Hundreds of cyclists will be pedalling along the beach from Brean to Burnham-On-Sea today (Saturday, April 11th) as part of a major cycling event taking place across Somerset.
The Somerset Gravel Epic Ride, organised by Glorious Gravel, features two challenging routes of 100km and 74km, both starting and finishing in Cheddar Gorge. Riders set off between 8am and 8.45am after a short briefing.
One of the standout features of the event is the unique 9km stretch of beach from Brean to Burnham-On-Sea, giving cyclists the chance to ride on one of the longest hard‑packed sand sections in the UK.
“After leaving the beach, cyclists head inland across the Somerset Levels before tackling several climbs in the Mendip Hills, including the iconic ascent of Cheddar Gorge, described as one of the most picturesque climbs in the country,” says a spokesperson.
Organisers describe the event as a “brilliant and varied ride”, offering everything from fast flat sections to challenging hill climbs, with changing terrain that includes sand, mud, lanes and gravel.
“The long and medium routes share much of the same course, with the medium route cutting out some of the Levels before rejoining the climb back into Cheddar for the finish, where riders will collect their medal and enjoy a well‑earned drink.”
The ride village in Cheddar will welcome cyclists back throughout the day as they complete “one of the most diverse cycling challenges in the region,” adds a Glorious Gravel spokesman.
