Gravel Collective does King Alfred's Way

Russell King

The Gravel Collective’s assault on the King Alfred’s Way commenced with a breakfast BBQ to celebrate Dave Rooney’s 50th ….. with such a start what could possibly go wrong? Well, rather oddly not much at all. But, would we all still be friends four days and 420km later? Would we survive three nights under canvas? Would pubs have enough beer?  So many questions - the answer to all of which is YES!

A frosty morning start

In short it was a blast. Hard work - we carried all our gear, camped, most of the route was off road and with lots of climbing (and the odd bit of walking). But as you might expect with such a hardened, elite group (????) there were no major accidents (Neil Wragg’s somersault excepted), no major mechanicals (albeit that Dave Muskett’s carbon fibre rack and Dave Rooney’s perpetually sliding seat post providing much mirth and endless commentary), and all the ordnance being fired across Salisbury Plain managed to miss us.

Exhausted Gravellers bask in the sun

Naturally "what happens on Tour stays on Tour" but we would thoroughly recommend it. A tough but superbly put together official trail with wonderful scenery, lots of history (or so we were told), and ample opportunity for adventure … and here are a few photos to whet your appetite.

This is for the marketing brochure (flat & easy)

This is what it is actually like (tough)

Don’t jump - you’ll get your paws wet!

Sharing tales around the fire, while waiting for dinner

Makes it all worthwhile!