Wessex Gravel Epic
GG
From Glorious Gravel
Saturday 13th May 2023
Past event
08:00
Frome, West Woodlands
£51.81 · 3 races
Event summary
Join us for the Wessex Gravel Epic, an exhilarating cycling event organized by Glorious Gravel, taking place on Saturday, May 13th, 2023, in the picturesque Frome, West Woodlands, Somerset. This unforgettable adventure will showcase the stunning and relatively unexplored landscapes of Somerset and Wiltshire, featuring a variety of race distances tailored for cyclists of all levels.
As you navigate through this breathtaking terrain, prepare to tackle punchy climbs that reward you with expansive views over the finest countryside in Hampshire and Wiltshire. Experience the thrill of fast, flowing descents and ride through enchanting bluebell woods on smooth gravel trails. The grand finale of your journey will take place on the private gravel roads of the Frome Cheese Show, making this event a true celebration of cycling and nature. Don’t miss out on this epic ride – mark your calendars and get ready for an adventure like no other!
As you navigate through this breathtaking terrain, prepare to tackle punchy climbs that reward you with expansive views over the finest countryside in Hampshire and Wiltshire. Experience the thrill of fast, flowing descents and ride through enchanting bluebell woods on smooth gravel trails. The grand finale of your journey will take place on the private gravel roads of the Frome Cheese Show, making this event a true celebration of cycling and nature. Don’t miss out on this epic ride – mark your calendars and get ready for an adventure like no other!
Wessex Gravel Epic
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Races
-
Long Route
Entries closed08:00
£51.81
-
Medium Route
Entries closed08:00
£51.81
-
Short Route
Entries closed08:00
£51.81
Event information
Long Route
An epic west country ride!
The first off road section comes quick, and it gradually climbs you up to the first vista over White Sheet Castle. The route then works it’s way directly through farm and forest tracks (watch out for the cows).
The middle half of the route provides some respite with some rolling hills and some quiet lanes on the road. The final climb leads to some of the best views of the route before a fast descent back to HQ.
Percentage of Route Off Road: 50%
Distance:
100km
Elevation:
1400m
Difficulty: 3.5/5
Medium Route
A punchy medium route but suitable for most riders.
Leaving the start at the Frome Cheese Show, the 66km medium route follows the long route for the first 28km.
At the split, we stay on the ridgeway for another 5km before a fast and fun off road descent before 10km on the flat tarmac to get your legs ready for one final gravel climb taking in some of the best views on the ride and a quick last 10km home.
Percentage of Route Off Road: 55%
Distance:
66km
Elevation:
900m
Difficulty: 2.5/5
Short Route
The short route follows the medium route for the first 25km and then branches off missing 16km and a couple of small climbs making this an ideal route through the bluebell woods and ridges of this part of South England.
Percentage of Route Off Road: 55%
Distance:
50km
Elevation:
750m
Difficulty: 2/5
An epic west country ride!
The first off road section comes quick, and it gradually climbs you up to the first vista over White Sheet Castle. The route then works it’s way directly through farm and forest tracks (watch out for the cows).
The middle half of the route provides some respite with some rolling hills and some quiet lanes on the road. The final climb leads to some of the best views of the route before a fast descent back to HQ.
Percentage of Route Off Road: 50%
Distance:
100km
Elevation:
1400m
Difficulty: 3.5/5
Medium Route
A punchy medium route but suitable for most riders.
Leaving the start at the Frome Cheese Show, the 66km medium route follows the long route for the first 28km.
At the split, we stay on the ridgeway for another 5km before a fast and fun off road descent before 10km on the flat tarmac to get your legs ready for one final gravel climb taking in some of the best views on the ride and a quick last 10km home.
Percentage of Route Off Road: 55%
Distance:
66km
Elevation:
900m
Difficulty: 2.5/5
Short Route
The short route follows the medium route for the first 25km and then branches off missing 16km and a couple of small climbs making this an ideal route through the bluebell woods and ridges of this part of South England.
Percentage of Route Off Road: 55%
Distance:
50km
Elevation:
750m
Difficulty: 2/5
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.
11th May: GPX files and pre ride briefing video sent by email to each rider.
13th May – 7.45am: Ride village at Frome Cheese Show opens. Collecting your ride number takes approx 10 mins.
13th May – 8am to 9.30am: Ride start. We will give you a short ride briefing and set you off in small groups.
13th May – 6.30pm: Rider village closes
13th May – 7pm: Link to ride times & rider photos sent to each participant by email.
13th May – 7.45am: Ride village at Frome Cheese Show opens. Collecting your ride number takes approx 10 mins.
13th May – 8am to 9.30am: Ride start. We will give you a short ride briefing and set you off in small groups.
13th May – 6.30pm: Rider village closes
13th May – 7pm: Link to ride times & rider photos sent to each participant by email.
Bike Choice: The route is about 50% on backroads and 50% off road on a mix of smooth gravel, grass & singletrack. We recommend a gravel bike though a mountain bike will be fine. E-bikes are allowed on all of our rides.
Tyre Choice: We will send an update on conditions closer to the ride. The gravel on the route is mixed so a 40mm all rounder gravel tyre will be ideal.
Packing List: Bring equipment to be self sufficient on the route (inner tubes, sealant, multi-tool, pump or CO2 etc). We recommend a bell to warn walkers / runners of your presence.
Clothing: Mid May in this part of England should be pleasant. Check the forecast, the morning is likely to be fresh so pack accordingly (arm & knee warmers, gilet, lightweight jacket etc). Helmets are mandatory, you will not be able to ride without one.
Tyre Choice: We will send an update on conditions closer to the ride. The gravel on the route is mixed so a 40mm all rounder gravel tyre will be ideal.
Packing List: Bring equipment to be self sufficient on the route (inner tubes, sealant, multi-tool, pump or CO2 etc). We recommend a bell to warn walkers / runners of your presence.
Clothing: Mid May in this part of England should be pleasant. Check the forecast, the morning is likely to be fresh so pack accordingly (arm & knee warmers, gilet, lightweight jacket etc). Helmets are mandatory, you will not be able to ride without one.
Where does the ride start / finish?
The ride starts and finishes at the legendary Frome Cheese Show. 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 at the legendary Frome Cheese Show. 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
A west country epic! This relatively unexplored area of Somerset and Wiltshire is a must visit. The route is full of climbs that lead to long ridgeways & stunning views across Cranbourne Chase. The descents are generally fast and flowing and are a just reward for the hard work riding uphill.
Highlights
Ride through bluebell woods on smooth gravel trails.
Take on some punchy climbs with epic views over the best countryside in Hampshire & Wiltshire.
Finish on the private gravel roads of Frome Cheese Show.
Highlights
Ride through bluebell woods on smooth gravel trails.
Take on some punchy climbs with epic views over the best countryside in Hampshire & Wiltshire.
Finish on the private gravel roads of Frome Cheese Show.
Location
BA11 5ES
West Woodlands, Frome, UK
Wessex 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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Since
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Events
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Avg. review
5.0