Reputation: Regional UK event.
[01]
Course Overview
Gravel Rocks. 55 miles of gravel through North York Moors.
45 mi
Distance
4,000 ft
Elevation
North York Moors, UK
Location
July 10-12, 2026
Date
~100
Field Size
£70-90
Entry Cost
Facts & History
[03]
The Course
Photo: YouTube / GuyKesTV
Photo: YouTube / GuyKesTVUK North York Moors gravel.
Signature challenge: UK North York Moors terrain.
18
MILE
Early Moors
First moors sections.
27
MILE
Midpoint
Halfway through the course.
45
MILE
Late Moors
Final moors sections before finish.
RIDERS REPORT
Long climb section
Riders describe getting halfway up and then going 'pong' with everyone walking their bikes. One rider mentions their lungs being in their mouth after this climb.
Downhill sections
Riders note that many participants struggle with downhill riding, leading to dodgy overtakes and getting stuck behind slower descenders.
The gravel is described as super grippy, especially with tires at low pressure on super wide rims. The surface includes proper gravelly double track.
The route includes prehistoric medieval drove road sections with ancient routes, offering both single track and gravel road combinations.
[04]
From the Field
The concept of the race works a bit like a mountain bike enduro - there's a loop this evening which is a time stage about 10K and then tomorrow we race again which is an 80k loop, but within the 80k loop there are time stages throughout the rides. We don't know where they are - all we do is have a GPS and it will tell you whilst we're out there once we enter a stage.
Meg Whyte · 1.8K views
Tactics for tomorrow: don't go to the start of the pack because none of this lot can ride downhill is what I've realized, so we did some dodgy overtakes and got stuck behind a lot of people who then overtook me on the uphills.
Meg Whyte · 1.8K views
This event put together by carter family and pest cycles who run the sutton bank bike shop. I've been in yorkshire mountain vikings since the start, so we're great that they're now embracing the new gravel.
GuyKesTV · 3.3K views
There is a loop this evening which is time stage which is about 10K and then tomorrow we race again which is an 80k Loop but within the 80k loop there are time stages throughout the rides we don't know where they are.
Meg Whyte · 1.8K views
RACER
Racer Reviews
Raced Gravel Rocks? Be the first to rate it.
[07]
Training
July 10, 2026 GRAVEL ROCKS
RIDERS REPORT
Zip G40 40mm gravel tires on 101 wheels with suspension fork providing 30mm travel. Rider emphasizes how smooth the setup feels.
42 tooth chainring with 10-44 block at the back, fully wireless SRAM setup. The gearing helps with spinning up climbs.
[08]
Train for Gravel Rocks
RACE DEMAND PROFILE
Durability
2
Climbing
5
VO2 Power
3
Threshold
6
Technical
6
Heat
0
Altitude
2
Race Specificity
4
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[09]
Race Logistics
Airport
Leeds Bradford (LBA) 90 minutes
Lodging
North York Moors has limited lodging. Plan ahead.
Food
North York Moors has limited dining. Stock nutrition.
Packet Pickup
Day of typically
Parking
At start/finish
RIDERS REPORT
Don't start at the front of the pack if downhill is your strong point - many riders can't descend well so you'll get stuck behind them and they'll overtake on uphills.
Consider starting at the back if you're a strong descender to avoid getting caught behind slower riders on technical sections.
[10]
Tire Picks
40mmWET
1
Vittoria Terreno Wet
excellent wet grip
2
Schwalbe G-One Overland
excellent wet grip
3
Pirelli Cinturato Gravel S
excellent wet grip
FRONT/REAR SPLIT Rene Herse Snoqualmie Pass 44mm / Vittoria Terreno Wet 40mmFaster front for reduced rolling resistance on straights, grippier rear for traction on loose climbs and corners
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Similar Races
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Frequently Asked Questions
What is the climate like at Gravel Rocks?
Historical weather data shows average highs of 65°F and lows of 51°F, with a 68% chance of rain on any given day. July in North Yorkshire brings mild summer conditions but the Friday night stage starting at 21:30 requires headtorch lighting and adds weather uncertainty. No historical climate data available, but riders must prepare for typical UK weather variability during peak tourist season. More weather exposure than Belgian Waffle Ride San Diego.[1]
How are the logistics for Gravel Rocks?
Helmsley location in North Yorkshire requires planning as registration opens Friday at 13:00 and Saturday at 07:30. On-site camping is included with weekend entries and parking is provided for the duration. No airport guidance given, but the organizers handle accommodation and vehicle access within Duncombe Park Estate.[6]
How adventurous is Gravel Rocks?
Private estate access through Duncombe Park and North York Moors National Park offers exploration potential you can't replicate on public roads. The Friday night timed segments add adventure factor, assuming they don't safety-lawyer it into boredom.[1]
How prestigious is Gravel Rocks?
Organized by Focal Events (creators of Europe's largest gravel event, Dirty Reiver) with SCOTT Sports UK as title sponsor for 2026. However, this positions itself as 'A different kind of gravel event' emphasizing festival atmosphere over competitive prestige, explicitly welcoming non-racers for 'trails, camaraderie, and festival atmosphere.'[3]
Should I race Gravel Rocks?
If you're local to UK—yes, it's solid. If you're traveling internationally—skip it.
[11]
Sources & Citations
Research sources used to build this race profile. Always verify details with official race sources before making travel or registration decisions.
- Route Maps RideWithGPS: Castle Rocks Gravel Populaire (copy)ridewithgps.com/routes/53953422
- Other Sources Focaleventsfocalevents.eventrac.co.uk/e/gravel-rocks-9208
- Other Sources Newsnews.paceupmedia.com/trail-runners--gravel-riders-unite-a...
- Other Sources Racecheckracecheck.com/races/gravel-rocks/
- Other Sources Racecheckracecheck.com/races/gravel-rocks/review/
- Other Sources Timeoutdoorswww.timeoutdoors.com/events/gravel-rocks-running/gravel-r...
- Community singletrackworld.com: Find Me A Gravel Or Maybe Road Mtb Event For 2026singletrackworld.com/forum/bike-forum/find-me-a-gravel-or...