Introduction
If you’re a UK cyclist over 50 who’s new to gravel riding—or returning after a break—winter is the perfect time to start preparing for 2026’s biggest gravel adventures. With e-gravel bikes making longer rides more accessible and bikepacking in the UK booming, you can lay the groundwork now for a year of mud-free fun and memorable endurance events.
Gravel Events 2026 for Over-50 Cyclists to Train For
- Dirty Reiver (sold out) – Yes, 2026 entries disappeared in a flash. But you can still use its 200 km distance as motivation for winter training.
- Grinduro Scotland – A festival atmosphere with manageable stages ideal for first-timers.
- Other recommended 2026 events to take a look at:
- Frontier300 – new tarmac route available in 2026.
- The Gralloch – now has a 300km Ultra route as part of the weekend’s activities.
- The Stone Circle – cycle past Stonehenge as part of the route.
Which gravel events UK 2026 are you signing up for? Let us know in the comments below, and we’ll add them to our UK Gravel Events page.
Beginner-Friendly Gravel Races 2026 with Winter Prep Tips
Many newcomers worry about distance or technical trails. Choose events with flexible route options and good support:
- Glorious Gravel series – UK/International events – February to October.
- Just Gravel – a day of gravel riding in Forestry England’s iconic Grizedale Forest in the Lake District.
- Winter Prep Tips:
- Start with steady base miles on mixed surfaces.
- Add one weekly skills session to practise cornering and braking on gravel.
- Use an e-gravel bike if you’re rebuilding fitness.
How to Start Winter Training for 2026 Gravel Cycling Events
- Base Endurance: 2–3 steady rides per week at conversational pace.
- Skills & Balance: Incorporate gravel handling drills.
- Bike Maintenance: Keep drivetrain clean to handle UK winter grit.
- Indoor Option: When weather closes in, combine turbo sessions with strength training.
Before you sign up for next year’s events, make sure your bike’s ready for the winter miles ahead. Cold-weather riding can take its toll on your components — but a little prep now goes a long way.
Check out our guide to keeping your setup smooth and reliable: Winter Gravel Bike Maintenance.
Winter Indoor Training Plan for 2026 Gravel Race Season
A sample week:
- Mon: Core & flexibility (30 min)
- Tue: Sweet-spot turbo session (45 min)
- Thu: Endurance spin (60 min)
- Sat: Virtual gravel group ride (90 min)
Tools like Zwift’s gravel routes or MyWhoosh endurance plans can keep you motivated, take a look at our Virtual Cycling Apps and Best Turbo Trainers articles.
Strength and Conditioning for 2026 Endurance Gravel Rides
Stronger legs and a resilient core mean fewer aches on long rides:
- Lower Body: Squats, lunges, deadlifts (bodyweight or light weights).
- Core Stability: Planks, side-planks, bird-dogs.
- Mobility: Stretch hips, hamstrings, shoulders to stay comfortable on the bike.
Gear & Tech for Over-50 Gravel Cyclists
- Why e-gravel bikes can help you tackle bigger events without overtraining.
- Bikepacking gear for multi-day UK trips.
- Clothing tips for staying warm and dry in a British winter.
Planning Your 2026 Calendar
- Prioritise 1–2 key events and build your winter plan around them.
- Mix social rides with structured training to stay motivated.
- Book accommodation early—popular events and festivals fill quickly.
To explore UK gravel cycling and bikepacking events happening in 2026, check out our listings page here: https://gravelendurance.com/gravel-events/ The page gets updated regularly.
Subscribe & Stay Motivated
Want fresh gravel route ideas, training plans, and early event news for 2026? Subscribe to the Gravel Endurance blog to get weekly tips straight to your inbox and stay ahead of the pack.
Want more? Check out my latest posts for fresh gravel tips, gear advice, and training insights.
- Strength, Stability and Staying Upright: The Fitness Most Gravel Riders Ignore
- Building Gravel Fitness Without Breaking Yourself: How to Train Smarter at 50+
- New Year, New Legs: A Realistic Fitness Reset for Gravel Riders Over 50
- Best Map Apps & Tools for Planning UK Gravel Cycling & Bikepacking Trips (Beginners Guide)
- Best Cycling Shoes for Gravel Riders Over 50: Comfort, Fit & Top Picks for UK Trails
Subscribe to Beyond Tarmac
A new edition every week — bringing you the best of gravel cycling culture, endurance training, and gear wisdom straight to your inbox.
- Exclusive Gear Reviews: Bikes, lights, jerseys, and accessories put to the test.
- Event Previews & Reviews: From local rides to national gravel events.
- Community Spotlights: Your stories, tips, and photos featured for all to enjoy.
- Adventure Resources: Downloadable route guides, campsite reviews, and ride inspiration.
- Special Offers: Early access to discounts, promotions, and giveaways from retailers and manufacturers I’ll be speaking with.
Published every week ·Unsubscribe anytime
Leave a comment