SUFFOLK GRAVEL X- 23RD APRIL, 2022

RIDE OVERVIEW

The relatively flat open landscape near the Suffolk and Norfolk border along with a mix of quiet lanes and off road tracks make this area ideally suited to gravel bike riding. You’ll pass through contrasting areas of dense forests to wide expanses of open heathlands whilst following sections of ancient trackway that make up the Icknield Way, one of the oldest roads in Britain.

LONG ROUTE: 100KM, 600M

MEDIUM ROUTE: 75KM, 450M

LONG ROUTE DIFFICULTY 2.5/5

MEDIUM ROUTE DIFFICULTY 1.5/5

PERCENTAGE OF ROUTE OFF ROAD 50%

Bike & Tyre Choice: Most of the off road trails in the area are sandy based soil so usually drain well rather than getting too muddy. There are some longer sections of road riding on this route so a fast rolling tyre with some tread for the off road sections would be ideal whilst a wider/larger volume tyre can help on some of the more sandy sections. The route is well suited to a gravel bike but could also be ridden on a mountain bike.

RIDE HIGHLIGHTS

 – Ride the Icknield Way, one of the oldest roads in Britain

 – Gravel sections through dense woodland

 – A flat, early season ride to soak in glorious off road miles

 – Social drink at the finish village

THE ROUTE

Thetford: 100km long route OR 75km medium route

An early season, off road #CENSOR# in East Anglia. Choose between two mostly flat routes with varied terrain and views. Suitable for all abilities, smash the 100km if you are feeling strong or discover the world of gravel riding for first timers.

LONG ROUTE

Thetford: 100km, 600m

Starting from the outskirts of Thetford near the Suffolk/Norfolk border the route heads south to take in a mixture of quiet roads and tracks through the neighbouring forests and heath land of Suffolk.

Crossing under the A11 at the Elveden War Memorial you’ll join sections of the ancient Icknield Way trail to bring you back to the finish. The area isn’t renown for hills and whilst it’s not completely flat this is one of our flatter routes. The sandy nature of the trails can add some challenge making it difficult to hold your line and keep your momentum in places but there are no technically difficult sections of this ride.

RIDE DIFFICULTY: 2.5/5

MEDIUM ROUTE

Thetford: 75km, 450m

A perfect ride for newer gravel cyclists or a first sportive of the season. The medium route follows the long route for the first 68km with undulating sections throughout but few hard climbs.

At the route split, it is a quick 7km back to Thetford to a beer & food at the rider village. You can choose which route to do on the day so if you are feeling good at 68km, carry on and do the 100km long route.

RIDE DIFFICULTY: 1.5/5

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 Thetford. 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.