When I stumbled upon the North London Dirt event a couple of months ago, I was amazed that I had never come across what looked to be a top notch event before and then was immediately disappointed to discover that it was limited to 200 lucky gravel riders and was sold out. You can imagine my joy when I found out I was the lucky winner of two entries on the Gravel Union site!
Common sense tells you that it would be impossible to plot a route that starts in Zone 2 in London that can offer you a ride that is circa 65% rough stuff but that is what the Diprose brothers manage to achieve pretty much every year.
The route changes every edition (with this being the 5th) and I’m told that every year it never disappoints. The route included singletrack, farm tracks, random paths and trails with a few technical bits to keep things interesting. There were too many great sections to mention but the highlight for me were the sweeping and fast trails through Epping Forest on the way back, having never had the pleasure of riding there before.
The event was incredibly well organised and curated with great sponsors coming together to support a great cause in the St Mary’s church with all entry proceeds going to them and the fantastic work they do in the community.
Overall, the North London Dirt event was a lovely day out in the sun meeting likeminded and friendly gravel riders ended with a refreshing pint, a pizza and a goodie bag at the end - what more could you want? I’m already looking forward to next year. Special mention to the lady I saw attempting it on a Brompton (I hope she made it back safely!)