The FoD Plod

Intro

I asked riders if they wanted the Gravelton rides to continue on through the Autumn and Winter and the feedback was a unanimous YES.

We’ve done North Worcestershire to death this Summer so I was looking to break with tradition and do something a bit further afield. I’ve also not had much time to study the maps for you so, for this one, I’ve opted for a superb gravel ride I did last year around the Forest of Dean. So here it is, The FoD Plod.

The route is a punchy 67km on a good mix of trails around the fabulous Forest of Dean offering up some great views across South Gloucestershire. I rode it on a pretty mucky day so it should hold up as we roll into the dark, cold and wet time of year.

The Date

Saturday 21st October 2023

The Start & Finish

Pedalabikeaway Car Park, Cannop Valley, New Rd, Coleford GL16 7EH

Start at a time to suit you. I will roll around 9.30am

The RIDE

The ride is not an official event, it’s a self-supported group ride on the same route on the same day. You are on your own. Just rock up and ride with your mates and enjoy the day out on your bike then some food and drink afterwards.

Share your ride with other Graveltonions and join The Gravelton Strava Club

Ride whatever bike you want. Just have fun.

How to Enter

Entry is free, just turn up but I do advise you subscribe to the event’s newsletter to keep in the loop.

The Route

After crossing the bridge out of the car park, the route heads east through the forest for a few km before turning south and picking up a cycle trail on a nice wide gravel track . You’ll pop out at the beautiful Mallards Pike centre aside it’s beautiful lake, then it’s off into the forest again for another 7km until you reach Cinderford, a steep road climb and a bridleway before a nice descent to Soudley Ponds and more quiet forest roads and climbs. Out of the woods you’ll head back towards Cinderford and up again where you will be treated to magnificent views East across South Gloucestershire and the River Severn. Then it’s into Drybrook and a mixed bag of km skirting Ross-on-Wye before heading back south-east to Drybrook again and back into the Forest after a tasty climb of Ruardean Hill for more views. From here it’s fast downhill for the last few km back to the car park and some grub.

Here is the route link which may be subject to change until nearer the event
https://www.plotaroute.com/route/1950198?units=km

Highlights

FREE to enter
Paid Parking Available
Bike Shop located at Start/Finish
NO Number
NO Feed stations
NO Photographer
NO Medal
NO T-Shirt
Great views
Various surfaces
Finish at a Cafe
1400m climbing

The Rules

Take your litter home
Be self-sufficient. There is no backup on the day
Shut any gates
It’s not a race, it’s a day out on the bike.
Be courteous to other trail users. The route is open to the public and it gets narrow in places so be prepared to share your space nicely if you have to. A bell is highly recommended.
Complaints. That’s a you problem. I’m not interested.

Parking

The car park can get busy on weekends and is pay and display. There is also an overspill car park but if you can’t park there because it’s full, park somewhere else locally but please park courteously.