Long Route
104km | 750m
Medium Route
73km | 500m
Short Route
54km | 400m
Ride Overview
Given its proximity to London’s urban sprawl the Essex countryside offers a surprising escape into quiet countryside and wide open green spaces that are ideal for exploring on a gravel bike.
Our route takes in a mixture of small country lanes interspersed with hidden bridleways and byways as we ride on sections of The Essex Way and Flitch Way. With its relatively flat terrain and an even mix of road and off road sections this is one of our easier gravel rides in terms of technical difficulty, but the distance is not to be underestimated.
Highlights
- Just outside London but very quiet backroads and trails through picturesque villages and lovely countryside.
- Ride over parts of the Essex & Flitch Way.
- A fast course suitable for gravel riders of all abilities with a balance of backroads and gravel sections.
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
31st August: GPX files and pre ride briefing video sent by email to each rider.
2nd September – 7.45am: Ride village in the Secret Nuclear Bunker opens. Collecting your ride number takes approx 10 mins.
2nd September – 8am to 9.30am: Ride start. We will give you a short ride briefing and set you off in small groups.
2nd September – 6pm: Rider village closes
2nd September – 7pm: Link to ride times & rider photos sent to each participant by email.
Long Route
Starting from the grounds of the not so secret Secret Nuclear Bunker we’re making our way north picking up sections of bridleway and byway linked together by quiet country lanes through undulating agricultural land and picturesque villages.
The route will see us pick up sections of The Essex Way, a long distance trail that traverses the length of the county, and sections along the Flitch Way former railway line. Given the nature of the Essex landscape you won’t find any long or steep climbs on this ride but it’s not completely flat either.
The route alternates from backroads to gravel and makes for an ideal event for first timer off roaders.
Percentage of Route Off Road: 40%
Distance:
104km
Elevation:
750m
Difficulty:
2/5
Medium Route
The medium route cuts out 30km to the north of the long route and makes for a very fun and fast 70km ride in the Essex countryside.
Percentage of Route Off Road: 40%
Distance:
73km
Elevation:
500m
Difficulty:
1.5/5
Short Route
The short option follows the other routes medium route for the first 30km and then cuts off the top 20km.
This ride is suitable for riders of all abilities with no technical sections and rolling terrain but no major climbs.
Percentage of Route Off Road: 40%
Distance:
54km
Elevation:
400m
Difficulty:
1/5
Bike Selection & Packing List
Bike Choice: The route is a mix of back-roads and dirt / gravel trails ideal for a gravel bike. A mountain bike will be fine but slower. E-bikes are allowed on all of our rides.
Tyre Choice: We will send an update on conditions closer to the ride. We suggest a 35-40mm all rounder gravel tyre for this ride.
Packing List: Bring equipment to be self sufficient on the route as we go into remote areas without phone signal (inner tubes, sealant, multi-tool, pump or CO2 etc). We recommend a bell to warn walkers / runners of your presence.
Clothing: Early September in Essex should be nice but could be fresh in the morning so layer accordingly. Helmets are mandatory, you will not be able to ride without one.
FAQs
The ride starts and finishes at the Secret Nuclear Bunker in Kelvedon Hatch. 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.
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.