THE PAN CELTIC

It is called the Gravel Rally because the majority of the road and trail surfaces are gravel of various forms, with only about 7% of the whole route, running on tarmac.  The route incorporates many of the forest and mountain sections made famous by the World Rally Championships and other domestic motor vehicle rally events.

In an age where we are having to accept more responsibility for our actions and the impact they have on the environment, we decided to look for a more sustainable and conscientious way to continue with the tradition of rallying these courses.  From this simple conception, the Gravel Rally was born.

Utilising the same format as a traditional car rally, the Gravel Rally will have timed sectors, transition sections, hill climbs and sprint stages.  Every competitor will have a timing chip which records their progress through each of the stages and sectors.  The person or team with the overall lowest aggregated time for the entire course, will be crowned the Rally Champion.

There are 6 Sectors in total.  These range from a 2.5 mile hill climb, fast and flat gravel roads above 1000ft, technical descents and rolling forest gravel roads that take the riders deep into the hidden heart of Snowdonia.

There are stages where only the most skilled will succeed, leaving the rest to swap two wheels for two feet and push on with hike-a-bike.

There are 9 short transition stages which guide the riders from one sector to the next.  The Transition stages are neutralised and as such should not be raced.  Some will take place on open roads in live traffic conditions and so any Rally Rider found not conforming to the Rules of the Road (see Rules) will be disqualified.

The first edition of the Gravel Rally will take place on the weekend of the 5th June 2022.  Sign on and registration will take place Saturday afternoon (4th).  The inaugural edition of the Gravel Rally will kick off Sunday morning 5th June at 7.30am.

A dedicated gravel bike is the best option for the course as it is not overly technical, the gravel isn’t too rough and there are some super quick sections through the forests.  That’s not to say a mountain bike wouldn’t fare just as well.  It really comes down to choice and preference.  A standard road bike is unlikely to cope.

The entry for the Gravel Rally is £55 plus booking fee.

Yes.  We want the Gravel Rally to be just large enough to get as many people taking part but not too many so as to dilute the overall experience.  Entries are limited to 100 riders and will be on a first come, first served basis.

Each competitor will be provided with a GPX route file which they can load into their cycle computers.  There will also be paper copies of the route available.  At key points, we will have a marshal indicating the path to take.  We are keen to minimise our impact on the environment and the landscape of Snowdonia National Park, so directional signage will be kept to a minimum.

Entering the gravel Rally indicates that YOU are competent to self-navigate, with minimum external assistance.

Yes and you are in for a treat.  The event is being held at The Adventure Parc Snowdon, famous for its massive inland surfing lagoon and adventure activities.  There is a Hilton hotel for those wanting some pre and post race pampering and 30 Glam Pods capable of sleeping up to 4 people.  Availability isn’t limitless so book your slumber pad early to avoid disappointment.

• Helmets are mandatory. No helmet, no ride
• Racing is only permitted on timed sectors that will be clearly marked
• No racing or rallying during transition stages
• Always obey local laws and observe the Highway Code at all times
• Leave no trace. Do not drop litter, EVER
• Respect other land users
• Close all gates
• Self sufficiency is mandatory
• Lights are mandatory
• Warm clothing and waterproof jacket as a minimum
• Spares including inner tubes, tyre levers, tyre boots and repair patches
• A pump and Co2 inflators
• Emergency whistle and foil blanket
• Multi-tool
• Mobile phone
• Enough food for duration of ride
• Ability to carry at least 1.5 litres of water