KESWICK GRAVEL X- 17TH SEPTEMBER, 2022

RIDE OVERVIEW

A beautiful 80km off road loop from Keswick taking in Moors, Lakes & Forest in the stunning Lake District. Starting off with a beautiful off road section close to Skiddaw, the route skirts Bassenthwaite Lake before heading to through the woods to Cockermouth & a return around Derwent Water.

DISTANCE: 80KM | ELEVATION: 1,700M

RIDE DIFFICULTY 3.5/5

TECHNICAL DIFFICULTY 4/5

PERCENTAGE OF ROUTE OFF ROAD 50%

Terrain & Bike Choice: The route is 50% backroads and 50% gravel trails with a couple of short hike-a-bike sections. Some of the trails can be rocky so we would recommend a gravel bike with 40mm tyres if you are experienced & a good bike handler or a MTB for everyone else.

RIDE HIGHLIGHTS

 – Stunning 10km off road section near Skiddaw

 – Varied route through moors, lakes & forests

 – Glorious finish around Derwent Water

 – Social drink at the finish village

THE ROUTE

Keswick: 80km, 1,700m

Starting in Keswick, we head east getting off road immediately before a glorious 10km section featuring a big climb up to 500m and views of Skiddaw. After skirting Bassenthwaite Lake, we head to Cockermouth through forest and quiet backlanes.

On the way back we take in the smooth gravel tracks in Whinnlater Forest before a lap of Derwent Water and back to base for a beer & food.

PHYSICAL DIFFICULTY: 3.5/5

FAQS

WHAT TYPE OF BIKE SHOULD I RIDE?

The gravel in the lakes is mostly smooth with a few rocky sections. Good bike handlers will be fine on a gravel bike with 40mm tyres.

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 Keswick. 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