Gravel Corner

Monthly gravel ride

Launched in late 2024, our monthly gravel rides have had large numbers attending and clearly filled a gap. These are not just Club road rides taking place off-road: they provide a way of discovering new terrain, developing new skills and of riding together in a more social and non-competitive way where there is more scope for relaxed conversation and taking time out to appreciate the wonderful landscape. Please consider coming along - even if you are not yet a club member - just turn up as notified in the weekly club email immediately preceding the scheduled date. Feedback from non-members who have taken part has been extremely positive. 

If you are already a strong off-road rider, consider joining the Moderate Level option which will be faster and longer with more climbing and technical sections (but we're not talking Downhill Mountain Biking level!). 

The Entry Level ride will be significantly shorter than the Moderate Level ride, the level of climbing will also be lower, and the route will have less technical sections. Whilst ideal for those less experienced or less confident it should also work well for more experienced riders who want a more leisurely paced ride or need to be back at a slightly earlier time. 

Even though the technical level of the entry ride is not that difficult, the distance is such that some level of previous off-road experience is advisable. For those with no experience of riding off road whatsoever there are a number of ultra short, local taster routes which are a good way to gently test out bike and body before attending that first off-road group ride (see bottom of section). There are also a large number of excellent videos online covering off-road technique basics. We are keen to help get new people into off road cycling so please let us know if you would like help in any way.. 

When and where

With the rare exception of the first ride of the year which will take place on Friday the 2nd of January all rides will take place on the first Thursday of each month. The default starting point and time will be 9.00am from Ludlow Eco Park. Where a starting point away from Ludlow is chosen, this will be clearly specified in the regular e-mail communication on the Friday beforehand. (Please note that these rides will not replace our regular Thursday 09.30 road ride from the Eco Park which will still be available to members who prefer).
                                         

Q1 2026    Friday 2nd Jan,        Thursday 5th Feb,     Thursday 5th Mar 

Q2 2026    Thursday 2nd Apr,   Thursday 7th May,     Thursday 4th June 

Q3 2026    Thursday 2nd Jul,    Thursday 6th Aug,     Thursday 3rd Sept 

Q4 2026    Thursday 1st Oct,     Thursday 5th Nov,     Thursday 3rd Dec

What to expect - Moderate level rides:

• Distance 37-48 km (23-30 miles) with approx 731m (2,400ft) of climbing
• Surfaces - whilst billed as “gravel” riders should also expect grass, pressed earth, quiet asphalt lanes and, given our location, sometimes a bit of mud. Whilst most of the routes will be double track requiring only modest off-road competence, there may be short stretches of more technical single-track, to join up bits of the route
• Fitness level and other participant requirements - “Moderate” club road ride group capability is required. Bike choice needs to be appropriate to the conditions and participants should have independent means of communication and navigation. Whilst the ride leader is there to help get everyone home safe these are unpaid volunteers and participants need to take a high level of personal responsibility for their own safety. 
• Most routes particularly in winter will include a cafe stop but where this is not possible there will be a target stopping place for participants to rest, recover and make use of "on board" refreshments.

What to expect - Entry level gravel rides

• Distance - 22km-29km (14-18 miles) with upwards of 305m (1,000ft) of climbing.   
• Surfaces - The entry level gravel ride will offer a similar mix of terrain as the moderate level ride but will offer a shorter, easier and gentler option with less technical sections. 
• Where possible we will try to have some interlinkage between the two routes. The starting point will often be the same, some of the same route may be used and if it is feasible to make use of the same cafe or refreshment stop we will. 
• Although necessitating a somewhat lower level of fitness, participant requirements are otherwise the same as for the moderate ride. Bike choice needs to be appropriate, and participants should have independent means of communication and navigation. If in doubt, please contact one of the ride organisers beforehand.
  

Additional Information

Choice of Bikes

• All our gravel rides are suitable for any gravel, cyclocross or cross country mountain bike. We recommend tyres have at least some knobbles, especially in winter, as there are often muddy sections. In the interests of not only other riders but also cafe owners, mudguards are encouraged. 
• Please ensure you have sufficient tools to deal with punctures and minor mechanicals on route. This should include 2 inner tubes (even if running tubeless), tyre levers, puncture repair outfit, a decent pump and a multitool. If you run deeper section rims, make sure valves on spare tubes are long enough. A spare rear mech hanger and spare disc pads are a good idea too. A GPS device, same food and water are also advised.

Ride Leadership

• Each month one person will be nominated to be the group leader for a session. Before the event they will help plan a suitable route the main details of which (meeting place, distance, climbing and café stop) will be communicated to all members a couple of days beforehand. On the day they will share any salient points with the group at the start of the ride and then help “Lead” the ride around the route, endeavouring to keep the group together. If unforeseen circumstances arise they will take responsibility for decision making, prioritising safety.
• The initial pool of ride leader volunteers is:
• Moderate Level - Isla Rowntree, Andy Bryant and Richard Bates
• Entry Level - Andy Creed, Charles Edwards and Gwyneth Bowyer

Navigation and the use of GPX files

• Although cyclists rode together for over 100 years without GPS devices, many now find it stressful setting off without a GPX route to hand. In order to optimise ride cohesion, reduce the likelihood of weaker riders being left behind and make rides easier to lead, it should be noted that no GPX level route information will be provided to ride participants beforehand. Instead, information in the weekly email will be limited to a detailed description of the general route (including high level screenshot), the distance and amount of climbing involved, and the likely ground conditions to expect.
• Our considered reasoning for not also including GPX is as follows:
• Plotting a route off-road is often imprecise and the ride leader, having usually tested out the route beforehand, needs to be in a position to show the actual way on the ground. In particular to be able to stop the group and advise in advance of difficult technical sections, a hazardous junction or a requirement to walk a short section because it is classed as a footpath.
• Inevitably GPX files lead to the tendency for a group to spread out and break up as stronger riders press on, a tendency which is accentuated by the variable nature of off-road terrain and conditions.
• Routes often have to be altered immediately before or during a ride, and it is impossible to switch participants across to “contingency options” if riders have disappeared out of earshot.
• Mechanicals and the occasional tumble are part of the territory and in remote areas it becomes critical that any accident/incident is spotted quickly and dealt with by the group.
• In case of emergency we all have instant route planning facilities on our phone, should we need to abandon a ride for some reason. 

Off-road access

• Off-road access for cyclists in England and Wales is complex, nuanced and sometimes murky. Our leadership group is experienced on the subject and always strives to exercise careful judgement and local knowledge when planning routes, using Cycling UK’s resources as a useful reference to keep up to date with the latest situation (see https://www.cyclinguk.org/article/cycling-guide/where-can-i-cycle-off-road for a general overview)
• It is not club policy to ride on footpaths. Footpaths will only be included as part of a route if there is a significant gain to be made in terms of linking up permitted paths. Where used, stretches will be short and all participants will be encouraged to dismount and push their bikes.