The Spring Fling

**The 2026 route has had to be revised, please below**

The National Forest bookends the Gravelton Events calendar again for 2026. If something is so good, why change it? So we go again. The Spring Fling has cemented it’s place in the calendar as a British gravel classique taking riders on a meandering journey around the local landscape. Routemaster Chris has linked the best of his local byways, bridleways and trails that always leave a smile on riders’ faces. We start and finish at Hicks Lodge again, a great venue for your pre and post-ride refreshments. A great way to kick off the season!

Read my 2025 ride report here

Gravelton Events are not official or sanctioned. They are self-supported group rides. Same route, same day. It’s just you, your bike and your mates having fun.

All we ask is you share your ride with everyone else in the community.

How to Enter

Entry is FREE. Just turn up but I do recommend you subscribe to our newsletter to receive the latest route and event info.

The Route

Due to the relatively short distance for this route, there is no short course.

This 58km (36 miles) route leaves Hicks Lodge, crosses the road and warms riders up via it’s dedicated MTB trails and then it’s out into the lanes to cross the A42 to Packington. Riders pick up Spring Lane and wind their way out through Coalville to the most eastern point of the ride before heading back west via Whitwick and Swannington. More trails beckon around Lount and back over the A42 againto head west skirting the northern side of Ashby de la Zouch before the route dips SW and back to Hicks Lodge via Conkers.

You can download a GPS file from the Gravelton GPS Folder in any format you want or use the Komoot link below

Due to recent inclement weather and 4×4 trail damage, the 2026 route has had to be revised. This is the revised route. If you download your GPS file from the Gravelton GPS Folder, make sure you select the file with Revised Route in the name.

Need to Know

1. Invite your mates. Tell everyone about the ride.
2. Park considerately on the day.
3. Always take your litter home.
4. Be self-sufficient. Make sure you have the route, your phone, spares, food, drink, money.
5. Shut any gates.
6. Ride within your capabilities and the rules of the road.
7. Be courteous to other trail users and share your space nicely. A bell is highly recommended.
8. Remember it’s a ride not a race.
9. Share your ride afterwards.

Refreshments

Pre and post-ride refreshments are available at the Grounds Cafe on-site at Hicks Lodge. En-route there are options in Coalville town centre

The car park can get busy on weekends and is pay and display.

Gallery