Intro
It was muddy, very muddy last time but still one of the best routes I rode all year, so we are going back to do it again but the other way around.
The National Forest Explorer is a 55km route based on Chris Farmer’s original 2023 route. Not to be missed.
The Date
Saturday 16th November 2024
The Start & Finish
Grounds Cycle Centre, Hicks Lodge, Willesley Woodside, Moira, Swadlincote LE65 2UP
https://groundscyclecentres.uk/hicks-lodge/
Start at a time to suit you. I will roll around 10am
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
How to download a Gravelton Route
The route initially heads NW towards Swadlincote but doesn’t quite make the town. It picks its way around the Conkers trails before heading south and jumping onto the Ashby canal for a stretch then off and through Measham and Snarestone to pick the canal back up again. Then it’s east to Newer Nailstone and a turn North skirting Ibstock and back onto more trails through Sence Valley Country Park and the Queen Elizabeth Diamond Jubilee Wood. Back over the A42 and a finally flurry around the Shelbrook Trails over the road from the finish.
Here is the provisional route link which may be subject to change until nearer the event
https://www.plotaroute.com/route/2511174?units=km
Highlights
- FREE to enter
- 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
- 500m 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.
Gallery
