FOREST OF BOWLAND GRAVEL EPIC- 21ST MAY, 2022

RIDE OVERVIEW

One of the best gravel loops in England taking in two iconic sections - the Pennine Way and the ancient Salter Fell Road. This is a very wild ride with parts a long way from a paved road. The views throughout are spectacular as we take in the Forest of Bowland & Yorkshire Dales. A northern classic.

DISTANCE: 100KM | ELEVATION: 2,000M

RIDE DIFFICULTY 4.5/5

TECHNICAL DIFFICULTY 4/5

PERCENTAGE OF ROUTE OFF ROAD 50%

Terrain & Bike Choice: The route is 50% on quiet lanes and 50% on more technical gravel & off road tracks including a bumpy off road climb out of Settle. For experienced riders with good bike handling skills, a gravel bike will be perfect (40mm tyres suggested). A mountain bike will be ideal on the off road sections but obviously slower on the 50km of tarmac. Road bikes are not suitable.

RIDE HIGHLIGHTS

 – Ride the legendary 23km Salter Fell Road

 – Enjoy the beauty of the Forest of Bowland

 – Drop into Yorkshire for parts of the Pennine Way in the Dales

 – Social drink at the finish village

THE ROUTE

Settle: 100km, 2000m

Starting from the beautiful village of Settle, we head off road after 7km and stay on the gravel for almost 30km taking in parts of the Pennine Way.

After a cup of tea & some cake, it’s onto the main challenge of the day, the legendary Salter Fell Road. One of the longest gravel roads in the country, this takes you into the wild and miles away from civilisation.

At Slaidburn we refill with sandwiches & waffles before the last stretch back to Settle with one more off road section before a well earned beer at the finish.

PHYSICAL DIFFICULTY: 4.5/5

FAQS

WHAT TYPE OF BIKE SHOULD I RIDE?

If you are an experienced rider, this route is ideal for gravel bikes with wide (40mm plus) tyres. A mountain bike would be fine on the Salter Fell & Pennine Way but slower on the lanes. Road bikes are not suitable for 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 Settle. 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.

NEW TO GRAVEL RIDING?

Rent a Pearson Off Grid bike (£49)

Available in all sizes

Mechanics on hand for bike fitting

Pre ride briefing

Packing List emailed when you book

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.