Glorious Gravel: South Downs Dirt Sportive

Take on the scenic South Downs including some sections of the famous South Downs Way. The climbing starts straight away from Lewes Castle - but how else will you see the sea?  

A mix of forest, field, track and road this route is a real all-rounder which sections to suit each type of bike setup. The village stores in Ripe will quench your caffeine craving before the back loaded climbs on the South Downs Way will test your choice of gearing! 

Event Director's Notes:

This ride takes us from Lewes on a 75km loop. The terrain is a real mix including forest, field & track. We climb straight out of Lewes to Blackcap and then descend quickly before a beautiful 40km flat section. The climbing is backloaded on this ride but there is a pint waiting for you at the finish to make it all worthwhile. As with all gravel rides, we check the routes constantly as things can change much more than on a road ride. The final route is subject to change and will be emailed to you one week before the ride with a full ride brief.

What’s Included

• GPX Files
• Pre ride briefing
• Two feed stops
• Free coffee & beer at the finish pub
• Ride marshals supporting you on the route

Preparing for the Ride

The Glorious Gravel Series is open to all off-road bikes. While it is aimed primarily at Gravel & Adventure bikes, which are essentially fat tyred drop bar bikes, you are also most welcome on a mountain bike or cyclocross bike. We recommend a tyre width of 33+mm for most for our rides. 

What to bring : You will be further from van support or facilities you would find in most towns than with our road trips so it is advisable to take a little more with you. 

GPS device with route loaded , Spare tube or Tubeless plug , Pump and/or CO2 , Mini tool , Jacket and/or additional layers 

We will email you the GPX route & a full breakdown of the route one week before the ride. Our route director will then be at the start to give you last minute advice and tips. You will be asked to select a start window which we will then confirm one week before the ride to ensure you roll out in group sizes based on current restrictions.