a mixture of quiet roads and tracks through the neighbouring forests and heath land of Suffolk.
You’ll ride sections of the ancient Icknield Way trail to bring you back to the finish. The area isn’t renown for hills and whilst it’s not completely flat this is one of our flatter routes. The sandy nature of the trails makes it ideal for early spring where the rain can pack the trails. In dry conditions, this can add some challenge making it difficult to hold your line and keep your momentum in places but there are no technically difficult sections of this ride.
Percentage of Route Off Road: 45%
Distance:
92km
Elevation:
550m
Difficulty: 2.5/5
Medium Route
A perfect ride for newer gravel cyclists or a relaxed first sportive of the gravel season. The medium route follows the long route until the split near the 50km mark, you can choose on the day if you want to take on the extra 30km of the long route.
Percentage of Route Off Road: 55%
Distance:
68km
Elevation:
450m
Difficulty: 1.5/5
Short Route
The short route follows the medium for the majority of the day but cuts off a section in the middle and near the end to make this nearly 20km shorter. With some nice variety on the off road sections & very little climbing, this is ideal for riders of all abilities.
Percentage of Route Off Road: 55%
Distance:
47km
Elevation:
350m
Difficulty: 1/5
Starting from the outskirts of Thetford near the Suffolk/Norfolk border the route heads south to take in a mixture of quiet roads and tracks through the neighbouring forests and heath land of Suffolk.
You’ll ride sections of the ancient Icknield Way trail to bring you back to the finish. The area isn’t renown for hills and whilst it’s not completely flat this is one of our flatter routes. The sandy nature of the trails makes it ideal for early spring where the rain can pack the trails. In dry conditions, this can add some challenge making it difficult to hold your line and keep your momentum in places but there are no technically difficult sections of this ride.
Percentage of Route Off Road: 45%
Distance:
92km
Elevation:
550m
Difficulty: 2.5/5
Medium Route
A perfect ride for newer gravel cyclists or a relaxed first sportive of the gravel season. The medium route follows the long route until the split near the 50km mark, you can choose on the day if you want to take on the extra 30km of the long route.
Percentage of Route Off Road: 55%
Distance:
68km
Elevation:
450m
Difficulty: 1.5/5
Short Route
The short route follows the medium for the majority of the day but cuts off a section in the middle and near the end to make this nearly 20km shorter. With some nice variety on the off road sections & very little climbing, this is ideal for riders of all abilities.
Percentage of Route Off Road: 55%
Distance:
47km
Elevation:
350m
Difficulty: 1/5
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.
16th March: GPX files and pre ride briefing video sent by email to each rider.
18th March – 7.45am: Ride village in Thetford opens. Collecting your ride number takes approx 10 mins.
18th March – 8am to 9.30am: Ride start. We will give you a short ride briefing and set you off in small groups.
18th March – 5.30pm: Rider village closes
18th March – 7pm: Link to ride times & rider photos sent to each participant by email.
18th March – 7.45am: Ride village in Thetford opens. Collecting your ride number takes approx 10 mins.
18th March – 8am to 9.30am: Ride start. We will give you a short ride briefing and set you off in small groups.
18th March – 5.30pm: Rider village closes
18th March – 7pm: Link to ride times & rider photos sent to each participant by email.
Organiser's description
The relatively flat open landscape near the Suffolk and Norfolk border along with a mix of quiet lanes and off road tracks make this area ideally suited to gravel bike riding. You’ll pass through contrasting areas of dense forests to wide expanses of open heathlands whilst following sections of ancient trackway that make up the Icknield Way, one of the oldest roads in Britain. With three route options from 47 to 92km on flat / rolling terrain, this is a perfect season starter and ideal for riders of all abilities.
Highlights
Ride the Icknield Way, one of the oldest roads in Britain
Stunning sections through dense woodland and pretty Suffolk villages.
Perfect season starter with a flat / rolling route and options for long, medium or short routes depending on how the legs are feeling after winter.
Highlights
Ride the Icknield Way, one of the oldest roads in Britain
Stunning sections through dense woodland and pretty Suffolk villages.
Perfect season starter with a flat / rolling route and options for long, medium or short routes depending on how the legs are feeling after winter.
Location
IP24 1LH
IP24 1LH Croxton Road, Thetford, United Kingdom
Suffolk 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