Long Route
110km | 1750m
Medium Route
70km | 1250m
Short Route
52km | 1050m
Ride Overview
One of the highlights of the UK gravel season. The Wight Roads Gravel Epic takes in the best off roading with some glorious coastal paths, gravel tracks through woodland & quiet backroads as we go off the beaten track on the Isle of Wight.
Choose between the 52km, 70km or full 110km loop all from Freshwater. Hop over for the day with an early ferry from Lymington or make a weekend of it on this brilliant island for gravel riding.
Highlights
- Panoramic views across the Isle of Wight and the Solent.
- Varied route taking in a mix of back roads, gravel trails & bridleways
- Discover lesser visited parts of the Isle of Wight from woodland trails to picturesque villages and quiet beaches.
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 – 7.45am: Ride village in Freshwater opens. Collecting your ride number takes approx 10 mins.
29th June – 8am to 10.30am: Ride start. We will give you a short ride briefing and set you off in small groups.
29th June – 6.30pm: Rider village closes
3rd June – 7pm: Link to ride times & rider photos sent to each participant by email.
Long Route
The ride starts in Freshwater, there is free parking at the venue or it is a short ride from the ferry.
We kick off with a very punchy first 20km. Straight out of town we go onto gravel and take in three sharp, off road climbs as we head inland towards Newport.
After a feed stop, we roll to the east coast on a mix of gravel and back roads before turning south and the toughest gravel climbs of the day around Ventnor (the first at 1.3km and averaging 10%, the other 3.4km at 4%).
The last 25km sees us head north up the west coast. It’s mostly downhill on a mix of backroad & gravel before one last climb back into Freshwater for a well earned beer.
Percentage of Route Off Road: 50%
Distance:
110km
Elevation:
1750m
Difficulty:
4/5
Medium Route
The medium route follows the long route for the first 20km and from Newport, we skip the eastern loop and head south to Ventnor for the two big climbs and then the quick final 25km home up the west coast.
Percentage of Route Off Road: 50%
Distance:
70km
Elevation:
1250m
Difficulty:
3.5/5
Short Route
A stunning and varied 50km option. The route follows the long course for 20km towards Newport and then heads back to the west coast along different gravel trails before hitting the coastal roads near the end.
Rolling throughout, this is a relatively short ride but definitely packs a punch.
Percentage of Route Off Road: 60%
Distance:
52km
Elevation:
1050m
Difficulty:
3/5
Bike Selection & Packing List
Bike Choice: The route takes in a real mix of terrain so either a gravel bike or hard tail MTB will be fine. E-bikes are allowed on all of our rides.
Tyre Choice: We will send an update on conditions closer to the ride. The gravel on the route is varied so a 40mm all rounder gravel tyre will be ideal.
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: Early June on the IOW could see a bit of everything so pack layers & a waterproof jacket. Helmets are mandatory, you will not be able to ride without one.
FAQs
The ride starts and finishes in Freshwater. There is free parking onsite as well as toilets & refreshments so you can bring a car or ride from the ferry to the start line. We will send the ride village address by email.
Coming from the mainland? Book the Lymington to Yarmouth ferry with plenty of parking for the day / weekened in Lymington. On the Saturday, the first ferry is at 6.05am with other suitable crossings at 8.15am and 9am. The crossing takes 40 mins and then its a short 15 min flat ride to the start line (this will be signposted).
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.