United Kingdom · 9 April 2023
A DAY IN HELL 2023
9 April. Our ode to the last great madness of cycling; take on local Bridleways and byways in honour of Roubaix.
SOLD OUT
Overview
The Queen of the Classics reigns over Easter weekend. A Day in Hell translates the agony and the ecstasy of the cobbles to north London as we take on the finest 'gravé', defined as: "(an area of) farm track/road/footpath/bridleway etc. which consists of potholes, loose paving, stones, rubble, and mud." Starting from Rapha Works with coffee, riders will head out into north Hertfordshire for our classic 100km of mixed-terrain riding. For those masochists among you, an 140km route will be available to better simulate the harrowing nature of Roubaix. At the end of it all, riders will join us back at Rapha works for frites, beers and a chance to watch the pros do their magic with a screening of the final kilometres of the men's race. It is worth noting that Gravé is not gravel. A Day in Hell is built in tribute to a time long before gravel bikes and wide tyre clearances and so is not as off-road focussed as a typical gravel route, with non-tarmac sectors making up less than half of the route.
Highlights
GRAVÉ
Get closer to Roubaix with a mix of bridleways and byways, concrete and cobbles as we simulate the infamous secteurs.
CONTROL POINTS
While you might not have a team car, you'll be looked after. Coffee before the ride and a control point halfway round will keep you fuelled.
RACE VIEWING
All Riders will get the chance to watch the pros do what they do best, with race viewing and refreshments included in entry.
Hosts
Styrkr
Styrkr – meaning “strength” in Old Norse – is a UK fuel brand committed to developing innovative products that make a difference when it matters most.
They encourage everyday athletes – from enthusiastic beginners to sponsored pros – to relish every struggle, invite every obstacle and keep pushing to become the athlete you want to be.
What's Included
What's Included
100km or 140km Recce'd route
Route GPX
Pre-Ride Coffee
Styrkr Ride Food
Half Way Stop
Race Viewing
Post Ride Frites and Beer
Bike wash
What's Not Included
Ride Leaders
Broom Wagon
Mechanic
Signage
Trip Tips
BIKE CHOICE
All of our routes have been test ridden and are designed to be 28c passable. However, definitions of this may vary and we recommend a little wider, such as 32-35c. You undertake to ride any route at your own risk to you and your equipment.
SELF SUPPORTED
This event self-supported. You must be able to provide for yourself on the road, including food, water and spares you may need. There is no broom wagon and you are responsible for getting yourself home. We recommend that you carry at least spare tubes, a pump and any spares you may need to keep you rolling.
FAQ
Will the route be signposted
This route will not be signposted and you must have a GPS device to follow the route.
Are the start and finish point the same?
Yes, both routes will be loops, starting and finishing at Rapha Works.
When will we receive route information?
All registered riders will receive their route guidance, GPX files and other pertinent information one week before the event date.
What's the terrain like? What sort of bike should I bring?
This route includes cobbles, cobbled climbs, gravel, bridleway, mud and other such unpaved terrain. Please expect your average speed to be lower than usual on a road ride and be aware that changing weather conditions, rider density and farm traffic may make some sections more difficult.
All of our routes have been test ridden and are designed to be 28c passable. However, definitions of this may vary and we recommend a little wider, such as 32-35c. You undertake to ride any route at your own risk to you and your equipment.
Will there be parking?
We would ask you not to drive to the site, as parking is limited on local side streets, and much of it is residents' parking.
What time will we start?
Sign on will be from 8-8.30 on the day.
How long will the ride take?
This will depend on your route choice, where you stop and your average speed. We would expect the standard route to take around 4-5 hours. We would expect the long route to take 5-7 hours.