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The UK’s Inaugural Midwest Styled Gravel Grinder Sells Out in a Week

Dirty Reiver establishes itself as the UK’s Premier Gravel Grinder

Feb 29^th Northumberland, United Kingdom – A totally new genre of cycling aka the "Gravel Grinder", which has seen phenomenal growth in the US, becomes established in the UK this Spring. Dirty Reiver a 200km (125 mile) gravel based endurance cycling challenge, taking place April 16th, on the gravel roads around the spectacular Kielder Park Forest on the Scottish borders - secured full entry of over 400 riders in less than a week of opening.

One of the most obvious indicators of the new genre’s rapid growth is the success of the Dirty Kanza, which kicked off in 2006 with just 34 riders. 10 years later its now the “Worlds Premier Endurance Gravel Road Race” in the Midwest U.S. along with the likes of Trans Iowa and the Almanzo 100. Dirty Kanza sold out this year for 1,900 riders in less than 3 hours.

Along with Gran Fondos, Gravel Grinders are the fastest growing genre in cycling in the U.S. - and its now landed firmly, on British soil.

Dirty Reiver establishes itself as the UKs Premier Gravel Grinder

Satisfying a Craving for Gravel in the UK

Paul Errington, Executive Producer, Dirty Reiver, now labelled the UK’s Veteran Gravel Grinder Rider fondly remembers “I don’t remember how I discovered gravel, its not as though the UK had any scene. I guess probably an article featured in XXC Magazine or one of the ultra-racing forums probably brought gravel to my attention. Some people cannot imagine anything worse than ‘grinding’ long sections of hilly gravel road but to me it struck a chord and I wanted in.”

“My first event was in 2012, the Dirty Kanza 200 in Kansas, 200 miles starting and ending in Emporia, Kansas. I met amazing people and got a taste for the gravel scene. The following year I went to Iowa to take on the well-respected Trans Iowa, famed for its long distance at 325 miles and often brutal riding conditions. Trans Iowa tested me but again I was inspired by the people I rode with and the whole feel of the event.”

“In 2014 gravel finally came to the UK, the Dorset Gravel Dash 100. The event was hardly local, in fact I have driven to events in Europe that took less time to get there, but when someone has not only spent time but also stuck their neck out to put on something new, as a rider you need to make the effort to attend and show support.”

“Charlie the Bikemonger, the man, the organiser, the legend. Those who favour one gear over many will of heard of, if not met Charlie in the UK. Running a bike shop out of Swanage, Dorset, Charlie has always pioneered so it was no surprise he was the man to step up and launch UK gravel. Swanage is nestled down on the south coast, the town sits on the sea surrounded by steep hillsides. It was the start and end of the Dorset Gravel Dash 100, specifically the Red Lion pub. Now in my mind all great events should start and finish at a pub!”

About Dirty Reiver

The event takes its name from a band of roving raiders which were active in the Scottish/English Borders region up until the 17th Century. This clan was nicknamed “Reivers” as they weren’t loyal to either Scots nor the English. Paul felt the history of the region was important to note and the “Reivers” are a big part of that history in the Borders Region. He then added the “Dirty” part as a way to indicate the nature of the roads the event will traverse.

Like renegades of Gravel, the lucky 400 riders will be pedalling into UK cycling history ...

Unlike its American forefathers, Dirty Reiver will add its own unique flavour with full route signage to compliment and take precedence over the reliance of GPS data that will be available the day before the ride.

There aren’t cash prizes and huge rewards for the top finishers. The reward and recognition is just for finishing, which seems to make the events more attractive to the growing followers of “Gravel Grinding” riders, however Paul has stated “From the offset we have outlined that Dirty Revier is not a race. However, that still doesn't mean you won't be given a gesture for your efforts. Every single finishing rider will take away a finishers 'souvenir'. There is something we are excited about and can reveal now though. Those who finish within 10% of the first finishers time will be rewarded with something very special. This is the motivation to train hard and ride well. Who is gonna take home a belt?”

The HQ is set in the grounds of the majestic Kielder Park Forest Castle and the 400 lucky riders will enjoy an epic and unforgettable challenge around Kielder Forest and a post ride celebration afterwards.

The event is well organized and includes; full route signage, feeds stations, full medical team backup, event T-Shirt, sponsor products goody bag, mechanical support, hot food at the finish, ample car parking and camping for those travelling from far away. Riders will also enjoy chip timing to record their overall time.

Gravel Ethics

The event respects its American Heritage by insisting on a minimum level of additional kit to be carried which promotes self-sufficiency and the self-reliance aspects of the genre. Riders will be required to carry an emergency whistle; survival blanket; 100% water proof jacket, minimum spec bike lights, minimum food and water and a mobile phone.

The organizers are keen to promote Gravel Specific bikes be used, as the course has been designed to specifically favour them.

The final course which is still under wraps boasts over 3,500 metres or 11,500 feet (in dollars!) of climbing on top of the 125 miles of technical gravel roads, making for a very challenging day out for those lucky enough to have secured an entry.

So selection of bike will be a crucial decision and just finishing will be a major accomplishment!

For full details of this unique event, please visit dirtyreiver.co.uk and for the latest updates please follow them on facebook at facebook.com/dirtyreiver.co.uk

Gravety

Paul recently completed the inaugural Tortour Gravel Cross event in the Swiss Alps, in very difficult conditions including heavy snow and mud, at heights of no less than 900 meters. Paul reflected “This event produced a whole new variety of course, had a totally different feel and totally different format. This event transcends what’s been currently available in the Gravel Scene and is only possible due to the introduction of Gravel Specific Bikes by the cycling industry. It’s now possible to use these new breed of bikes to their full purpose”.

And with the development of Gravel Specific bikes and the demand for Gravel based events, another event is planned.

GRAVETY is scheduled for 2nd July 2016 in Dalby Forest, Yorkshire, what Paul states as "The Union of Gravel Grinding and Enduro style timed stages". Through carefully curated track and trail, GRAVETY is set to illustrate the strengths of a gravel bike – in the UK. A healthy mix of gravel roads, some single track, and the odd tarmac crossing to maximize route potential. Its sometimes a race, but not all the time, that just wouldn’t be sociable. Instead, there will be timed sections, and by this they mean much like their Enduro cousins, but with some uphill thrown in too.

The course distance will be set around 40 miles so its not an ultra-endurance event. With up to eight timed stages, a mix of uphill and downhill taking in wide-open flat out gravel and more technically interesting singletrack, GRAVETY promises to be a fun day out for everyone!

Registration and full details aren't yet available. If you are interested in taking part and don't want to miss out, please goto gravety.co.uk and subscribe.

Gran Fondo Guide will release full details the minute they are available.

Volunteers

Although Dirty Reiver's entry is full, the organizers could do with some additonal volunteers, so anyone coming along to support the event will get automatic entry into the 2017 event.

Gravel Bikes

For decade’s cyclists in the Midwest have been riding long distance on either modified mountain bikes or cyclo-cross bikes. Due to the huge distances that go hand in hand with genre, riders started looking for bikes that provided a lot more comfort. Circa 2010 and the US cycling industry really sat up and took notice and the “Gravel Bike” was born.

Some of top manufacturers of Gravel Bikes include the Salsas Warbird , Cannondale's Slate, Specialized Diverge, GT's Grade , Giant Revolt, the Kinesis ATR, the Giant Anyroad and Raleigh's Mustang to name a few.

With the introduction of Gravel specific bikes, riders can participate in a huge range of events by swapping out tyres, accessories and without necessarily having to have specific road, cyclocross, mountain bike specific bicycle.