Long Route
109km | 2400m
Medium Route
69km | 1550m
Short Route
62km | 750m
Ride Overview
Afan Forest was once named in the top 10 places to ride before you die by What Mountain Bike magazine and we think the valleys surrounding the area are equally worthy of providing some stunning trails to explore by gravel bike.
Starting near the village that lays claim to being the birthplace of actor Richard Burton you’ll head into remote countryside riding through parts of the National Forest for Wales passing by abandoned mines, former tramways and disused railways that give a glimpse back into the history of the area.
Highlights
Pure escapism as you head into the countryside on remote gravel trails.
- A challenging ride with several classic gravel climbs, amazing views and flowing descents
- Get a sense of the areas mining history passing disused mines and railways
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 - 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
27th June: GPX files and pre ride briefing video sent by email to each rider.
29th June – 7.30am: Ride village in Afan Valley opens. Collecting your ride number takes approx 10 mins.
29th June – 8am to 9.30am: Ride start. We will give you a short ride briefing and set you off in small groups.
29th June – 6.30pm: Rider village closes
29th June – 7pm: Link to ride times & rider photos sent to each participant by email.
Long Route
A challenging ride staying predominantly off road on well surfaced trails through the forests covering the Afan valleys. Expect plenty of climbing up and down the valley sides including a sting in the tail towards the end of the route but plenty of rewards for your effort with wide ranging views and long flowing descents.
Percentage of Route Off Road: 80%
Distance:
109km
Elevation:
2400m
Difficulty:
5/5
Medium Route
Following the same path as the long route, the medium route option bypasses some of the climbing and the section down into the Rhondda Valley but still packs in plenty of smooth forest trails and views from the tops of the valleys passing through the windfarms that now typify the area.
Percentage of Route Off Road: 80%
Distance:
69km
Elevation:
1550m
Difficulty:
3.5/5
Short Route
The short route is a selection of the best parts of this area of the world without the mammoth distance. Don’t come unprepared though, the North Yorkshire Moors doesn’t have many flat ways in or out from the coast, so bring your climbing legs and reward yourself with gravel trails through Broxa forest and follow part of the moors to sea cycle route. Finish the ride with stunning views over the shores of the North Sea on the Cinder Track.
Percentage of Route Off Road: 75%
Distance:
62km
Elevation:
750m
Difficulty:
2/5
Bike Selection & Packing List
Bike Choice: The route is largely off road on good quality gravel so we recommend a gravel bike though a mountain bike will be fine. E-bikes are allowed on all of our rides.
Tyre Choice: Both gravel and hardtail MTBs will be great for this route. We would suggest an all round tyre (38-45mm).
Packing List: Bring equipment to be self sufficient on the route (inner tubes, sealant, multi-tool, pump or CO2 etc). We recommend a bell to warn walkers / runners of your presence.
Clothing: Late June in South Wales should be nice but even if the forecast is good, the weather can be very changeable so pack layers & a waterproof jacket. Helmets are mandatory, you will not be able to ride without one.
FAQs
The ride starts and finishes by Afan Bike Park about 7 miles north of Port Talbot. 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.
Yes, we start between 8am and 9.30am and set people off in small groups so the off road sections are not too busy. Please come to the start line with anyone you want to ride with, we will give a short ride briefing and set you off.