COTSWOLDS GRAVEL SPORTIVE- 14TH MAY, 2022

RIDE OVERVIEW

A glorious 87km gravel sportive in the charming Cotswolds. Taking in sections of the Roman Fosse Way and off road tracks in the hills including the Cotswolds Way & Monarchs Way, this is a great day on the bike suitable to new & experienced gravel riders in a lovely part of the country.

DISTANCE: 87KM | ELEVATION: 1106M

RIDE DIFFICULTY 3/5

TECHNICAL DIFFICULTY 2/5

PERCENTAGE OF ROUTE OFF ROAD 60%

Bike & Tyre Choice: The route is mostly on gravel tracks, quiet country lanes and a brief section on open country fields. The route is designed for gravel bikes with approx 40mm tyres. Early September should mean dry tracks but we will keep you up to date with conditions.

RIDE HIGHLIGHTS

 – A glorious 87km loop in the charming Cotswolds.

 – Ride 20km of straight, old Roman road on the Fosse Way

 – Get into the hills on the Cotwsolds & Monarch Way

 – Social drink at the finish village

THE ROUTE

Didmarton: 87km, 1106m

Starting from Didmarton we initially head south on local bridleways, byways and country lanes to pick up in the wheel tracks of the Romans on a 20km long, almost arrow straight, section following the course of the Fosse Way. The first half of the route is generally flat or rolling but as we turn off the Fosse Way and head towards the Cotswolds Hills the terrain start to get a bit more challenging. We climb on gravel tracks up through Ozleworth Park across to Wotton-under-Edge to pick up sections of the Cotswolds Way and Monarchs Way following the edge of the Cotswolds escarpment. A final section across open country fields then around the outskirts of Badminton Park brings you back to the finish.

PHYSICAL DIFFICULTY: 3/5

FAQS

WHAT TYPE OF BIKE SHOULD I RIDE?

This route is ideal for gravel bikes with lots of smooth gravel tracks, quiet back lanes & a grassy section. A mountain bike would be fine but a bit slow on the Fosse Way & lanes. Road bikes are not suitable for this ride. We have carbon gravel bikes from Pearson available to hire for the day. E bikes are not allowed on this ride.

HOW DO I FIND OUT MY START TIME?

Riders start in groups of maximum 6 at a time. We will send you an email after you have booked to choose your start time between 8am and 10am, if you are riding with a friend you can choose to start with them.

WHERE IS THE START / FINISH?

The ride starts and finishes in Didmarton. There is free parking onsite as well as toilets & refreshments.

WHAT HAPPENS IF I HAVE A MECHANICAL / ACCIDENT?

We have first aiders & mechanics at all the feed stops and ride captains along the route to support.

WHAT SHALL I PACK WITH ME FOR THE RIDE?

You need to have a water bottle, basic kit to repair punctures, inner tubes & riding with a helmet is compulsory. Our feed stops have water, coke, cake, fruit & the best tasting sports nutrition bars & nut butters from Outdoor Provisions.

WHEN WILL I GET MY GPX FILE

Our local team do a final recon ride 1 week before the event and can make final tweeks then based on route conditions. We will then send out the route GPX within one week of the ride.

WHAT'S INCLUDED

ROUTE GPX

GPX sent to you a week before the ride with a full route description & packing list.

FEED STOPS

We have feed stops approx every 30kms with fruit, cakes, coke, water, hydration tabs & tasty ride nutrition from the experts at Outdoor Provisions.

FULLY MARKED ROUTE & TIMING CHIPS

Focus just the stunning views & thrilling ride. The route is marked out all the way & you can check your time for the route at the end.

RACE VILLAGE AT THE FINISH

After an epic ride, grab a pint, coffee or cake at the end. Free parking for the day, toilets & bike wash also included in your entry.

BIKE RENTAL & MECHANICS AVAILABLE

New to gravel riding? Hire a Pearson Off Grid gravel bike for the day. We also have mechanics on site to support with any issues before & during the ride.