RIDER INFORMATION
Everything you need to know to take on THE PLAIN
What to Expect
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Salisbury Plain is the largest area of chalk grassland in North West Europe (approximately 300 square miles)
Around 50% of Salisbury Plain is owned by the Ministry of Defence and has restricted access for the public
THE PLAIN has exclusive access to many parts of the SPTA (Salisbury Plain Training Area) that are inaccessible at any other time, making THE PLAIN a unique opportunity to ride these incredible gravel tracks
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THE PLAIN has access to some of the best gravel riding in the south of England. At times you could even think you were in Kansas or Steamboat Springs
Our three routes are designed to challenge all levels of rider for an unforgettable experience on Salisbury Plain
Please note that due to constant military vehicle use, the actual routes will not be finalised until the week before THE PLAIN and therefore the exact distance is subject to change
As the routes use restricted access MOD land, they cannot be ridden at any other time before or after THE PLAIN
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THE PLAIN will have two feed stations on course (one feed station will be used twice on THE GREAT PLAIN route)
Water and food will be provided at each station but we recommend you bring your own food if you have a specific preference or dietary requirements
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A Gravel bike is the best option for riding THE PLAIN but you can also use an MTB or E-bike*
Recommended tyre width is at least 35mm with an off road tread pattern (not slick)
We do not recommend the use of Road bikes
*Any E-bike must be a UK legal EAPC with pedals, a motor under 250W and assistance that cuts out at 15.5mph (25km/h).
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Entries fees for THE PLAIN are:
THE GREAT PLAIN (approx 100miles/ 160km) - £89.99
THE MID PLAIN (approx 60 miles/ 100km) - £74.99
THE PRAIRIE (approx 35 miles/ 56km) - £59.99
The above prices include booking fees etc. so this is the total price you will pay to enter THE PLAIN
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THE PLAIN will start and finish at the Old Tattoo stands in Tidworth, SP9 7AH
Tidworth has good road access from all directions with the nearest train station situated in Andover
London - approx 2 hours
Bristol - approx 1.5 hours
Bournemouth - approx 1 hour 20 mins
Oxford - approx 1 hour 10 mins
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There is ample parking near the start/ finish area at the Old Tatto stands in Tidworth
Camping is available Saturday night at £25.00 per pitch*
Showers and toilets will be provided for all participants
*one pitch is one tent, one campervan/ motorhome or one car with a tent box. Cars must be parked in the main carpark and cannot be slept in (MOD regulations)
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In the spirit of adventure we want THE PLAIN to feel as remote as possible and recommend all riders to be self sufficient
However, we will have full medical support on course as well as a broom wagon should the worst happen
We recommend all riders download what3words to their phones in the case of an emergency as many of the tracks on Salisbury Plain are not on any map
Kit List
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Kit List -
All riders taking part in THE PLAIN must be equipped with the following:
GPS or navigation device with pre-loaded route
Mobile phone (with what3words installed)
Multi-tool with all required tools for your bike
Chain tool and spares chain links
Inflation device (pump, CO2, e-inflator) suitable to inflate at least two tyres
Two spare inner tubes
Tubeless tyre repair kit or puncture repair kit
Tyre levers
Bottles and cages suitable to carry 1.5 litres of water/ energy drink
Energy food and gels
Waterproof jacket
Thermal top
Neck/ head warmer
Survival blanket
Emergency whistle
FAQS
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THE PLAIN will take place on Sunday 17th May 2026.
Registration will be open from 12:00 on Saturday 16th May
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THE PLAIN will start and finish at the Old Tattoo Stands in Tidworth, SP9 7AH
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THE PLAIN is accessible by road from all directions.
The nearest train station is in Andover.
The activ8 bus between Andover and Salisbury also passes through Tidworth
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Riders must be ready to depart from the start at 07:45.
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Yes, THE PLAIN is signposted.
GPX files will also be available to download before the event
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THE PLAIN has three routes:
The Prairie - 30 miles/ 50km
The Mid Plain - 60 miles/ 100km
The Great Plain - 100 miles/ 160km
GPX files will be available just before the event
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Yes you can change routes, either before the event or on the day.
However, refunds will not be available should you wish to change to a shorter route.
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No, THE PLAIN is not a race. It is a timed event but there is no podium or prizes for the fastest riders.
However there will be spot prizes given out on the day from our event partners
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THE PLAIN is open to all riders over the age of 18 before or on the day of the event.
All participants must choose the route they feel comfortable with based on their fitness and level of experience.
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A Gravel bike is the best option for riding THE PLAIN but you can also use an MTB or E-bike*
Recommended tyre width is at least 35mm with an off road tread pattern (not slick)
We do not recommend the use of Road bikes
*Any E-bike must be a UK legal EAPC with pedals, a motor under 250W and assistance that cuts out at 15.5mph (25km/h).
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Yes, there are feed stations on each route which will have water and basic food supplied.
We recommend participants with special dietary requirements provide and carry their own provisions.
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No, THE PLAIN does not have a drop bag option.
In the spirit of adventure we believe all riders should carry the required kit list and anything else they wish to help complete the event.
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We expect all participants to be self sufficient and carry the required kit list plus any spares they may need.
Basic tools and pumps etc. will be available at feed stations but participants should not reply on them.
Where possible we will do our best to try and get riders going again but we cannot guarantee anything.
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Camping will be available near the start/ finish area on the Saturday night.
There are numerous hotels and B&Bs around Tidworth and Andover.
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Yes, there is ample day parking near to the start/ finish
Anyone wishing to stay overnight must book a camping pitch.
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Yes, spectators can watch THE PLAIN from the start finish area or any with public access.
Please note spectators cannot access restricted parts of the Salisbury Plain Training Area and only participants with an event number attached to their bike can access these areas.
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Participants may request a credit up to 30 days before the Event:
60+ days before the event - 75% credit
30 - 59 days before the event - 50% credit
0- 29 days before the event - no credit
Credits may be applied to another edition of THE PLAIN.
Requests must be emailed to the official Event contact address.
If the new Event is more expensive, the Client must pay the difference.
No refunds if the new Event is cheaper.