Description
Ride Overview
The gravel season starts here! Salisbury Plain is the home of gravel riding in the South of England with miles of fast, empty tracks & bridelway across rolling terrain. Ride this classic 75km loop from Thruxton, a perfect early season ride that's challenging enough to make sure you know you have had a good day in the saddle but not technical and suitable for all riders.
Distance: 75km | Elevation: 1000m
Bike & Tyre Choice: The route is almost all off road on fairly fast gravel. Absolutely not suitable for road bikes, mountain bikes will be fine but a bit slow so we strongly recommend a gravel bike with around 40mm tyres.
Countdown to March 20th
Ride Highlights
– Some of the best gravel riding in England
– Miles and miles of fast, compact gravel tracks
– Great views across the plain from high grounds
– Social drink at the finish village
The Route
Thruxton: 75km, 1000m
Wide and smooth gravel roads with views across the plain from the high ground with a sighting of Stonehenge in the distance – this is gravel riding at it’s best.
Starting from Thruxton, we get off road almost straight away and a cheeky gravel climb before reaching checkpoint one at 25km for tea & cake. From here we head up to the plain for the best views of the day and a long gentle climb / false flat followed by a brilliant sweeping descent to checkpoint two for sandwiches. Then it’s a short spin home for a well earned beer.
FAQs
What type of bike should I ride?
This route is ideal for gravel bikes with lots of smooth, fast gravel but you could use a mountain bike. Road bikes are not suitable for this ride. We have carbon gravel bikes from Pearson available to hire for the day. E bikes are very welcome on our rides.
How do I find out my start time?
Riders start in groups of maximum 6 at a 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 at Thruxton Circuit. There is free parking onsite as well as a bike wash, 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
Packing List emailed when you book
