Gravel Escape is a gravel bike event (MTB's can also be ridden) starting and finishing in Lewes, Sussex.  

All routes start from the centre of town and uses green corridors to get into the countryside.

Gravel Escape is a loop taking in the four corners of Sussex.

We are planning on launching Gravel Escape as a paid entry event in 2027 but would like to hold a test event with a small audience to ensure we iron out any creases in the event format and operations before we start charging.

Its a bit like a matinee performance, allowing us to make sure we get everything right for a bigger audience.

The draft 200km and 100km routes are very close to exact distance.  The 150km route is slightly over distance in its current form.

We will be reccing the route from Spring onwards to check that the routes are clear and will send out final routes in the week of the event.

The draft routes can be found on this website or at the Strava profile - https://www.strava.com/athletes/192494686

Participant instructions will be sent out 4-6 weeks before the event.

Our suggestion is you agree to meet friends and family at agreed locations, such as the aid stations rather than trying to spectate on the route.

This is not a race so we are happy for over 16yr olds to take part on the basis that they are accompanied by someone over the age of 21.

By entering the Gravel Escape pilot event you are agreeing to allow us to take your photo, or capture you in any videography we take.  

We may use these images / video footage on our website / to help us promote the event in the future.

We are working with the excellent bike friendly cafe Pharmacie in Lewes for the start and finish.

Entries are currently open on the website at https://www.gravelescape.co.uk/enter

This is a test event and we feel this is as many riders as we can accommodate in our pilot year.

If we reach capacity we will create a waitlist for those keen to take part.  Should you not be able to take part we will ask you to give up your place so we can offer it to the people on our waitlist.

We will include this message in e-comms and will give you a deadline to commit to taking part.

We are aiming to use a cafe as the location for the start and are awaiting confirmation for the location. 

We aim to start ay 7am but this will be dependent on the cafe opening times - we won't let you start without a coffee.....

Gravel Escape is a self-supported event, with aid stations, medics and mechanics providing assistance.

We will send you an ideal kit list closer to the event taking place.

We will have three aid station locations on the 200km, two on the 150km and 100km.

At the aid stations there will be food and drink (included in entry) and the chance to refill water bottles and energy products.

Water can be found at other locations on the route plus you will never be far from a shop or cafe should you need, or nature calls.

Yes there will be toilets at aid stations, and the route passes a number of public loos.

Yes the start and finish will be in the same location, so bags with change of clothes / supplies can be left with us to look after.

The cut-off for the 200km is 12hrs.

If you do not think you can complete the 200km route by 7pm please consider entering a shorter distance.

If you are on the 200km route and falling behind the cut-off schedule there are short cuts available to get you to the finish by 7pm.

We are working with the team at Pharmacie and hope to have free coffee, pastries and a long-distance focussed smoothie made by the team at Pharmacie.  More info to follow.

We will be working with Pharmacie for the finish.  They will be keeping their amazing venue open exclusively for Gravel Escape until all finishers are back. More info to follow but beer and food will be made available.