Destination Gravel 2026
📍 East Sussex, United Kingdom
gravel
Date
5 July 2026
Distance
50km · 100km
Difficulty
gravelbeginner friendly
Essex Gravel Epic
Kelvedon Hatch, United Kingdom · 08 August 2026
Difficulty: 3/5 — Hard
The 104km Essex Gravel Epic features 750m of elevation gain across rolling terrain, offering a flowy mix of tarmac and off-road sections. It is considered one of the organizer's easier gravel rides, suitable for a range of abilities.
Visit official site →- Distances
- 104km · 73km · 54km
- Elevation
- 750 m
- Surface
- gravel, tarmac, dirt
- Typical W/kg
- 2.8–3.8
Rider fit
Who it's for
This event is suitable for regular cyclists and first-time off-roaders looking for a fast, enjoyable ride on varied terrain.
Who will struggle
Riders who underestimate the distance or lack basic endurance for a multi-hour ride on mixed surfaces might find the longer routes challenging.
Training focus
Training should focus on building endurance for sustained efforts over rolling terrain and adapting to transitioning between road and gravel surfaces.
Are you ready for this race?
Compare your W/kg to see how you stack up against this race's typical level — and which races fit you best right now.
FAQs
What are the available route distances and their elevations?+
The event offers three routes: a long option of 104km with 750m of elevation, a medium route of 73km with 500m of elevation, and a short route of 54km with 400m of elevation.
What kind of terrain and surfaces can riders expect?+
The route features a blend of quiet country lanes, bridleways, and byways. Approximately 60% of the ride is on tarmac backroads, with the remaining 40% on off-road sections consisting of smooth gravel, farm tracks, and potentially hard-packed mud.
How challenging is the ride, both physically and technically?+
The ride is characterized by rolling terrain with no major climbs, making it one of the easier options for gravel events. The long route is rated 3 out of 5 for ride difficulty, suitable for regular riders, and 2 out of 5 for technical difficulty, indicating typical UK gravel conditions without challenging technical sections. The short route is considered easy and suitable for all abilities.
What types of bikes and tires are recommended for this event?+
Gravel bikes are ideal for this route, but hardtail mountain bikes are also suitable. It's recommended to use all-rounder gravel tires, typically between 35-45mm. Specific tire recommendations will be provided closer to the event date.
What support is provided to riders during the event?+
Riders will benefit from a fully signed route and accurate GPX files for navigation. There are checkpoints approximately every 30-40km offering proper food like tea, coffee, cake, sandwiches, and crisps. Mechanical support is available at the rider village and selected feed stops, along with rider support vans for major issues or collections.
What are the key timings for the event day?+
On August 8th, the ride village opens at 7:30 am. The ride start window is between 8:00 am and 9:00 am, with riders setting off in small groups after a briefing. The rider village closes at 6:00 pm.