Description
tour
Ride Overview
Escape the city and take on this two night / three day multi stage sportive over the entire 350km King Alfred's Way, the iconic off road route in the South of England. Taking in parts of the South Downs Way, Ridgeway & historic sites from Wessex, the riding & the views are only matched by the cold post ride beers & social post ride evenings.
THREE STAGES | 350KM
Bike & Tyre Choice: A route designed for your new gravel bike. Most of the route is rolling and in August, there should be few muddy sections. We will send out recommendations closer to the time based on conditions but around a 40mm tyre with fast rolling, intermediate tread should be ideal. You can ride this on a MTB, wider tyres will be preferable on some of the descents but on balance this route is ideal for a gravel bike.
Ride Highlights
– Stunning 350km gravel loop
– Luggage transfer, signed route & friendly atmosphere
– Ride the best of the Ridgeway, South Downs Way & Thames Path
– Social rider village at the end of each day
WHAT'S INCLUDED
Countdown to August 27th
Accommodation
Winchester: Aug 27th | Swindon: Aug 28th
You can purchase entry only to the King Alfred’s Way Tour or add on accommodation in the cart. Rides finish at our hotels & we all eat together in the evening & share ride stories. Prices for two nights are £199 per person in a twin room or £279 in a private single room including dinners, secure bike storage & early breakfast.
Winchester – 27th August
Premier Inn Winchester
Swindon – 28th August
Alexandra House Hotel
You are free to book any other hotel. If you chose this option, your luggage will be available to be picked up at the rider village at the end of each stage.
Stage One
Farnborough to Winchester: 113km | 1886m
Day one starts in Farnborough. You will collect your ride number and roll out in small groups with a short section on the North Downs Way before heading south and our first big climb of the weekend – the Devils Punchbowl. From here it’s a quick 30km before a rolling & lumpy final 50km on the South Downs Way 👊👊
Stage Two
Winchester to Swindon: 120km | 1,465m
Day two is in our opinion the highlight of the route taking in the smooth and fast gravel tracks of Salisbury Plain and some Wiltshire white roads. Starting in Winchester, the terrain is rolling throughout with a couple of sharp climbs waiting for you in the final 10km before the finish near Swindon.
Stage Three
Swindon to Farnborough: 112km, 949m
The final day is the quickest of the three and a stage of two halfs. The first 50km from Swindon to near Reading is on rolling terrain over the Ridgeway – the oldest road in England. After following the Thames for nearly 20km, the last 50km is quick and flat before a triumphant finish back in Farnborough.
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 on some sections and descents but overall a gravel bike is preferred (and more fun). We have carbon gravel bikes from Pearson available to hire for the day. E bikes are very welcome on our rides.
Where is the start / finish?
The ride starts and finishes in Farnborough. There is free parking available. Stage one ends in Winchester & stage two finishes just south of Swindon.
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. We will send a comprehensive packing list for the ride.
Will I be riding with other people?
We will set you off each day in small groups but you can ride at your own pace. The whole route is signposted with regular feed stops so you can go as hard or easy as you like, meeting other riders at the end of the day.
Do I need to book my own accommodation?
Yes, we will send you a link to our partner hotels where most of the other riders will stay. You are welcome to stay in a different hotel, we deliver luggage to specific hotels in each town. If you stay somewhere else, your luggage will be available at the rider village.
How does the luggage transfer work?
If you stay in one of our partner hotels, you will leave your luggage at the pickup area. We will collect it and drop it off at your next hotel. If you are staying somewhere else, bring your luggage to the rider village each morning and it will be available at the finish village after the ride.
