NORTHUMBERLAND GRAVEL EPIC- 24TH SEPTEMBER, 2022

DISTANCE: 100KM | ELEVATION: 1,800M

RIDE DIFFICULTY 4/5

TECHNICAL DIFFICULTY 3.5/5

PERCENTAGE OF ROUTE OFF ROAD 50%

Terrain & Bike Choice: The route is 50% backroads and 50% gravel on a mix of smooth and heavier trails. Some of the off road sections are quite wild so 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

 – Tackle the stunning and remote Waskerley Way Railway Path

 – Beautiful scenery around Derwent Reservoir

 – Top 100 climb in Cuthbert’s Hill, 2.8km at 5.4%

 – Social drink at the finish village

THE ROUTE

Hexham: 100km, 1,800m

We start in Hexham with some tarmac and gradual climbing to warm the legs. The first gravel section is along the fireroads of Slaley Forest before descending to the edge of Derwent Reservoir. A switchbacked tarmac climb takes riders into the Pennines and onto the old Waskerley Railway line with 20km of uninterrupted gravel and an optional refuel stop at the Parkhead Station Tea Rooms. The Top 100 climb of Cuthbert’s Hill is the next challenge before rolling into the beautiful village of Blanchland. We then head onto a gravel climb back to Slaley Forest before a wild ride across the moors and some welcome tarmac home.

PHYSICAL DIFFICULTY: 4/5

FAQS

WHAT TYPE OF BIKE SHOULD I RIDE?

A real mix in terrain and 50% of the route being on backroads makes this a tough event to get the “right” bike for. Most of the off road sections are on nice, fast gravel but there are some heavier sections where a hardtail would be more comfortable.

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 Hexham. 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