Gravel Rides
Gravel Rides
Where do we ride from?
Start points vary between Linlithgow, Falkirk and a few other locations, such as Beecraigs, so keep an eye on the events calendar or social media to find out where exactly. Rides are usually 20-30 miles in distance, with a mix of abilities in the group.
When do we ride?
Tuesday evenings at 7pm. Club run details are posted up every week on the website and on Facebook events. Social media is also a great way of letting us know you are coming along for the first time. For those not on social media, drop us an email on comms@westlothianclarion.co.uk instead. We aim to keep the website as up to date as possible, but its best to follow us on social media to stay informed of the latest schedules.
New to Gravel?
You don’t need a fancy gravel bike, although they are beneficial. A CX bike, mountain bike or any bike with nobbly, sturdy tyres will work. The GCN video below gives some good tips on bike handling on different surfaces.
Scottish Gravel Routes
See the video below for some inspiration on planning your next gravel ride.
The Dirty Reiver
A wee report from the 2022 edition of the infamous Dirty Reiver gravel race, thanks to Harvey for this write up. More information on the event is available here https://dirtyreiver.co.uk/.
Ten plus Clarion Riders ventured to Kielder Forrest to complete Dirty Reiver. Camp Clarion was set up taking a large section of the campsite, including several tents, Club gazebo, picnic table, fire pit and pizza oven.
We set off on a lovely sunny morning but the wind grew to gusting over 40mph towards the end of the day, which didn’t help those tired legs. The Event Village in the ground of the castle had over 14 exhibitors, which Craig was spotted with a very full bag of goodies from!
The routes include a 65km, 130km or 200km, with most of us going for the 130km option, Meg, John, Jamie, Dave, David and Stewart who was either very tired or very keen took the wrong turn and joined those going for 200km option. The rest went for the 130km option, the route was amazing some very long and steep climbs which then resulted in some very fast long graven descents, not for the faint hearted!!
The food stops were very well stocked, two even had a sofa which a certain Clarion rider (who shall remain nameless) slept on for 40 minutes zzzzz!
With over 1200 riders taking part this is an event for your diary for 2023 as it’s the 10 year anniversary and there is talk of a 250 km route, yes 250km off road!
“When the spirits are low, when the day appears dark, when work becomes monotonous, when hope hardly seems worth having, just mount a bicycle and go out for a spin down the road, without thought on anything but the ride you are taking.”
Arthur Conan Doyle