Wight Roads Gravel Epic

Long Route
The ride starts in Freshwater, there is free parking at the venue or it is a short ride from the ferry.
We kick off with a very punchy first 20km. Straight out of town we go onto gravel and take in three sharp, off road climbs as we head inland towards Newport.
After a feed stop, we roll to the east coast on a mix of gravel and back roads before turning south and the toughest gravel climbs of the day around Ventnor (the first at 1.3km and averaging 10%, the other 3.4km at 4%).
The last 25km sees us head north up the west coast. It’s mostly downhill on a mix of backroad & gravel before one last climb back into Freshwater for a well earned beer.
Percentage of Route Off Road: 50%
Distance:
110km
Elevation:
1750m
Difficulty: 4/5

Medium Route
The medium route follows the long route for the first 20km and from Newport, we skip the eastern loop and head south to Ventnor for the two big climbs and then the quick final 25km home up the west coast.
Percentage of Route Off Road: 50%
Distance:
70km
Elevation:
1250m
Difficulty: 3.5/5

Short Route
A stunning and varied 50km option. The route follows the long course for 20km towards Newport and then heads back to the west coast along different gravel trails before hitting the coastal roads near the end.
Rolling throughout, this is a relatively short ride but definitely packs a punch.
Percentage of Route Off Road: 60%
Distance:
52km
Elevation:
1050m
Difficulty:3/5

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

1st June: GPX files and pre ride briefing video sent by email to each rider.

3rd June – 7.45am: Ride village in Freshwater opens. Collecting your ride number takes approx 10 mins.

3rd June – 8am to 9.30am: Ride start. We will give you a short ride briefing and set you off in small groups.

3rd June – 6.30pm: Rider village closes

3rd June – 7pm: Link to ride times & rider photos sent to each participant by email.

Bike Choice: The route takes in a real mix of terrain so either a gravel bike or hard tail MTB 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 varied 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: Early June on the IOW could see a bit of everything so pack layers & a waterproof jacket. Helmets are mandatory, you will not be able to ride without one.

Where does the ride start / finish?
The ride starts and finishes in Freshwater. There is free parking onsite as well as toilets & refreshments so you can bring a car or ride from the ferry to the start line. 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.