Reframing Mountain Biking is aiming to improve the image and impact of the sport. Manon CarpenterMountain biking is often described as having an image problem. Unlike some areas of cycling, where people are a little …Continue reading »

Welcome to BIKE Magazine February 2024 To read this issue online click here. To order BIKE Magazine to be delivered to your door click here. BIKE Magazine February 2024 February, with its crisp air and the lingering touch of winter, provides a delightful backdrop for electric cycling enthusiasts. As the world transitions from the frosty embrace of January to the promise of spring, electric cycling takes on a unique charm in this lovely month. One of the remarkable aspects of electric cycling in February is the invigorating chill that accompanies the ride. The brisk wind against your face, combined with the electric assistance of the bike, creates a harmonious blend of effort and ease. Pedaling through quiet streets or scenic trails, you can appreciate the serene beauty of winter while experiencing the warmth generated by your physical activity. February also offers the chance to witness nature in a state of transition. Trees, still adorned with a delicate dusting of snow, start to show signs of awakening as buds begin to form. Electric cyclists can revel in the juxtaposition of the dormant landscape and the anticipation of new life, all while gliding effortlessly on their bikes. The versatility of electric bicycles makes them an ideal choice for February exploration. Whether navigating through city streets or venturing into the countryside, these bikes offer the freedom to adapt to varying terrains. With the assistance of electric power, riders can effortlessly conquer gentle slopes or extend their journeys to discover hidden gems in the landscape. For those who enjoy a touch of romance, electric cycling in February can be a shared adventure. Couples can embark on tandem rides, relishing in the intimacy of the journey and the picturesque surroundings. Electric bicycles make it easy for riders of different skill levels to maintain a comfortable pace, ensuring a harmonious and enjoyable experience for all. Safety is paramount during winter months, and electric cycling in February requires a few extra considerations. Riders should dress in layers to stay warm, paying special attention to extremities. Proper lighting on the bike is essential for visibility in the shorter daylight hours, and well-maintained brakes are crucial for navigating potentially icy paths. Electric cycling in lovely February offers a unique and enchanting experience. The combination of winter’s beauty, the thrill of electric assistance, and the promise of spring in the air creates an atmosphere that beckons riders to explore and appreciate the world from a different perspective. So, bundle up, charge your bike, and set out on a February adventure that blends the beauty of winter with the joy of electric cycling.

Forest of Dean Gravel X (Sunday) 21st April 2024 | Broadwell Long Route 72km | 1250m Medium Route 53km | 900m BOOK NOW Ride Overview A spring classic gravel ride in the ancient woodlands of the Forest of Dean. This stunning area right on the Welsh border is packed with pristine, smooth gravel trails and a few punchy climbs to keep you honest.This ride is ideal for newer gravel riders due to the smooth trails and anyone wanting to get off the beaten track. Nearly 85% of the route is off road through woodlands and sections near the beautiful River Wye. Highlights An all new route with over 85% of the route off road on fast flowing, smooth gravel, this is ideal for all riders.Stunning sections through the Forest of Dean & Wye Valley Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty.A real mix of terrain with fast, flowing sections, stretches of flat by the river and three punchy off road climbs. 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 18th Apr: GPX files and pre ride briefing video sent by email to each rider. 21st  Apr – 7.30am: Ride village opens. Collecting your ride number takes approx 10 mins. 21st Apr – 8.00am to 9.30am: Ride start. We will give you a short ride briefing and set you off in small groups. 21st Apr – 5.30pm: Rider village closes 21st Apr – 7pm: Link to ride times & rider photos sent to each participant by email.  Long Route The ride starts in Worcester Lodge right in the heart of the Forest of Dean. The first 30km is all on the smooth gravel within the Forest with a couple of short rolling sections and plenty of flat & short downhills, an ideal warm up for the tougher parts to come.Heading out of the Forest we turn North West towards the River Wye & the Welsh Border. The main challenge of the ride is the three climbs within the next 20km, starting with a gentle 3km ascent & then the challenging Kymin Hill – 1.3km at a very punchy 9.4%!From here we along the River Wye for 6km to get your legs back before a final climb (2km at 6%) and a fast finish back in the Forest. Percentage of Route Off Road: 85% Distance: 72km Elevation: 1250m Difficulty:  3/5 Medium Route A perfect ride for newer gravel cyclists or a relaxed spring gravel sportive.This route starts with 30km in the Forest which is relatively quick on rolling terrain and smooth gravel. You then do the first climb of the long route (3km at 4%) before a short road climb and then coming back into the Forest for a fast finish and a well earned beer! Percentage of Route Off Road: 80% Distance: 53km Elevation: 900m Difficulty:  2/5 Short Route The short route follows the medium for the majority of the day but cuts off a section in the middle and near the end to make this nearly 20km shorter. With some nice variety on the off road sections & very little climbing, this is ideal for riders of all abilities.Percentage of Route Off Road: 55% Distance: 47km Elevation: 350m Difficulty:  1/5 Bike Selection & Packing List Bike Choice: Either a hardtail or gravel bike would be suitable for this ride, preference would depend on the weather and conditions at the time. If wet, either a hardtail MTB or gravel bike with wider, knobbly tyres would be best. If it”s dry, a grave bike with all rounder tyres would be ideal. Please see options for this in the checkout. E-bikes are allowed on all of our rides. Tyre Choice: Weather dependent – either 45mm plus knobblies for wet conditions or 35-45mm all rounders for normal conditions. 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: Likely to be fresh in the morning at this time of the year so layer up accordingly (arm & leg / knee warmers, gilet, waterproof jacket etc). Helmets are mandatory, you will not be able to ride without one. FAQs Where does the ride start / finish? The ride starts and finishes at Worcester Lodge in the heart of the Forest of Dean. There is free parking onsite as well as toilets & refreshments. We will send the ride village address by email.  Are E Bikes Allowed? Yes, e-bikes are allowed on all Glorious Gravel ride. These must comply with UK law. What Happens if I have a mechanical / accident? 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. Can I Start with my friends? 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. The post Forest of Dean Gravel X (Sunday) appeared first on Glorious Gravel.

German company Ergon are well known in the MTB scene for their excellent handlebar grips, I have a pair on my hardtail, but they also design and produce products for all the contact points such as pedals and in this review, saddles. I was interested to try this saddle out but also approached it with some trepidation. Afterall, saddles are a very personal thing, one riders super comfy supportive sofa can be another riders bed of nails, and I have to say, the Allroad saddle doesn’t look at all comfortable to me just from the asthetics. But apart from standing next to the bike once riding you are never going to see the saddle anyway. The performance and how it supports you when riding is the important bit! The saddle is of a fairly standard length and width, it’s no “shortfit” saddle. It does come in S/M, M/L versions though. I plumped for S/M as this was the nearest size to my usual saddle. It has a very square-ish profile with a flat top that slightly kicks up to the rear. It has what Ergon call a “pressure reducing surface” to help combat perineal numbness with a core of, and this is where I’m going to use the Ergon jargon…”BASF Infinergy® E-TPU / Closed Cell Particle Foam” ( I always thought BASF made cassette tapes, but I’m probably just showing my age there by Picturing Pete Murphy from the group Bauhaus in the BASF TV ad……but then the Bauhaus art movement was German..anyway, back to the tech!) with a “Orthopedic Comfort Foam” which makes it sound like one of those fancy bed matresses. It comes with “TiNox” rails and is only avaliable in black. Now we need to kick all that jargon to the side of the trail because what you really need to know is how it feels when its ridden on rather than how much trapped air is in the closed cell foam etc…..ok. the carbon composite shell is a bit fancy so worth mentioning. view from the saddle grass up the middle I’ve had this saddle for a few months. I think it’s important to A) give a saddle a chance to bed in, they all mould to your backside to some degree and B) it should be tested in a variety of conditions from hot dusty days to rain and mud with everything in between. Reviewing a saddle after two of three rides and then publishing a review to my mind doesn’t give the full picture. I bet the distributors, Extra UK wonder were the hell the saddle review has gone though! So I think I qualify on both counts, multiple rides, the wet summer, hot and humid early autumn through to a few soakings and gritty mud and embarrasingly a couple of crashes have all been thrown at this saddle. I’m glad I went with the S/M size as the saddle felt plenty long enough for perched on the nose climbing and offered support when cruising along. It also wasn’t too wide or long that it caused hang ups on my shorts when descending and getting my weight back over the saddle. I took a few long rides (100k+) without chamois cream in the interests of testing (what a hero eh?) and suffered less discomfort/hot spots than with my usual saddle. I can report my perineum survived with full feeling intact. The saddle isn’t a big comfy sofa, it cushions you but seems to have just the right amount of give while remaining firm enough to support your back side and sit bones. My one criticism is that the nose of the saddle is quite square and depending on the shorts I was wearing would sometimes catch on the short material, not enough to damage anything but enough to make me change position slightly while pedalling. On that note, moving about on the saddle to change centre of gravity to maintain traction or balance was easy. The saddle was grippy enough to stop you sliding inadvertently about and thankfully not sticky enough that it pulls on the shorts material. square nose The Ergon Allroad has come out on the other side of this onslaught with hardly a mark on it. It’s very hard wearing. Multiple cafe wall leanings haven’t scuffed it either and neither have crashes and miles under my undercarriage. My initial fears on it looking uncomfortable have been completely unfounded, turns out the designers at Ergon do actually know what they are talking about! Would i replace my regular saddle with this one? Well, I’ve not taken the Ergon back off the bike yet and the test period has been finished a while, despite the square nose thing I’m leaving it on for the foreseable! more details and great sizing info to help you choose the size of saddle would be best for you can be found on the Ergon website here If you, like me, think the Ergon Allroad pro core looks like it could be uncomfortable then don’t forget the old maxim, appearances can be deceptive. In this case they are, it’s a traditional size saddle made with modern materials by a company that focus on rider performance and comfort. Give it a try and I think you and your derriere will be pleasantly surprised.

As 2023 draws to a close, it’s time to reflect on the remarkable journey of cycling in Ireland over the past twelve months. This past year has been a pivotal year for the Irish cycling community, marked by significant achievements, inspiring events and notable advancements in cycling infrastructure. Let’s revisit the highlights that shaped the Irish cycling scene in 2023. From the thrilling races that captivated enthusiasts to the grassroots initiatives that brought more people onto their bikes, we’re only too excited as to what 2024 will bring! Success both at home and abroad for Team Ireland Giro d’Italia In famed Grand Tours like the Giro d’Italia, Irish riders continued to impress with their resilience and competitive spirit. Ben Healy made his Grand Tour debut for Team Ireland at this year’s Giro d’Italia, and on 13th May won his first Grand Tour stage a week later! Meanwhile, seasoned rider Eddie Dunbar came a respectable 7th place overall, a fantastic achievement for the Cork-born cyclist. View this post on Instagram A post shared by Eddie Dunbar (@eddie_dunbar) UCI Road World Championships The 2023 UCI Road World Championships saw a strong Irish team participating, with representation in the elite men and women, U23 men and women, as well as junior men and women’s events! The Irish side’s commendable performance in the Championships was a testament to the growing strength and depth of Irish professional cycling this year. Stand out performances include Áine Doherty who achieved an impressive 39th place overall and Lucy Benezet Minns who followed in 43rd place within the junior women’s category. View this post on Instagram A post shared by Áine Doherty (@ainedohertyyy) Rás na mBan As Ireland’s premier women’s event, this year’s Rás na mBan was certainly an affair to remember with fantastic performances from some of the world’s best cycling stars. It was a great start for the Irish side, as Mia Griffin secured the opening stage win. Ireland’s Caoimhe O’Brien and Ellen McDermott also achieved second and third place positions respectively in Stage 6. In the end, Dutch powerhouse Manon de Boer managed to hold her ground against persistent late challenges to claim the 2023 Rás na mBan magenta jersey and overall title. Take a look at the full Rás na mBan recap here for full details on how each stage unfolded! View this post on Instagram A post shared by Mia Griffin (@mia_griffin8) Brand new Irish cycling infrastructure and initiatives One of the most notable developments of 2023 in Ireland was the substantial investment in cycling infrastructure. New bike lanes and cycling-friendly urban planning initiatives in cities and towns right across the island have made cycling safer and more accessible. Work recently commenced on a brand-new cycling lane that will run alongside an existing train line between Malahide and Donabate, which is perfect for avid cyclists in North County Dublin. There was also the welcome news earlier this year that the Irish government has committed to spending €290 million on 1,000km of new walking and cycling infrastructure across the country. More information about the scheme can be found here. Grassroots efforts flourished this year, with lots of community-led cycling events and programmes open to enthusiasts across the country. From Bike Week, HER Outdoors Week and Ride with Pride, thousands of cyclists took part in these brilliant events which championed everyday people. The Škoda Tour de Conamara and Škoda Ring of Clare which form part of the Škoda Celtic Series were also huge successes. These non-competitive cycles are perfect for cyclists looking for a social ride around some of Ireland’s most beautiful scenery. Back in June, we chatted to Tour de Conamara participant Libor Pavlas who told us more about the event and why it’s so popular.   With an increasing number of people in Ireland embracing cycling and a competitive scene which is going from strength to strength, the coming year is set to be really promising. Here’s to 2024!  

Having taken eighth place at Omloop Het Nieuwsblad, fourth at Strade Bianche and eleventh at Milano-Sanremo already this season, Tom Pidcock looked set for a strong Spring Classics campaign. However, the British rider will not be taking part in any of the cobbled Classics this season, as he is set t...

Sam Coleman (AS Villemur U19) hit the afterburners in the final of the B9 Energy Storage Tour of Ards on Saturday to win the day and scalp some big names in the process. The second-year junior rider, who has just turned 18 years, has begun the season with a real bang, with his win in […] The post Sam Coleman (18) continues early season charge at Tour of Ards appeared first on Sticky Bottle.

Full Results & Video Highlights: UCI Cyclo-cross World Cup Dublin 2023 The post Full Results & Video Highlights: UCI Cyclo-cross World Cup Dublin 2023 appeared first on IrishCyclingNews.com | Irish Cycling News | IrishCycling.

Does it get any lighter? Probably not at this price. In addition to the impressive 7.07 kg on the scale, the Parapera Anemos Masterpiece boasts high-quality components from Schmolke and Campagnolo. But is this gravel bike also a masterpiece when it comes to having fun? Parapera Anemos Masterpiece | 7.07 kg (size M) | € 5,999.00 | Manufacturer’s website Does weight play a huge role on gravel bikes? Sometimes it does, sometimes it doesn’t. Our gravel race bike group test allowed us to experience first-hand that an increase in weight certainly doesn’t make a bad gravel bike. The Ridley Kanzo Fast won despite being the heaviest bike on test. Conversely, of course, that also means a lightweight gravel bike isn’t automatically the best. Weight, naturally, plays a much more significant role with road bikes, especially those made for climbing, where hauling less weight up the mountain means you can ride faster. If the lightweight gravel category doesn’t yet exist, then the Parapera Anemos Masterpiece is here to ring it in, tipping the scales at just 7.07 kg and therefore on par with some road bikes. You would expect a build featuring lightweight components from Schmolke to be light, of course. What’s truly surprising considering these specs is the price point of just € 5,999. So, where’s the catch with this matte black featherweight? We left no stone unturned to find it. Slender and trim – The Parapera Anemos Masterpiece in detail Weighing in at just 7.07 kg, it’s no surprise that the Parapera Anemos Masterpiece doesn’t have oversized tubes and deep aero profiles. The gravel bike looks delicate with its slender tubes and skinny fork. Components like the seat post, handlebar, and stem also match the svelte tubing of the frame. The transition from the seat tube to the skinny seat stays is particularly striking, consisting of a mono-stay adorned with the Parapera logo. In general, the Parapera Anemos Masterpiece is an absolute feast for the eyes. The simple and clean matt black finish with glossy black decals results in a high-quality stealth look. Apart from the logos, the frame isn’t lacquered, to save weight. It’s immediately evident that the Parapera Anemos Masterpiece isn’t a budget bike, and you wouldn’t guess that it comes in well below €10,000. The premium Schmolke Carbon components contribute to the bike’s low weight… … and they leave a high-quality impression. The specced components further underline this impression. Schmolke Carbon, who have a particularly large following amongst weight weenies, supply both the TLO seat post and Gravel Carbon TLO handlebar. Even the Selle Italia SLR Boost Tekno Superflow saddle is made of carbon. Only the stem of the Parapera Anemos Masterpiece is made of aluminium, and it matches the Parapera logo perfectly when viewed from above. Apart from the thumb shifter, the Campagnolo EKAR controls also suit this clean and elegant gravel bike well. The Campagnolo Levante wheels are squarely aimed at gravel with an internal rim width of 25 mm. Combined with the 40 mm wide Schwalbe G-One R tires, this results in a coherent package. The cables aren’t routed internally throughout, thereby muddying the otherwise clean look but also saving a few grams. Nevertheless, the cable routing looks pretty old school. Parapera’s weight saving ambitions presumably also came at the cost of adventure and everyday features like bosses in the fork or mudguard mounting points. At least there’s place for a third bottle cage underneath the down tube. You won’t find attachment points for a front derailleur, however – the Parapera Anemos Masterpiece is designed exclusively for a 1x drivetrain. Like almost all other Parapera bikes, this featherweight is configurable in the online shop. Tuning tip: longer, steeper stem for a more aggressive riding position Parapera Anemos Masterpiece – Geometry and intended use Thanks to the use of T1000 carbon fibre, the frame is about 400 g lighter than the standard Anemos. The wall thicknesses of the frame are thinner in various places, there’s no way of attaching a luggage rack, and the maximum permissible weight limit has also dropped from 145 kg to 125 kg. As such, the intended use is clearly aimed at fast rides, elevation gain, and performance. Everyday practicality has had to take a back seat. According to Parapera, it isn’t even suitable for attaching frame bags. The geometry is quite relaxed for a performance-oriented gravel bike. The stack to reach ratio is 1.52 for the size M, which is clearly on endurance side of the spectrum. But the 145 mm head tube is quite short. In addition, the wheelbase is relatively long at 1,035 mm. As a result, the geometry should be sporty yet stable. Parapera Anemos Masterpiece 2023€ 5,995SpecificationsSeatpost Schmolke Carbon TLOBrakes EKAR 160/160 mmDrivetrain Campagnolo EKAR 1x13Stem Parapera Aluminium Super Light 70 mmHandlebar Schmolke Gravel Carbon TLO 440 mmWheelset Campagnolo Levante 12 x 100/12 x 148 mm Through AxleTires Schwalbe G-One R 700 x 40cCranks EKAR 170 mmCassette EKAR 10-44 TTechnical DataSize XS S M L XL XXLSpecific Featuresextrem lightweight mechanical 1×13 Campagnolo Ekar drivetrain Schmolke Carbon parts Size XS S M L XL XXL Top tube 520 mm 535 mm 555 mm 570 mm 585 mm 597 mm Seat tube 470 mm 490 mm 510 mm 530 mm 550 mm 570 mm Head tube 110 mm 125 mm 145 mm 160 mm 185 mm 200 mm Head angle 70.5° 71.5° 71.5° 71.5° 71.5° 71.5° Seat angle 74.5° 74° 73° 73° 72.5° 72.5° Chainstay 430 mm 430 mm 430 mm 430 mm 430 mm 430 mm BB Drop 77,5 mm 77,5 mm 75 mm 75 mm 72,5 mm 72,5 mm Wheelbase 1,022 mm 1,024 mm 1,035 mm 1,050 mm 1,061 mm 1,076 mm Reach 375 mm 374 mm 379 mm 390 mm 392 mm 403 mm Stack 541 mm 560 mm 576 mm 591 mm 612 mm 629 mm The Parapera Anemos Masterpiece in review Grabbing the Parapera Anemos Masterpiece and lifting it up for the first time does feel somewhat magical. A gravel bike this light almost seems unreal. The minimal weight can also be felt on the first few kilometres aboard the bike. Not just in the incredibly nimble and fast acceleration, which invites you to get up to race pace in no time, but also in the overall riding experience. The handling of the Parapera Anemos Masterpiece can best be described as manoeuvrable and extremely agile. It just makes fast corners and winding trails a hoot. The steering is so fast that it almost feels nervous. Changing direction requires minimal input. This is convenient on technical climbs and descents, of course. However, you’ll have to acclimate to the playful handling on long gravel roads and high-speed descents. Low mass = rapid acceleration. The Parapera Anemos Masterpiece gets up to speed extremely quickly. You’d expect the tubing to be quite compliant considering the thin wall thicknesses. However, most of the bike’s comfort is provided by the seat post and saddle. The frame, on the other hand, feels rather stiff. Admittedly, it’s rather difficult to trust in the slender, almost delicate frame on rough trails at first. But the longer you ride the Parapera Anemos Masterpiece, the more confident you’ll feel. The components perform brilliantly together and are a lot of fun. As the geometry figures suggest, this gravel bike isn’t extremely aggressive. The riding position is rather balanced and centred. Therefore, the Parapera Anemos Masterpiece feels just as comfortable in the drops when you’re on the attack as it does on relaxed gravel tours. It doesn’t feel very racy, though fewer spacers and a longer stem could help. Who is the Parapera Anemos Masterpiece for? This question is easy to answer in terms of weight: anyone who likes their bikes to be as light as possible. If you’re looking for a gravel bike that’s optimised for weight and you enjoy lively handling, the Parapera Anemos Masterpiece is the perfect choice. However, the bike is clearly designed for quick jaunts with lots of elevation gain because it makes little sense for anything else. It’s not equipped for bikepacking or commuting. Anyone who values minimal design or everything carbon will also like this bike. Helmet Specialized S-Works Prevail 3 | Glasses Scott Sport Shield | Hat 7 Mesh x ciele HDcap | Neckerchief 7Mesh Chilco Neck Warmer | Jacket 7 Mesh Men’s Chilco Anorak | Bib VOID Winter Cycling Pants| Shoes Scott Gravel Pro Our conclusion on the Parapera Anemos Masterpiece The Parapera Anemos Masterpiece is consistently optimised for weight, resulting in an insanely light gravel bike. This is underlined by the bike’s overall subtle and classy look. The lively and efficient handling also suits the bike’s character to a tee. Despite this, the riding position aboard the Parapera Anemos Masterpiece feels too relaxed for a race bike. However, the weight-to-price ratio is hard to beat, and should leave you with enough change to make any desired adjustments. Topsultra-light gravel bikevery coherent design, look, and feelhigh-end componentsFlopsperformance ambitions don’t quite match the riding positionCampagnolo EKAR is high-maintenance For more information visit 1bike4life.com Der Beitrag Parapera Anemos Masterpiece – The least gram for the buck? erschien zuerst auf GRAN FONDO Cycling Magazine.

Afan Forest Gravel Epic 29th June 2024 | Afan Bike Park Long Route 109km | 2400m Medium Route 69km | 1550m Short Route 62km | 750m BOOK NOW Ride Overview Afan Forest was once named in the top 10 places to ride before you die by What Mountain Bike magazine and we think the valleys surrounding the area are equally worthy of providing some stunning trails to explore by gravel bike. Starting near the village that lays claim to being the birthplace of actor Richard Burton you’ll head into remote countryside riding through parts of the National Forest for Wales passing by abandoned mines, former tramways and disused railways that give a glimpse back into the history of the area. Highlights Pure escapism as you head into the countryside on remote gravel trails.A challenging ride with several classic gravel climbs, amazing views and flowing descentsGet a sense of the areas mining history passing disused mines and railways 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 – 7.30am: Ride village in Afan Valley opens. Collecting your ride number takes approx 10 mins. 29th June – 8am to 9.30am: Ride start. We will give you a short ride briefing and set you off in small groups. 29th June – 6.30pm: Rider village closes 29th June – 7pm: Link to ride times & rider photos sent to each participant by email. Long Route A challenging ride staying predominantly off road on well surfaced trails through the forests covering the Afan valleys. Expect plenty of climbing up and down the valley sides including a sting in the tail towards the end of the route but plenty of rewards for your effort with wide ranging views and long flowing descents.Percentage of Route Off Road: 80%  Distance: 109km Elevation: 2400m Difficulty:  5/5 Medium Route Following the same path as the long route, the medium route option bypasses some of the climbing and the section down into the Rhondda Valley but still packs in plenty of smooth forest trails and views from the tops of the valleys passing through the windfarms that now typify the area.Percentage of Route Off Road: 80% Distance: 69km Elevation: 1550m Difficulty:  3.5/5 Short Route The short route is a selection of the best parts of this area of the world without the mammoth distance. Don’t come unprepared though, the North Yorkshire Moors doesn’t have many flat ways in or out from the coast, so bring your climbing legs and reward yourself with gravel trails through Broxa forest and follow part of the moors to sea cycle route. Finish the ride with stunning views over the shores of the North Sea on the Cinder Track.  Percentage of Route Off Road: 75% Distance: 62km Elevation: 750m Difficulty:  2/5 Bike Selection & Packing List Bike Choice: The route is largely off road on good quality gravel so we recommend a gravel bike though a mountain bike will be fine. E-bikes are allowed on all of our rides. Tyre Choice: Both gravel and hardtail MTBs will be great for this route. We would suggest an all round tyre (38-45mm).  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: Late June in South Wales should be nice but even if the forecast is good, the weather can be very changeable so pack layers & a waterproof jacket. Helmets are mandatory, you will not be able to ride without one. FAQs Where does the ride start / finish? The ride starts and finishes by Afan Bike Park about 7 miles north of Port Talbot. There is free parking onsite as well as toilets & refreshments. We will send the ride village address by email.  Are E Bikes Allowed? Yes, e-bikes are allowed on all Glorious Gravel ride. These must comply with UK law. What Happens if I have a mechanical / accident? 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. Can I Start with my friends? 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. The post Afan Valley Gravel Epic appeared first on Glorious Gravel.