East of England is a self-supported gravel bikepacking adventure that explores the quiet backroads, ancient tracks, and expansive countryside of eastern England. Organised by FRTHR, the event is designed for riders who value exploration over competition, offering a carefully crafted route through some of the region’s most overlooked landscapes.
The route covers approximately 700 kilometres with around 6,500 metres of elevation gain, starting and finishing in Cambridge. Despite the relatively modest climbing, the challenge lies in the constant rhythm of gravel lanes, bridleways, farm tracks, and quiet country roads that wind through Norfolk, Suffolk, Essex, and the Fens. The varied terrain keeps riders engaged while showcasing a side of England rarely experienced by bike.
East of England follows a strict self-supported philosophy. Riders are responsible for their own navigation, food, accommodation, and mechanical repairs, with no outside assistance permitted. The fixed GPX route rewards efficient pacing and smart decision-making, while the long distances between overnight stops encourage careful planning.
Unlike mountain ultras, East of England focuses on flow rather than altitude. Coastal paths, rolling farmland, historic market towns, and ancient woodlands create a constantly changing backdrop, proving that a memorable bikepacking adventure doesn’t require towering mountains. For riders seeking a fast, scenic, and approachable gravel ultra, East of England is one of the UK’s finest endurance adventures.
Based on this event's terrain, difficulty and riding style.
Further Equinox covers 640 km with 6500 m of climbing along the way — a fairly gentle profile from start to finish.
For Further Equinox, we'd recommend a Gravel Bike — plan on 45-50mm Tubeless tires and a wide-range drivetrain, something like a 38-40T (1x) chainring paired with a 10-51T cassette, to handle the terrain comfortably.
Expect a Intermediate-tier challenge at Further Equinox — fairly flat climbing over rough, technical terrain for a good stretch of the route, with mild and generally comfortable weather typical for the time of year.
Further Equinox takes place on June 19, 2026. That puts it in summer, with long daylight hours, though heat can become a real factor.
Further Equinox runs primarily on gravel, and we'd recommend 45-50mm Tubeless tires to handle it comfortably.