NORTH WALES GRAVEL X- 30TH APRIL, 2022

RIDE OVERVIEW

The stunning backroads & gravel trails of North Wales are the setting for this glorious 75km sportive. Starting in Ruthin, the route takes in some smooth and fast off road sections around the reservoirs and through beautiful back country before hitting some quite lanes home to Ruthin for a beer & food. Most of the climbing is near the start on fresh legs so it's suitable for riders of all abilities.

DISTANCE: 75KM | ELEVATION: 1,300M

RIDE DIFFICULTY 3.5/5

TECHNICAL DIFFICULTY 3/5

PERCENTAGE OF ROUTE OFF ROAD 60%

Terrain & Bike Choice:The route is 40% backroads and 60% gravel trails with a couple of short hike-a-bike sections. 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 off road sections through North Wales back-country

 – Smooth gravel around Llyn Brenig & Alwen Reservoir

 – Perfect early season ride with climbs all at the start of the 75km course

 – Social drink at the finish village

RIDE HIGHLIGHTS

 – Stunning off road sections through North Wales back-country

 – Smooth gravel around Llyn Brenig & Alwen Reservoir

 – Perfect early season ride with climbs all at the start of the 75km course

 – Social drink at the finish village

THE ROUTE

Ruthin: 75km, 1,300m

The route starts in Ruthin and begins with a 5km stretch on tarmac to warm up the legs. After a short off road section we hit the day’s biggest climb with fresh legs. The 3km backroad climb through the forest gives some great views as we get higher and from the summit we stay on the flats for the next 40km.

The middle section of the ride takes us around two reservoirs on fast, flat gravel with great views as the trails cut through the forest with the water on one side and rolling hills on the other. These are perfect gravel trails – remote, smooth and rewarding.

From the reservoirs we cut through the forest before a fast section on the road back to Ruthin for a well earned beer & some food. A 75km North Wales classic route ??

PHYSICAL DIFFICULTY: 3/5

FAQS

WHAT TYPE OF BIKE SHOULD I RIDE?

The route is 40% backroads and 60% gravel trails with a couple of short hike-a-bike sections. We would recommend a gravel bike with 40mm tyres if you are experienced & a good bike handler or a MTB for everyone else.

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 Ruthin. 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.