OVERVIEW
An mid summer epic gravel ride.
Take on the best of the Surrey Hills and the faster tracks to the West of Surrey on this 93km or 63km circuit.
Starting from near Peaslake in the heart of the Surrey Hills, this ride includes four big climbs and some of the best gravel roads in the South East.
RIDE HIGHLIGHTS:
- Finish the ride with four punchy off road climbs in the Surrey Hills
- Smooth gravel on flatter terrain in west Surrey.
- Discover a different side to cycling in Surrey far away from crowded roads and angry motorists.
What to expect
A route of two halves with a relatively flat first section in the west of Surrey and a punchy second half in the Surrey Hills. The gravel is a mix, some smooth trails but also plenty of rougher sections with ruts and roots which can be muddy after rain.
Ride difficulty
This first third of this route is mostly flat but some of the off road makes it slow going in places. The major climbs all come in the back third when legs are tired. This is a big day out on some heavy gravel so it will be a full day in the saddle for most riders.
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
40% of the route is on tarmac . The off road is a mix of some well kept gravel trails in the hills and some bumpier farmtracks which can be rooty and rutted if dry and muddy when wet.
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 slightly wider gravel all-rounder tyre (40-50mm) 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
26th June: GPX files and pre ride briefing sent by email to each rider.
28th June: 7.45am: Ride village at Coverwood Farm opens. Collecting your ride number takes approx 10 mins.
28th June: 8am to 8,45amm: Ride start. We will give you a short ride briefing and set you off in small groups.
28th June: 6pm: Rider village closes.
28th June: 7pm: Link to ride times & rider photos sent to each participant by email.
ROUTE DETAILS
LONG ROUTE
An epic 93km circuit in Surrey taking in both the hills and flatter parts of the county.
Starting in Peaslake, we have a couple of climbs in the Surrey Hills before heading to a fast section to Dunsfold and a section in the commons and woodlands. The last 20km home are back into rolling terrain back in the hills on some smooth gravel tracks.
Percentage of Route Off Road: 60%
Distance: 93km
Elevation: 1450m
Difficulty:
Technical Difficulty:
Medium ROUTE
The medium route splits from the long route taking the Downs Link and avoiding nearly 30km of rolling terrain to the west of the route.
The final 20km contains most of the climbing before a fast descent back to the ride village for a well earned beer.
Percentage of Route Off Road: 70%
Distance: 63km
Elevation: 1,000m
Difficulty:
Technical Difficulty:
Medium ROUTE
The medium route cuts out 30km in the middle (and hilliest part) of the long route. We start with 20km on the Ridgeway and then head into the hills for a total of 5 climbs and nearly 1,000m of total elevation. A really nice & varied medium route.
Percentage of Route Off Road: 50%
Distance: 74km
Elevation: 1,000m
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 Coverwood Farm in Peaslake. 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 Surrey Gravel Epic starts at Coverwood Farm just outside Peaslake in the heart of the Surrey Hills.
If you are looking for somewhere to stay, the nearest town is Cranleigh which has a few options or Dorking has a few more options.
The nearest train station is 9 miles away in Dorking.
Make a weekend of it
Complete your day with a visit to the Secret Nuclear Bunker itself. This is a fascinating place, designed to protect up to 600 people including the Prime Minister whose job was to “organise the survival of the population in the awful aftermath of a nuclear war.”
On the site is a high ropes course and the area is packed with lovely country pubs perfect for a post ride pint or Sunday roast if you are staying overnight.
Make a weekend of it
Complete your day with a visit to the Secret Nuclear Bunker itself. This is a fascinating place, designed to protect up to 600 people including the Prime Minister whose job was to “organise the survival of the population in the awful aftermath of a nuclear war.”
On the site is a high ropes course and the area is packed with lovely country pubs perfect for a post ride pint or Sunday roast if you are staying overnight.
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
