UK
Gravel
The Ekoi Stone Circle Gravel Event with Sportive Breaks
Sportive Breaks are the official tour operator of the Ekoi Stone Circle Gravel Event that has its inaugural edition on Saturday 24th June 2023. Race the summer solstice on this epic gravel adventure through Druidic Britain.
The race starts at daybreak from the historic hilltop fort of Old Sarum. This is a monumental adventure as you will pass the iconic landmark of Stonehenge. The challenge is to race the solstice sun and to finish before night falls.
The event starts and finishes on the edge of Salisbury. Salisbury has direct rail links from London and other cities, plus proximity to Heathrow and Gatwick so it’s easily accessible for both UK and international riders.
Weekend Highlights
Weekend Highlights
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Spread your payments: Our payment plan is an interest-free payment method where you will have the opportunity to spread payment for your booking.
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Race the Solstice Sun past Stonehenge: Starting at dawn from the historic hilltop fort of Old Sarum, the epic 215 km route will pass the iconic landmark of Stonehenge as participants embark on this monumental adventure through Druidic Britain
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Hotels in Salisbury: A choice of hotels in Salisbury for 1, 2 or 3 nights to cater for all budgets.
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Guaranteed Event Entry: Entries available for both distances from £75
| Sportive Distance | Sportive Elevation | Sportive Difficulty | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Long Route | 215KM | 2300M |
5/5
Back to back long days with plenty of climbing. Suitable for good club riders.
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| Medium Route | 135KM | 1800M |
3/5
Mix of climbing & flatter days suitable for most riders.
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What's Included
Accommodation
Choice of hotels in Salisbury for 2 or 3 nights
Included Meals
Room Only, B&B or Half Board available
Mechanic
Mechanical assistance
After Party
In Salisbury Saturday night
Guided Rides
Warm Up Ride Friday afternoon
Additional Extras
Sportive Entry
215km and 135km available from £75
The Ekoi Stone Circle Gravel Event
Join the Sportive Breaks team in Salisbury in June and race past Stonehenge to beat the summer solstice sun and finish before sun set. The Ekoi Stone Circle brings the fast-rolling feel of iconic US gravel races to the UK in this truly unique 215km event. A 135km route option is also available, where e-bikes are also welcome to take part. Expect a variety of terrain over the gruelling course. As well as the distraction of the stunning views and historical landmarks, there will be plenty of opportunities to stick it in the big ring and find a fast-rolling group to make the kilometres fly by.
Itinerary
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Friday 23 June 2023 – Expo and Sign On : Salisbury - Arrival Day, Guided Ride and Pizza Party
Arrive today in Salisbury to get ready and prepared for tomorrow’s event. We will provide a guided ride on sections of the race route this afternoon.
The events take place from/to Old Sarum, Castle Road, Salisbury, Wiltshire SP1 3SD. The event HQ is at Old Sarum near Salisbury, one of the most historically important sites in southern England. It combines a royal castle and cathedral within an Iron Age fortification, overlooking the vast and beautiful Wiltshire plains.
There are direct trains to Salisbury from London Waterloo, which usually takes around 1h 40m but can take just 1h 20m on the fastest services, with around 36 trains running on this popular route every day.
From Salisbury train station it is a 2.3-mile bike ride or by car 2.1 miles.
There is free parking at Old Sarum from 13:00 Friday to 22:30 Saturday.
- 13:00 – 21:00: Gravel Expo. All supporting partners will join us, showcasing their products and chatting all things gravel
- 13:00 – 21:00: Sign On open, where all riders will need to collect entry packs
- 18:00 – 22:00: Pizza Party at Expo or evening meal at your hotel (if you’ve booked half board)
Saturday 23 June - The Ekoi Stone Circle Gravel Event : Old Sarum, Salisbury
This is the day. Ride from dusk till dawn to finish before sunset.
The ride opens at 05:00 and all riders must have departed by 06:00. The event is not a race but will be timed and finishing timers listed. The course closes at 21:30.
The route covers a wide variety of terrain including fast rolling gravel, woodland singletrack, field-side bridleways, disused railway tracks and road so the sheer versatility of a dedicated gravel bike running 38mm + tyres would be our recommendation. However, a lightweight hardtail MTB with fast rolling tyres or Cyclocross bike would also be suitable.
You will need to be self-sufficient for large sections of the ride and each rider will need to carry spares and tools necessary to deal with punctures and mechanicals. We will have dedicated technical support and mechanics at the Start and each Feed Station to deal with more technical issues. There may be a charge for some parts and labour.
There are 3 x feed stations for the 215km course and 2 for the 135km course:
- Feed station 1, 60km
- Feed station 2, 110km
- Feed station 3, 160km
A musette drop option is also available. A clear bag is supplied at Sign On and can then be filled with any nutrition you require; the bag should then be dropped at the start point and it will be transferred to Feed station 2 (110km).
- 05:00 – 05:30: Sign On open and breakfast at the event village
- 05:00 – 06:00: Start line open
- 21:30: Finish line closes
At a venue that’s to be confirmed we’ll meet you for an After Party in Salisbury this evening to celebrate your achievement.
Sunday 24 June - Departure day : Salisbury
Please check out of the hotel today and see you next time.
Sportive Options
135km route
The 135km route follows the same route as the 215km route until King Alfred’s Tower but then heads due east up onto stunning chalk uplands and ridges before dropping you back into Old Sarum. You may be riding fewer kilometres but, with close to 1800m of climbing, it’s no easy option.
215km route
Leaving at dawn from the historic hilltop fort of Old Sarum, you’ll be riding in the tracks of the Ancients as you head towards Salisbury Plain and past Stonehenge. You’ll then be on the iconic fast rolling gravel of the Imber Range perimeter path where, if you can get into a good group, you can get your head down and tick off some significant early kilometres.
The feel of the ride then changes as you leave the wide-open plains and enter the ancient woodland of Longleat Forest. Expect some single-track, punchy climbs and watch out for the lions! This section takes you about 110km into the ride and to King Alfred’s Tower.
You’ve then got some respite from the gravel with 25km of quiet country lanes that take you deep into Dorset and the Blackmore Vale. A disused railway line gets you back off the tarmac but will give your legs a break from the continuous undulations.
Make the most of these easy kilometres as, heading into the final 50km, you’ve got some significant climbing to do as it’s up onto the chalk uplands of the West Wiltshire Downs and past the Fovant Badges.
With the sun setting on the longest day, you’ll descend off the Downs and back to Old Sarum for a well-earned beer.
215km entry is £85 | 135km entry is £75
Entry packages include
- GPX file and route cards
- Timing chip
- 3 x feed stations
- Musette drop (feed station 2)
- Dedicated mechanical and technical support.
- Full medical team back up
- Finishers beer
- Car parking (Friday 12:00 to Saturday 22:30)
Also available:
- Limited Edition event merchandise (payable locally)
- Sponsor products (Free at Start Venue)
- Hot food and drink at expo and finish. Vegetarian and gluten free options available (payable locally)
- Bike wash area (Free)
| Distance | Elevation | Difficulty | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Medium Route | 135km | 1800m |
3/5
Rolling terrain with the occasional tougher section.
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| Long Route | 215km | 2300M |
5/5
Very challenging: multiple tough sectors and a full day epic ride.
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Accommodation
Victoria Lodge Guest House
The Ekoi Stone Circle Gravel Event
Victoria Guest House is situated within 10 minutes’ walk of Salisbury's main square and is therefore ideally located for both business and tourism. Carole and Doug and their team of helpful and friendly staff look forward to welcoming you to Victoria Lodge. Your stay is on a Room Only basis but tea and coffee making facilities are available in your room.
Best Western Red Lion Hotel
The Ekoi Stone Circle Gravel Event
One of Salisbury's hidden treasures this 13th Century coaching inn offers a warm welcome to all who enter. Reputed to be the oldest "purpose" built hotel in Europe the hotel was built in 1220, keeping many of its historic charm and character the hotel offers the latest in modern technology in both the bedrooms and conference facilities. The Red Lion Hotel has an onsite bar and restaurant.
The Merchants House Hotel
The Ekoi Stone Circle Gravel Event
Nestled in the heart of Salisbury lies The Merchants House Hotel. This hotel lays claim to having had Nelson himself stay over – with the specific room where Nelson spent the night available for upgrades – ask us about The Nelson Room! With all 37 rooms recently refurbished, The Merchants House Hotel makes an ideal stay for your visit. All rooms include air conditioning, flat screen TV, tea and coffee making facilities, and free wi-fi. At the end of a long day, The Merchants Bar offers a cosy, welcoming area to sit, relax and enjoy a drink with old and new friends alike.
Dates & Book Now
Sportive Breaks are part of the Destination Sport Experiences Group. When clicking on the booking link below, you will be taken to the Destination Sport Experiences booking engine. If you have any questions, please do contact our team hello@dev.sportivebreaks.com
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