WESSEX GRAVEL EPIC-7TH MAY, 2022

RIDE OVERVIEW

A west country epic! This relatively unexplored area of Somerset and Wiltshire is a must visit. The route is full of climbs that lead to long ridgeways with stunning views across Cranbourne Chase. The descents are generally fast and flowing and are a just reward for the hard work riding uphill.

LONG ROUTE: 105KM, 1,500M

MEDIUM ROUTE: 60KM, 800M

LONG ROUTE DIFFICULTY 3/5

MEDIUM ROUTE DIFFICULTY 2/5

PERCENTAGE OF ROUTE OFF ROAD 55%

Bike & Tyre Choice:The trails hold up well in any conditions but some of the climbs would benefit from tyres with a bit more tread. Wider tyres would also be welcome, anything around the 38mm mark would be perfect. The route is suited to a gravel bike but a MTB would work.

RIDE HIGHLIGHTS

 – Tough climbs that are rewarded with ridgelines and sweeping descents

 – Explore little known trails with stunning views

 – Great mix of terrain with some glorious gravel trails

 – Social drink at the finish village

THE ROUTE

Frome: 105km long route OR 60km medium route

A stunning west country off roader taking in some of the best gravel in Somerset & Wiltshire. Choose on the day between the 60km medium route or full 105km epic. The split is at 28km so you can choose how well you are going.

LONG ROUTE

Frome: 105km, 1,500m

The first off road section comes quick, and it gradually climbs you up to the first vista over White Sheet Castle. The route then works it’s way directly through farm and forest tracks (watch out for the cows). The middle half of the route provides some respite with some rolling hills and some quiet lanes on the road. The final climb leads to some of the best views of the route before a fast descent back to HQ.

RIDE DIFFICULTY: 3/5

MEDIUM ROUTE

Frome: 60km, 800m

Leaving the start at the Frome Cheese Show, the 60km medium route follows the long route for the first 28km, you can choose on the day which distance to ride.

At the split, we stay on the ridgeway for another 5km before a fast and fun off road descent before 10km on the flat tarmac to get your legs ready for one final gravel climb taking in some of the best views on the ride and a quick last 10km home.

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 Frome. 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.