Wessex Gravel Epic

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

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.

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.

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.

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.