PEAK DISTRICT GRAVEL X- 9TH APRIL, 2022

RIDE OVERVIEW

Right in the heart of the glorious Peak District, this Gravel X takes in 85km of the best gravel and back roads. Starting from Hope, the ride takes in a big off road & tarmac climb, some lovely fast flowing gravel around Hassop, beautiful off road sections over the moors before the quick tracks around the reservoirs. Within 85km you will see a huge variety of terrain and landscape as we start our season in style.

DISTANCE: 85KM | ELEVATION: 1,750M

RIDE DIFFICULTY 4/5

TECHNICAL DIFFICULTY 3.5/5

PERCENTAGE OF ROUTE OFF ROAD 60%

Terrain & Bike Choice: The route has a real mix of terrain from backroads to fast, smooth gravel and a couple of rocky bits (one climb contains a short hike-a-bike section). We have removed the gnarlier parts of the route so it is less technical than other Peaks routes. Ideal for hardtail mountain bike or gravel bike with 40mm tyres.

RIDE HIGHLIGHTS

 – Start the gravel season in the glorious Peaks

 – Stunning gravel tracks over the moors

 – Fast flowing sections round Ladybower Reservoir

 – Social drink at the finish village

THE ROUTE

Hope: 85km, 1750m

Starting in Hope, we start the gravel season with a bang going off road within 2km for a massive gravel climb (that will involve some walking for most). We stay high for another 10km before hitting some of the best gravel in the Peaks near Calver.

After a well earned cup of tea & cake at checkpoint one, we hit the longest climb of the day, the tarmacked Nether Padley Climb – 3.5km at just under 6% before a lovely gravel section across the moors to Hathersage. From here we have a quick off road loop around Ladybower Reservoir and a couple of sharp gravel climbs before a beer & food at the finish.

PHYSICAL DIFFICULTY: 4/5

FAQS

WHAT TYPE OF BIKE SHOULD I RIDE?

This route is ideal for gravel bikes with wide (40mm plus) tyres. A mountain bike would be fine as there are few road sections. Road bikes are not suitable for this ride.

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 just outside Hope. 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.

NEW TO GRAVEL RIDING?

Rent a Pearson Off Grid bike (£49)

Available in all sizes

Mechanics on hand for bike fitting

Pre ride briefing

Discover the Off Grid HERE

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.