WHEN?
Sunday 8th June 2025
WHAT?
Predominantly Off Road ‘Gravel Sportive’ (60-65% off road).
3 GPX Routes (about 56, 63 & 69km).
Self Supported with GPX.
Free feed stop.
Support Riders from Twickenham CC will travel the route and support and provide assistance if needed.
WHERE?
HQ Start & Finish @ Downside Village Hall, Cobham, Surrey.
Closest Parking at Holly Hedge Car Park, Cobham
Coffee and Cake will be available to buy at Event HQ before and after the ride.
By Entering Riders acknowledge that they ride at their own risk and are expected to ride in a safe, considerate manner, both to other road and trail users and other riders.
Entry £23 (including BC Admin Fee)
MORE DETAILS
The Surrey Grumble (GRMBL) is a Twickenham CC organised ‘Gravel Sportive’ event. It takes place on out and back loops from event HQ at Downside Village Hall. There are 3 route options which split. Riders can do either and change on the day.
This friendly event is managed and run entirely by club members, with the very sensible exception of first aid provision.
ENTRY FEE: £23 (including BC admin fee). Entry via the British Cycling website: Enter Here
Building on the success of the early season Surrey Rumble, this is expected to be popular, due to its friendly atmosphere and reasonable price.
Start / Finish Time
First rider: 08:00; Last rider: 10.00; Event close: 15:30.
Please check-in (to qualify for Feedstop refreshments) and check-out (so we know you are safe).
Speed will be course condition and fitness dependent. Long Route riders should leave by 09:00 to give yourself five and a half hours to complete. Remember to allow time for stops.
Checkpoints / Refreshment Stops
Checkpoint, Free Feedstop and Toilets will be at Newlands Corner
Free Feedstop is 32km into the Short Route with 24km remaining.
Free Feedstop is 39Km into the Middle Route with 24km remaining.
Free Feedstop is 45km into the Long route with 24km remaining.
Also Public Toilets and places to grab early refreshments in Shere (all routes)
Route Segments
Route segments will be created for each route and shared so riders can compare to others if they wish.
NOTE however it is not a race and riders should ride considerately at all times.
Parking – KT11 3DQ
Closest Parking at KT11 3DQ – Holly Hedge Car Park. This is just over a mile ride away, allowing a gentle 5-minute warm up to the event start.
Please leave time to find parking, get to Event HQ and register.
There is no parking at Event HQ.
TRAINS
Cobham & Stoke d’Abernon and Effingham Junction Rail Stations are both a short ride (10 mins ~ 2.6kms) away.
Event HQ / Start Location
Event HQ is located at Downside Village Hall. KT11 3NG. No bikes in HQ.
HQ Refreshments
Hot and Cold drinks, Cake and Snacks will be available to buy at Event HQ before and after the ride.
Facilities
Toilets are available at Event HQ, with toilets also available at Newlands Corner (at the feedstop) and Public Toilets at Shere.
FAQs
Rideable with drop bar gravel bike. Suspension mountain bike not a necessity.
Route will split providing the option of Short, Medium and Long Route. You can do either . You can change your mind on route. Its up to you on the day.
And bring as a minimum a puncture repair kit, food and drink
Preferably have a bell on your bike to give others amply warning of your presence.
Give way to horses. Always be polite.
Feed Stop is accessible from all routes.
No Parking at the Start.
Closest Parking at KT11 3DQ – Holly Hedge Car Park.
Hot and cold drinks, cake and snacks will be available to buy at Event HQ before and after the ride.
GPXs provided (the week before).
TCC Support Riders will sweep the route providing emergency support.
No chip timing (its not a race 🙂 and every one has Garmin or Strava don’t they ?).
Whilst this is a gravel sportive it should be approached with care – the route is arduous and technical in places, with some steep climbs and fast loose or rooty descents. Please note that you will need to ride with care and do not be deceived by the relatively short distances. We estimate an average speed of 10-12mph so allow 5-6 hours to complete it. We have endeavoured to get away from the well ridden trails of Surrey and take riders somewhere new and challenging. We really hope you enjoy the “road less travelled”.
This is a volunteering opportunity for TCC members.
Additional Information about Cycling on Towpaths
For more information on cycling on towpaths please visit the Canal & River Trust Website. They have just launched the Share the space, Drop your pace campaign which calls for all those who use London’s towpaths to follow a new Greenways Code and to help keep our historic network of waterways safe and pleasant for everyone to share.
You don’t need a permit to cycle on towpaths. The majority of towpaths are ‘permissive paths’ as we allow members of the public to use them. We simply ask that you cycle with great care for pedestrians, wildlife and the fabric of our waterways to ensure that everyone can enjoy them to their full potential.
We don’t specify speed limits on the towpath. We ask that everyone uses common sense, with primary consideration for pedestrians and those handling boats, as they are often the most vulnerable.
Stay Kind, Slow Down campaign. Whether you’re walking, running, cycling, fishing or boating, let’s keep making sure everyone feels welcome by the water, however they visit.
Pedestrians are generally the most vulnerable and have priority at all times, so while it’s a good idea to let others know you are there by ringing a bell or calling out, this shouldn’t be a demand. This is especially important when considering people who may have impaired hearing.