OVERVIEW
Now in it’s 5th edition, the Salisbury Plain Epic is as much a part of Easter as hot crossed buns Roast Lamb.
This was our first ever gravel event coming just after months of lockdown and is always one of the highlights of the year. Ride the best gravel in the South of England on the tank tracks of Salisbury Plain. This stunning 100km route contains long, sweeping sections on fast rolling gravel & views of the ancient sites of this region.
Please note – we may be able to add a 20km loop around the lost village of Imber but this is subject to MOD permission (in this case we would have a medium route of 100km & long route of 120km). Their need to protect the free world slightly supersedes our desire to ride in cool places so work on the assumption that we will not get permission.
RIDE HIGHLIGHTS:
- Ride the best gravel in the South of England with long, flowing sections on the Plain.
- Varied route taking in singletrack through woods, backroads & gravel.
- Great views of the rolling Wiltshire hills.
What to expect
Salisbury Plain contains some of the best gravel in the South. There are a few sections between Thruxton and the Plain that can be muddy when wet but this is a quick route and expect finish times between 4 & 7 hours.
Ride difficulty
There isn’t much flat on this route but other than a longer climb (2km) about half way round, there are no challenging climbs.
Long 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
Conditions on the Plain are normally decent throughout the year as the gravel drains well but there can be some very deep puddles (take the trails around these). There can be mud on sections to / from Thruxton. Watch out for deep ruts on the Plain particularly if you are carrying speed after descents.
Long 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. Unless it is very wet, an all-round tyre (35-45mm) will be ideal.
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
17th April: GPX files and pre ride briefing sent by email to each rider.
19th April: 7.45am: Ride village at Thruxton Motorcircuit. Collecting your ride number takes approx 10 mins.
19th April: 8am to 8,45amm: Ride start. We will give you a short ride briefing and set you off in small groups.
19th April: 6pm: Rider village closes.
19th April: 7pm: Link to ride times & rider photos sent to each participant by email.
ROUTE DETAILS
LONG ROUTE
We start from Thruxton Motorcircuit and head west to the Plain. Our first off road section is at 7km & from here, we head onto the Plain for a long, glorious section on the gravel with a feed stop at around 40km, a climb at 54km and then a long, fun descent off the Plain.
The second feed comes at 75km before a mix of rolling gravel & off road sections through the woods to get back to Thruxton.
Percentage of Route Off Road: 70%
Distance: 92km
Elevation: 1,200m
Difficulty:
Technical Difficulty:
Medium ROUTE
The medium route cuts out 17km at the bottom of the route towards Alfriston.
There are two climbs (one road, one gravel) on the way out and two on the way back. A challenging 60km option but very rewarding with most of the route miles away from the crowds and some stunning views.
Percentage of Route Off Road: 65%
Distance: 60km
Elevation: 1,050m
Difficulty:
Technical Difficulty:
Medium ROUTE
The medium route cuts out 17km at the bottom of the route towards Alfriston.
There are two climbs (one road, one gravel) on the way out and two on the way back. A challenging 60km option but very rewarding with most of the route miles away from the crowds and some stunning views.
Percentage of Route Off Road: 65%
Distance: 60km
Elevation: 1,050m
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 Thruxton Motorcircuit. 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.
We have camping this year at Thruxton for both campervans & tents. Book your place in the checkout when you add your entry.
LOCAL AREA
The Salisbury Plain Easter Epic starts at Thruxton Circuit, just off the A303 and within 1hr30 of West London.
The nearest big town is Andover which has plenty of accommodation options.
The nearest train station is Andover (6 miles away) with trains from London Waterloo.
Make a weekend of it
There is camping onsite for the ride & lots of hotels in Andover, around 10 mins away.
The main draw of this region is the ancient monuments including:
– Stonehenge
– Salisbury (visit the Cathedral or ancient fort at Old Sarum)
– Avebury Stone Circle
The lost village of Imber (the residents were ordered to leave in 1943 so it could be used by the military) is open only a few days a year but Easter Sunday is one of them with a service held at St Giles’ Church in Imber.
Make a weekend of it
There is camping onsite for the ride & lots of hotels in Andover, around 10 mins away.
The main draw of this region is the ancient monuments including:
– Stonehenge
– Salisbury (visit the Cathedral or ancient fort at Old Sarum)
– Avebury Stone Circle
The lost village of Imber (the residents were ordered to leave in 1943 so it could be used by the military) is open only a few days a year but Easter Sunday is one of them with a service held at St Giles’ Church in Imber.
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
