KENT GRAVEL EPIC- 18TH JUNE, 2022

RIDE OVERVIEW

Starting in the cathedral city of Canterbury this is a gravel ride steeped in history. Ride parts of the Pilgrims way and North Downs way and follow in the steps of a route which was first used in 1172. The trails are generally easy going and any road sections are generally on quiet back roads. With varied views including a section by the coast, this is an off road classic for mid summer.

DISTANCE: 100KM | ELEVATION: 1,600M

RIDE DIFFICULTY 3.5/5

TECHNICAL DIFFICULTY 2/5

PERCENTAGE OF ROUTE OFF ROAD 55%

Terrain & Bike Choice: The route is either on quiet back lanes or grassy/gravel trails. The nature of the route lends itself to a gravel bike and we would recommend tyres with a little bit of tread above 35mm. A mtb will feel slow on some sections but will handle the course fine.

RIDE HIGHLIGHTS

 – Follow in the footsteps of early pilgrims in the glorious Kent countryside

 – Ride classic off road trails including the Pilgrims and North Downs Way

 – Pass through charming historical villages

 – Social drink at the finish village

THE ROUTE

Canterbury: 100km, 1,600m

The route starts at Kent University on the outskirts of Canterbury and soon picks up the north down’s way. You will pick your way through farmers fields and small gravel tracks before you reach Dover castle and the famous white cliffs. Quiet lanes and a few punchy climbs will lead you to the Pilgrims way where you will join the final stretch that pilgrims would have taken to Canterbury.

100km off road is a challenge but most of the gravel trails are smooth and fast and the backroad sections will be quick. The terrain is lumpy throughout with a couple of punchy climbs but overall it’s a ride suited to most cyclists and should be a great mid summer day in the saddle.

PHYSICAL DIFFICULTY: 3.5/5

FAQS

WHAT TYPE OF BIKE SHOULD I RIDE?

The route is either on quiet back lanes or grassy/gravel trails. The nature of the route lends itself to a gravel bike and we would recommend tyres with a little bit of tread above 35mm. A mtb will feel slow on some sections but will handle the course fine.

HOW DO I FIND OUT MY START 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 Canterbury. 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.