SALISBURY PLAIN AUTUMN GRAVEL EPIC- 25TH SEPTEMBER, 2022

RIDE OVERVIEW

The home of gravel cycling in the South of England. Come explore the amazing Salisbury Plain with fast rolling gravel tracks in all directions. The Autumn Gravel Epic features two route options - a shorter 80km ride and a longer 115km exploring the more remote western side of the Plain as well as the classic side closer to the ride village in Thruxton.

The Salisbury Plain is the spiritual home of Glorious Gravel and the Autumn Epic is the perfect season ender ??

LONG ROUTE: 115KM, 1500M

MEDIUM ROUTE: 80KM, 1000M

LONG ROUTE DIFFICULTY 3.5/5

MEDIUM ROUTE DIFFICULTY 2.5/5

PERCENTAGE OF ROUTE OFF ROAD 60%

Bike & Tyre Choice: An end of season route featuring some quiet country lanes and wide gravel tracks. This is a perfect ride for a gravel bike, there are no technical sections and the route is mostly fast. A mountain bike will work but you will be slower on the road & quick gravel sections. We suggest 38-40mm fast rolling gravel tyres . We will email tyre recommendations nearer the event based on conditions & our final recon rides.

RIDE HIGHLIGHTS

 – The home of gravel cycling in the South of England

 – Fast, wide gravel tracks on the Plain

 – Explore the more remote western side as well as the classic off road sections

 – Social drink at the finish village

THE ROUTE

Thruxton: 115km long route OR 80km medium route

THE best gravel riding in the South of England. Take on the fast rolling gravel tracks of the Salisbury Plain, Choose between the classic 81km medium route or explore the more remote western part of the plain on the 115km long route. Expect quiet country lanes and fast, sweeping gravel roads.

LONG ROUTE

Thruxton: 115km, 1500m

The perfect season ender on the smooth gravel of Salisbury Plain. The long route goes all the way along the plain to Westbury taking in the more remote western part of the Plain. The route is rolling throughout with a couple of significant climbs – the first at 45km close to Imber and then getting back onto the gravel at the 70km mark. Almost all of the route is on wide gravel tracks or back country lanes so it’s suitable for experienced and newer off road cyclists.

RIDE DIFFICULTY: 3.5/5

MEDIUM ROUTE

Thruxon: 80km, 1000m

An absolute classic 80km gravel loop taking in the best sectors on Salisbury Plain. Starting in Thruxton, we are warm the legs up with 5kms on the road before heading onto the gravel. The route is rolling at first before heading gently up to the western point of the ride & then a fun descent to the feed stop at Enford and a rolling section back to the finish. Suitable for riders of all abilities and experience on the gravel.

RIDE DIFFICULTY: 2.5/5

FAQS

WHAT TYPE OF BIKE SHOULD I RIDE?

This route is ideal for gravel bikes with lots of smooth gravel and quiet backroads. Road bikes are not suitable for this ride, mountain bikes will be fine on the gravel sections though obviously slower on the tarmac. We have carbon gravel bikes from Pearson available to hire for the day. E bikes are not allowed on 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 at Thruxton. 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.