London Orbital Gravel Challenge

Question 1

Is this ride for me?

Accepted Answer

Pick your challenge obvs, however, to enjoy the rides you have to have reasonable fitness and some off-road experience.

Question 2

How do I get back to the start?

Accepted Answer

The route will eventually bring you back to the start, however the 90, 120 km and 180 km enduro's will not and you will have to catch a train home.

Question 3

Is the ride supported?

Accepted Answer

No - you need to be self-sufficient, please ensure your bike is ion good nick before you set off. 

PS don't call the organiser, he's riding this as well.

Question 4

Can I ride my e-bike?

Accepted Answer

Yes - off-road e-bikes are welcome but you will need to have a second battery as there will be no charging points when we stay over in the middle of the desert

Question 5

Gravel or mountain bike, which is best?

Accepted Answer

To be frank it’s a pretty even choice between a mountain bike and a gravel/cyclocross bike. There are sections where an MTB has a definite advantage over a gravel bike and vice versa.

Question 6

Where is the start?

Accepted Answer

The start point will be opposite the colonnade of the Old Royal Naval Hospital in Greenwich near the entrance to the Painted Hall.

Question 7

Can I leave my bags at the start?

Accepted Answer

No, the expectation is that you arrive ready to ride and can carry anything you need on your bike.

Question 8

Is there parking at the start?

Accepted Answer

There's no parking at the Old Royal Naval Hospital, however there's parking on local streets.

Question 9

Will I get get a GPX file?

Accepted Answer

Yes, GPX files for each day will included in the Rider Info pack emailed to all riders the week before the ride starts.

Question 10

How does the timing work?

Accepted Answer

Signs with QR codes will be placed along the route, as you pass one, zap it with your phone and your time will be recorded and available on the hIdden Tracks website.  

Full instructions are included in the Rider briefing, sent out the week before the ride.

Question 11

Can I buy tickets for friends?

Accepted Answer

Yes - use the bulk buy option when booking tickets

Question 12

Can I hire a gravel bike ?

Accepted Answer

Yes - you can hire a  Landrace Titanium gravel bike from our partner Cyclefit - https://www.cyclefit.co.uk/bike-rentals

Question 13

Meeting times and places

Accepted Answer

Start: Outside the gates of the Old Royal Naval College Greenwich, Park Row, SE10 9NN

Time: 5:00 am

Question 14

Ride Details

Accepted Answer

Full 360 km

Distance: 360 km | 220 miles

Climb: 4200m | 13500ft

Percentage Off-road: 90%

Question 15

Is this ride for me?

Accepted Answer

No surprise here, this is a ride for Expert riders with good fitness and stamina however there's nothing too technical in the routes, these are endurance riding challenges, so pick your challenge to suit you - obvs!

However, to enjoy the rides you have to have reasonable fitness and some off-road experience.

You need to be an experienced rider to complete the 24-hour challenges.

Finally - if it all goes pear-shaped, you are never more than 5 miles away from a railway station with frequent trains back to London

Question 16

Is my bike OK for this ride?

Accepted Answer

The route is best completed on the gravel/CX or mountain bike.

Question 17

Is the ride supported?

Accepted Answer

No, this is a self-supported ride, you need to ensure your bike is in good condition before setting off.

London Orbital Gravel Challenge

Hidden Tracks Cycling Ltd

London Orbital Gravel Challenge