The Smoke Ring Challenge

The Smoke Ring is a 200 mile (320km) MTB/gravel route that orbits London (aka the Big Smoke) in an anti-clockwise direction. This long-distance off-road route was created and published by MTB Epics UK back in 2014. For 2024, we are hosting a self-supported bikepacking adventure. Riding through Essex, Hertfordshire, Buckinghamshire, Berkshire, Surrey and Kent, the many highlights will include some of the best off-road trails in the south-east of England. You will encounter a huge array of different types of trails and surfaces over the 200 mile distance, including bridleways, byways, singletrack, woodland and urban, as well as country parks and several areas featuring purpose-built MTB trails. While located so close to one the biggest cities in the world, the riding is surprisingly good. The views are excellent too, including the High Weald in Essex, the Colne Valley in Bucks, the Surrey Hills AONB and the iconic Box Hill. The event route starts in Essex on the north bank of the river Thames and will head north towards the ancient and huge Epping Forest. You’ll then head west across the top of the Big Smoke, taking in a diverse mix of landscapes before eventually heading south to cross the Thames near the famous town of Windsor. From here the route turns south-east to cross the Berkshire and Surrey heathlands before joining the final, and toughest section! The ups and downs are relentless as you traverse the Surrey Hills and North Downs, slowly making your way east, into Kent and the finish line overlooking the Thames again at Gravesend. But beware! the final 80 mile section is laced with plenty of off-road technical riding and makes this a tougher route than a lot of riders may think!