MACCLESFIELD FOREST GRAVEL X- 14TH MAY, 2022

RIDE OVERVIEW

A mid may classic in Macclesfield Forest & the Southern Peak District. Starting in Buxton, the route hits gravel within 3km and contains four long off road sections and three stretches on quiet backroads. Stunning views, varied terrain and some epic riding in the forest ??

DISTANCE: 75KM | ELEVATION: 1750M

RIDE DIFFICULTY 3/5

TECHNICAL DIFFICULTY 3/5

PERCENTAGE OF ROUTE OFF ROAD 55%

Terrain & Bike Choice: A really varied route in terms of terrain with smooth gravel, singletrack, bridleway & backroads. There is no perfect bike for this course but a gravel bike with 40mm tyres should be the best overall. A mountain bike will be good on the off road sections but obviously slower on the 45% of the route on tarmac.

RIDE HIGHLIGHTS

 – Beautiful woodland tracks in Macclesfield Forest

 – Long & wild off road riding on the High Peak Trail

 – Ride parts of the legendary Cat & Fiddle including the top section.

 – Social drink at the finish village

THE ROUTE

Buxton: 75km, 1750m

Our route starts in Buxton and after a cheeky climb out of town, we are soon onto some glorious gravel within 3km. As we head south we take parts of the High Peak for a fast & flat 10km off road section before things get lumpier as we head west & then north back up to Macclesfield Forest. Most of the climbing is on tarmac.

The back end of the course is spectacular with woodland sections in Macclesfield Forest, some amazing views & the finish taking in parts of the classic Cat & Fiddle climb before turning off road back to Buxton for a beer & food at the rider village.

PHYSICAL DIFFICULTY: 3/5

FAQS

WHAT TYPE OF BIKE SHOULD I RIDE?

A mostly off road route on fast and flat forest tracks, this event is ideal for gravel bikes with 40mm all round tyres. A mountain bike will be fine but slower, road bikes are not suitable.

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 Buxton. 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.