Event guide: Dirty Reiver 2020

200km of gravel, grins and good times – we cannot wait for the Dirty Reiver! 

And we’re not alone, as over 1400 riders have signed up for a sell-out 2020 edition, making it Britain’s biggest one day gravel event. 

A fair amount of you will be in the same position as us at Genesis as first-timers, but what’s in store? We take a look through the detail to find out. 

The Dirty Reiver is known as the biggest gravel event in the UK – that goes for both number of participants and distance covered. 

In 2020 there are three routes of 200km, 130km and 65km all starting from Kielder Forest Park in Northumberland. 

The longest distance covers almost 10,000 feet of climbing on a sawtooth profile – there’s barely any flat, or easy going. 

As slow as speeds are on the climbs, there are some really fast and extended descents as the route loops east and south of Kielder.

The story is much the same for the shorter options, so whichever distance you choose you’ll be challenged while taking in the inspiring scenery of Northumberland. 

This means you’ll want to layer up and have plenty of options. 

It will be chilly for the 8am start and if you’re taking on the 200km then you could be out there for over 10 hours. 

As well as possible rain, take into account the exposure and wind chill factor. Even if the temperature sneaks into the teens, descending gravel roads at high speed will soon cut through a regular jersey, so a packable gilet will be invaluable. 

If you think you’re going to be taking a break for lunch, or to stretch out mid-race, you might want to pack something warmer, and even a fresh base layer. 

There are a huge variety of bikes at the Reiver, from cross country mountain bikes, to specialist gravel machines, or heavy duty tourers. 

What makes the event brilliant is the relative merits of every bike and that you can have a great time whatever you ride. 

Once you’ve decided on the best bike for you, two pieces of advice will always remain. 

Make sure everything is tried and tested and that you know you’ll be comfortable. Don’t fit new cleats the night before, don’t try a new saddle or shorts on the week of the race – you’ll be taking a big risk of having a very uncomfortable day. 

Secondly, have your bike in great condition before the start. Get it serviced, use some fresher tyres, a nearly-new drivetrain and brake pads and have everything charged, lubed and ready to go. 

Then, when you’re on the ride pay attention to the bike as well. Pack a small bottle of lube and treat the chain at halfway. 

Hopefully our guide has given you a bit of an insight into the Dirty Reiver – all that remains now is to get in a few big rides, wait for spring to arrive and pray for a dry day on April 18. 

And if you own a Genesis or you’re just Genesis curious, please drop in and say hello at our tent or out on the trail. We’d love to meet you!

And if you need any more information about the 2020 Dirty Reiver, please check out the official event website.