SOUTH DOWNS GRAVEL X- 23RD JULY, 2022

RIDE OVERVIEW

Quiet lanes, mixed terrain, sections of the South Downs Way & a few tasty climbs makes this a classic off road sportive. This ride takes in a real mix of back roads, chalky trails and epic singletrack through woodland in this beautiful part of the South Downs - far from the beaten track and an absolutely stunning summer ride.

DISTANCE: 85KM | ELEVATION: 1500M

RIDE DIFFICULTY 3.5/5

TECHNICAL DIFFICULTY 3/5

PERCENTAGE OF ROUTE OFF ROAD 55%

Bike & Tyre Choice: The route has a real mix of terrain but ideal throughout for gravel bikes with around 40mm tyres. Mountain bikes will be fine on parts of the route but will feel slow on the quicker sections.

RIDE HIGHLIGHTS

 – Glorious riding in the South Downs.

 – A mix of terrain keeping the route varied throughout

 – 20km on the South Downs Way including some punchy climbs

 – Social drink at the finish village

THE ROUTE

Liphook:85km, 1,500m

Starting and finishing in Liphook, we head south for a quick first 20km before turning onto the South Downs way where the climbing starts. After 60km we hit the heighest point in the South Downs – Black Down before a quick 10km home for a well earned drink & slice of cake.

PHYSICAL DIFFICULTY: 3.5/5

FAQS

WHAT TYPE OF BIKE SHOULD I RIDE?

This route is ideal for gravel bikes which will be quick on the flat, fast sections but can handle the mud, sand & loose stuff in the hills. Mountain bikes will be fine especially in wet conditions.

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 in Liphook. There is free parking onsite as well as a bike wash, 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.