Dirty Reiver

Missed the Dirty Reiver? Focal Events has three more UK gravel events for you

From the the iconic Dirty Reiver, to the long distance SCOTT Frontier 300, to the high-speed challenge of Dalby Grit, and the festival-flavoured Gravel Enduro weekend — Focal Events delivers the UK's most exciting and diverse gravel riding experiences


Dirty Reiver may be the crown jewel of UK gravel events, but it’s just the beginning of what Focal Events has to offer. Known for their seamless organisation, rider-focused approach, and stunning routes, Focal’s growing calendar now includes a diverse mix of gravel and adventure rides across the country—each one delivering its own unique experience, but always with that same signature atmosphere. As co-director Bryan Singleton puts it: “We’ve put together a busy summer schedule that offers something for everyone… We say to anyone who’s already enjoyed one of our events, go and try another and you’ll find a completely new experience, but the same great enjoyment.”

As the official media partner of Focal Events, Rouleur is excited to promote three more events that Focal Events are running this summer. 

Dirty Reiver

Image credit: Stephen Smith

SCOTT Frontier 300

Dates: 6-7th June

Distance: 300km (One or Two Day options)

Terrain: All-road – mix of quiet lanes and 150km of gravel trails

Elevation: 4,200m

Difficulty: High – Ultra-endurance with mixed terrain and climbing

Entry Fee: £120 (One Day) / £165 (Two Day)

The SCOTT Frontier 300 is an ultra-endurance all-road adventure takes riders coast-to-coast across the UK, from the Irish Sea to the North Sea. The 300km route carves through 10 remote forests, favouring gravel trails and quiet backroads over traffic-heavy tarmac. Whether you tackle it in one epic push or over two days, you’ll be fully supported with GPS tracking, checkpoint timing, feed stations, mechanical backup, and professional medical support. The ride ends in true style with Brunch on the Beach at Druridge Bay —music, food, and a relaxed seaside vibe, plus optional camping if you’re in no rush to leave the adventure behind.

Dirty Reiver

Image credit: Stephen Smith

Dalby Grit

Date: 28th June

Distance: 110km (2 x 55km loops)

Terrain: Premium UK gravel – mix of punchy climbs, fast descents, and flat-out sections

Elevation: 1,800m total ascent

Difficulty: Moderate to high – suited for competitive gravel racers

Entry Fee: £85 per rider

Launching in 2025, the Dalby Grit is already shaping up to be a future classic on the UK gravel calendar. Set in the heart of the North York Moors and created in partnership with the National Park, the race features two laps of a dynamic 55km loop — offering a perfect blend of punchy climbs, sweeping descents, and wide-open gravel sections. With top UK racers already confirmed and growing international interest, this event promises high-level competition and serious summer vibes. Expect age-group racing from 18+, podiums for top male and female riders in each class, and the option to camp or bring your camper van for a full weekend of gravel-fuelled adventure.

Dirty Reiver

Image credit: Andy Heading

Gravel Rocks

Dates: 11-13th July

Distance: ~102km over two main days (52km morning + 40km afternoon on Saturday, plus 10km night stage on Friday)

Terrain: Pristine, rarely ridden gravel tracks around Duncombe Park and the North York Moors

Format: Gravel Enduro – 7 timed segments across the weekend, locations revealed only during the ride

Difficulty: Moderate – combines social riding with competitive segments

Entry Fee: From £99 per rider

Back for its second edition in 2025, Gravel Rocks is a one-of-a-kind gravel weekend blends racing, riding, and full-on festival vibes in the stunning setting of Duncombe Park — normally off-limits to cyclists. The action kicks off Friday night with a unique dusk-lit 10km stage, followed by two mixed-loop rides on Saturday totalling over 90km, all with timed Enduro-style segments hidden along the route. With a format that rewards both speed and adventure, it’s a race where fun meets flow. Expect live music, food, camping, family activities, and even social rides on Sunday. It’s gravel racing, but with a rock’n’roll soul.

Dirty Reiver
Image credit: Stephen Smith

READ MORE

Business as usual: Does the Tour de France ever get old for riders or their families?

Business as usual: Does the Tour de France ever get old for riders or their families?

The average number of Tour de France appearances per rider this year is approximately 3.4 participations. Bright-eyed and bushy-tailed debutants have been making headlines enough...

Read more
'Haters gonna hate': Pogačar steals the show on Bastille Day

'Haters gonna hate': Pogačar steals the show on Bastille Day

France dreamed of a local victor on its national day. Instead, Tadej Pogačar lit up stage 10 with another trademark attack. Begrudged 'chapeaus' abound in...

Read more
Tadej Pogačar celebrates on the podium in the yellow jersey during the 2026 Tour de France.

'It's not Pogačar's fault he's so good' - Eddy Merckx on the Tour de France's current generation of GC stars

The five-time yellow jersey winner is still an avid watcher of the sport – he tells Rouleur his thoughts on the Pogačar-era of bike racing

Read more
Bastille Day at the Tour: can a Frenchman end the wait?

Bastille Day at the Tour: can a Frenchman end the wait?

Bastille Day is the biggest day of the year for French cycling fans, and the wait for a home winner has dragged on since Warren...

Read more
Reflections of the Tour de France peloton, including the yellow jersey group, in a shopfront window

Heat, hierarchy and a hotly contested green jersey: what we learnt from the Tour's first week

Rouleur breaks down the heatwaves, the sprint points battle, and UAE's grip on week one of the Tour de France.

Read more
Tom Pidcock rides through a gravel sector for Q36.5 Pinarello during stage nine of the 2026 Tour de France

Pidcock's redemption arc: Brit content in defeat after refinding his love of Le Tour

A jammed shifter and a third place in Ussel would once have wrecked Tom Pidcock's Tour. Free of pressure and riding for a team on...

Read more

READ RIDE REPEAT

JOIN ROULEUR TODAY

Get closer to the sport than ever before.

Enjoy a digital subscription to Rouleur for just £4 per month and get access to our award-winning magazines.

SUBSCRIBE