OVERVIEW
Ride the North Wales Gravel X with some of the best gravel in the UK over a lot of the same route as the UCI Gravel World Series race (Graean Cymru).
The route takes in forests, rolling back roads and gravel tracks around the reservoirs in this stunning region.
Choose between the full 80km route or the medium 55km option and explore some remote riding in glorious countryside.
RIDE HIGHLIGHTS:
- Ride large parts of the iconic Graean Cymru UCI route
- Smooth gravel around Llyn Brenig & Alwen Reservoir
- Challenging but very rewarding ride with some epic climbs, thrilling descents & a well earned beer at the finish.
What to expect
A challenging but glorious ride in the beautiful countryside of Denbighshire & Conwy. Plenty of climbs both on back roads and on the gravel & some lovely riding in forests & around the reservoirs.
Ride difficulty
Both routes involve a decent amount of climbing starting with a long drag out of Ruthin. The forest section is lumpy but the long route extension around the reservoirs is flatter and flowing.
Long Route ****
Medium Route ***
***** Reserved just for our hardest routes. Expect long distance & lots of challenging climbs both on and off road.
**** Typically longer rides with regular climbs which could be both steep & long. Suitable for regular riders with some training.
*** A mix of terrain & elevation. A decent day out with some tricky sections but still suitable for regular riders.
** Some harder sections but suitable for all regular cyclists
* Easy, suitable for all riders. Mostly flat route.
Technical difficulty
The gravel in this part of North Wales is mostly smooth with a couple of soft spots which could be muddy if wet but overall this is an off-roader suitable for all abilities.
Long Route **
Medium Route **
***** A challenging route suitable only for experienced riders. Expect short hike-a-bike sections, a mix of terrain & loose climbs and descents.
**** Suitable for regular off roaders, the route may contain rockier sections, technical descents etc.
*** A mix of off road conditions with some more difficult sections.
** More typical UK gravel which may be muddy when wet but no challenging sections
* Smooth terrain suitable for all riders.
TYRE & BIKE RECOMMENDATIONS
This route is designed for gravel bikes but you will be fine on a hardtail MTB. We do send out tyre recommendations closer to the time. A standard all-rounder gravel tyre (35-45mm) will be ideal for both routes.
Included in entry
Fully Signed Route
Our team work tirelessly to create the best gravel routes in the UK. All courses are fully signed so you can just enjoy the ride.
Checkpoints with proper food
An epic ride deserves proper support. We have tea, coffee and cake at the first feed and sandwiches & crisps at the main feed. Checkpoints are approx every 30-40km
Accurate GPX Files
A few days before the ride, we will send GPX files for all of the route options so you can follow the course on your GPS as well as the signs.
Mechanics Available
At the rider village & at selected feed stops we have mechanics available to help with any bike issues. We also have spare inner tubes, CO2 & more.
Rider Support Vans
We are here to make sure you have a great day on the gravel. If you have any major mechanicals or need collecting, support vehicles are a phone call away.
Beer at Finish Line
You will be greeted at the finish line with a beer & food available from our food truck. Perfect to chat about your day with fellow riders.
Fully Signed Route
Our team work tirelessly to create the best gravel routes in the UK. All courses are fully signed so you can just enjoy the ride.
Checkpoints with proper food
An epic ride deserves proper support. We have tea, coffee and cake at the first feed and sandwiches & crisps at the main feed. Checkpoints are approx every 30-35km
Accurate GPX Files
A few days before the ride, we will send GPX files for all of the route options so you can follow the course on your GPS as well as the signs.
Mechanics Available
At the rider village & at selected feed stops we have mechanics available to help with any bike issues. We also have spare inner tubes, CO2 & more.
Rider Support Vans
We are here to make sure you have a great day on the gravel. If you have any major mechanicals or need collecting, support vehicles are a phone call away.
Beer at Finish Line
You will be greeted at the finish line with a beer & food available from our food truck. Perfect to chat about your day with fellow riders.
EVENT PROGRAM
1st May: GPX files and pre ride briefing sent by email to each rider.
3rd May: 7.45am: Ride village in Ruthin opens. Collecting your ride number takes approx 10 mins.
3rd May: 8am to 8,45amm: Ride start. We will give you a short ride briefing and set you off in small groups.
3rd May: 6pm: Rider village closes.
3rd May: 7pm: Link to ride times & rider photos sent to each participant by email.
ROUTE DETAILS
LONG ROUTE
The route starts in Ruthin and begins with a 5km stretch on tarmac to warm up the legs. After a short off road section we hit the day’s biggest climb with fresh legs. The 3km backroad climb through the forest gives some great views as we get higher and from the summit we stay on the flats for the next 40km.
The long route then takes us around two reservoirs on fast, flat gravel with great views as the trails cut through the forest with the water on one side and rolling hills on the other. These are perfect gravel trails – remote, smooth and rewarding.
From the reservoirs we cut through the forest before a fast section on the road back to Ruthin for a well earned beer & some food. An 80km North Wales classic route
Percentage of Route Off Road: 80%
Distance: 80km
Elevation: 1,500m
Difficulty:
Technical Difficulty:
Medium ROUTE
A short, tough but very rewarding medium route. We follow the long route up to the reservoirs over a big back road climb and through lovely gravel in the forest before skipping the section round the reservoirs and a rapid descent back to Ruthin.
Percentage of Route Off Road: 75%
Distance: 55km
Elevation: 1,150m
Difficulty:
Technical Difficulty:
Medium ROUTE
A short, tough but very rewarding medium route. We follow the long route up to the reservoirs over a big back road climb and through lovely gravel in the forest before skipping the section round the reservoirs and a rapid descent back to Ruthin.
Percentage of Route Off Road: 75%
Distance: 55km
Elevation: 1150m
Difficulty:
Technical Difficulty:
SHORT ROUTE
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Percentage of Route Off Road: 40%
Distance: 104km
Elevation: 750m
Difficulty:
Technical Difficulty:
FAQs
The ride starts and finishes at Ruthin Farmers Auction. There is free parking onsite as well as toilets & refreshments. We will send the ride village address by email.
Yes, e-bikes are allowed on all Glorious Gravel ride. These must comply with UK law.
We have first aiders & mechanics at the feed stops. There will be a phone number on the back of your ride number – call this if you need collecting.
LOCAL AREA
The North Wales Gravel X starts in Ruthin, just under an hour away from Liverpool, 1hr20 from Manchester & 1hr50 from Birmingham.
There are plenty of hotels & restaurants in Ruthin.
The nearest train station is in Rhyl or Wrexham,
Make a weekend of it
Ruthin is a great base to explore North Wales. For an active day, there is great MTB nearby at Llandegla or climb Moel Famau, the highest peak in the Clwydian Hills and a challenging all day hike,
Head over to Llyn Brenig where the ride goes around for some fishing.
Further afield, explore the castles of North Wales or head into Eryri National Park.
Make a weekend of it
Ruthin is a great base to explore North Wales. For an active day, there is great MTB nearby at Llandegla or climb Moel Famau, the highest peak in the Clwydian Hills and a challenging all day hike,
Head over to Llyn Brenig where the ride goes around for some fishing.
Further afield, explore the castles of North Wales or head into Eryri National Park.
Packing list
The route takes in some remote sections. We have support vans available but we recommend you are as self sufficient as possible including:
Bike spares
2 x inner tubes suitable for the size of your tyre
If running a tubeless set up, have a tubeless repair kit including plugs and spare sealant.
Multitool | Chain link specific for your bike chain
Small pump | Brake pads (especially in wet conditions)
Personal Medical kit
1 x crepe roll bandage | Gauze or similar absorbent dressing
Assorted plasters | Antiseptic (spray, cream or wipes) | Prescribed medication
