"Scottish Borders gravel riding at its finest" - that's the promise from Glorious Gravel, who have just launched their new Scottish Borders Gravel Epic sportive.

Based near Peebles in Glentress - the home of last year's UCI MTB World Championships - the new event takes place on 28 September 2024.

Three routes are on offer, topping out at 100km. Riders will "climb, contour and descend the forest tracks of famous Glentress, the Golfie, Elibank, Traquair and Cardrona", with fully signed routes and all the trimmings now expected from Glorious Gravel's hugely popular events.

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You can expect checkpoints with proper food with tea, coffee and cake at the first feed and sandwiches and crisps at the main feed stop.

While the routes are fully signed, entrants will also receive accurate GPX files for all of the route options so you can follow the course on your GPS as well as the signs.

Mechanics are on hand at the rider village and at selected feed stops to help with any bike issues, with spare inner tubes, CO2 and other spares available to get you out of a jam.

And if things really go pear shaped, support vehicles are on hand to rescue riders who suffer a major mechanical or need collecting.

Back at the finish line, you'll be greeted with a beer and food is available from the Glorious Gravel food truck.

Go long, ride strong

Three distances of 100km, 73km and 52km are on offer.

With 2680m of climbing and a course that's 80% off-road, the long route is a true challenge to build your season towards.

Starting at Glentress, the route climbs straight away up through the forest and weaves its way to the wind farm, high above the Tweed. It then descends on a mixture of forest trail and bridleway to the valley where the first feed stop awaits.

Once refreshed, riders will next the route climbs through the MTB haven of the Golfie at Tweed Valley Forest Park. The course then descends back to the valley and heads south of the river where some of the best gravel in the Borders in Elibank and Traquair Forest await.

After another feed, it's into the Cardrona Forest where a sweeping descent and one final hit at Glentress will see you back to the event village.

The medium route (73km, 1890m) cuts out the long climb from Glentress to the wind farm, but is otherwise similar to the long route - a fantastic showcase of the best gravel in the area.

Meanwhile the short route at 52km with 1180m of climbing packs a lot of elevation into a shorter distance. You'll get a proper tour of Glentress Forest, and also the chance to ride the Sustrans cycle path which runs through the Tweed valley.

Enter now and start training

Entry to the Scottish Borders Gravel Epic costs £59 + booking fee for each of the three distances.

Find out more and book your place at gloriousgravel.com.

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