Solway Coast Big-Onion Gravel 100km/70km

Solway Coast Big Onion Gravel

The lovely of Kirkgkunzeon (kir-gun-yun) is also affectionately own as... The Big Onion, and is the setting for a different type of Gravel riding event.

Get ready for the ultimate social gravel biking adventure along the picturesque Solway Coast! Join us for a day of thrilling rides, stunning views, and unforgettable memories. Whether you're a beginner or an experienced rider, there's 2 route distances(100km & 70km) for everyone to enjoy with an option to switch between the 2 at several places. Come solo or bring your biking buddies for a day filled with fun and excitement. Don't miss out on this fantastic opportunity to explore the beautiful gravel tracks of the Solway Coast!

Group start at 9am from Kirkgkunzeon village hall after briefing and free tea/coffee, there is a mass start to get everyone safely across the difficult junction on the busy main road. Riders then head off up into the hills for a scenic ride taking in Dalbeattie and Mabie forests (and easy sections of the 7 Stanes MTB trails), Trostan and Shambellie woods, Kippford and Rockliffe coastal path. There are cafes or small shops in Kippford, Colvend, Sandyhills (and New Abbey if you take a small detour) and there will be 1 small feed station around halfway between Bilsons link and Shambellie woods.

This is a self supported, self navigating event so there will be very few signs or marshalls on the event. An electronic GPX file of both routes will be sent out to all participants who have confirmed their booking through Eventbrite, the week before the event. A4 paper maps of the routes will be available at the start but these shouldn't be relied on for navigation. Ideally participants will be using a GPS device but the Kamoot appp also works well (make sure you have a good phone battery or power bank)

The route can be completed fast or at your own pace, we encourage those of all abilities to take part and have lots of fun! Just remember, this is a social ride with gravel enthusiasts and you are fully self-supported. Please come equipped with everything you would bring on a solo ride (including a helmet) and be aware that the very nature of being self-supported means you are your own mechanic for this ride, so although we all hope it won't happen... be prepared to fix a puncture by the side of the trail or handle anything else that may occur en route!

Also bear in mind that the weather can be hot but changeable at this time of year, so please dress accordingly to the forecast to ensure you stay cool and comfortable for the duration of the event.

Back at Kirkgunzeon Hall there will be cakes, sandwiches, a BBQ (weather permitting)and plenty of time to chat bikes, routes and all things adventure with staff and fellow riders.

Due to the nature of this event, riders under 16 must be accompanied by a competent adult.

Tickets are £10 and all proceeds will be donated toward the upkeep of Maxwell Memorial Hall.

Hope to see you there!