OVERVIEW
A spring classic gravel ride in the ancient woodlands of the Forest of Dean. This stunning area right on the Welsh border is packed with pristine, smooth gravel trails and a few punchy climbs to keep you honest.
This ride is ideal for newer gravel riders due to the smooth trails and anyone wanting to get off the beaten track. Nearly 85% of the route is off road through woodlands and sections near the beautiful River Wye.
RIDE HIGHLIGHTS:
- Over 85% of the route off road on fast flowing, smooth gravel, this is ideal for all riders.
- Stunning sections through the Forest of Dean & Wye Valley Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty.
- A real mix of terrain with fast, flowing sections, stretches of flat by the river and three punchy off road climbs.
What to expect
The vast majority of this route is flat on smooth fire roads through the forest with few rougher sections. This is a hilly area so while there are no massive climbs, expect plenty of ups & downs throughout the ride.
Ride difficulty
There is very little flat on this route which plenty of shorter climbs & descents throughout the route. Neither the long or medium route is too long so it should be suitable for riders of most abilities.
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
Up to 85% of the route is off road on a mix of smooth, forest fire roads and some slightly trickier sections but this is a good gravel route for newer riders.
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 tyre (35-45mm) will be fine for this route.
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 at Forest of Dean 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 ride starts in Worcester Lodge right in the heart of the Forest of Dean. The first 30km is all on the smooth gravel within the Forest with a couple of short rolling sections and plenty of flat & short downhills, an ideal warm up for the tougher parts to come.
Heading out of the Forest we turn North West towards the River Wye & the Welsh Border. The main challenge of the ride is the three climbs within the next 20km, starting with a gentle 3km ascent & then the challenging Kymin Hill – 1.3km at a very punchy 9.4%!
From here we along the River Wye for 6km to get your legs back before a final climb (2km at 6%) and a fast finish back in the Forest.
Percentage of Route Off Road: 85%
Distance: 81km
Elevation: 1430m
Difficulty:
Technical Difficulty:
Medium ROUTE
A perfect ride for newer gravel cyclists or a relaxed spring gravel sportive.
This route starts with 30km in the Forest which is relatively quick on rolling terrain and smooth gravel. You then do the first climb of the long route (3km at 4%) before a short road climb and then coming back into the Forest for a fast finish and a well earned beer!
Percentage of Route Off Road: 80%
Distance: 51km
Elevation: 990m
Difficulty:
Technical Difficulty:
Medium ROUTE
A perfect ride for newer gravel cyclists or a relaxed spring gravel sportive.
This route starts with 30km in the Forest which is relatively quick on rolling terrain and smooth gravel. You then do the first climb of the long route (3km at 4%) before a short road climb and then coming back into the Forest for a fast finish and a well earned beer!
Percentage of Route Off Road: 80%
Distance: 53km
Elevation: 900m
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 in the Forest of Dean. 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 Suffolk Gravel X starts in Thetford Forest
The nearest big town is Thetford which has lots of accommodation options and restaurants / pubs.
The nearest train station is Thetford (2 miles away).
Make a weekend of it
Thetford Forest is a large space with plenty of other things to do.
There is a Go Ape on site and play areas if you have kids.
There are some good MTB trails and lots of options for hiking & running. There are also segways to hire and trails in all directions to explore.
Make a weekend of it
Thetford Forest is a large space with plenty of other things to do.
There is a Go Ape on site and play areas if you have kids.
There are some good MTB trails and lots of options for hiking & running. There are also segways to hire and trails in all directions to explore.
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
