EKOI
STONE CIRCLE
A MIDSUMMER FESTIVAL
OF GRAVEL CYCLING
Race the summer solstice on this epic gravel adventure through history.
Join us at the English Heritage site of Old Sarum for a festival of gravel cycling in June 2024.
Located on the outskirts of the Medieval City of Salisbury with a camping option at the Festival Fort, we’ll be packing the weekend with gravel-related fun.
2023 EKOI STONE CIRCLE REPORT
The inaugural Ekoi Stone Circle was a roaring success. On the Friday evening, we enjoyed DJ vibes and free pizza and beer at the Festival Fort, with specular views across the Salisbury Plain.
Then, starting at sunrise on Saturday, there was a mystical sensation as riders rolled out to tackle the 138km Monumental or the Epic 215km route. The challenge … to race the solstice sun and finish before night falls.
It was a spiritual experience to pass the iconic landmark of Stonehenge with the sun still rising, as Druids paid worship at the ancient Stone Circle.
Fast-rolling gravel paths awaited on the Imber Range Perimeter Path. With the feel of iconic US gravel races, this land is usually restricted access to MOD personnel only, but they make an exception for us on this truly unique ride through history.
There was a variety of terrain over the gruelling course. As well as the distraction of the stunning views and Neolithic landmarks, with plenty of opportunities to stick it in the big ring, many riders found a fast rolling group to make the kilometres fly by.
There were cold beers and soft drinks on arrival at the finish line and the party atmosphere continued into the evening with an undeniable sense of achievement for everyone who tackled the first ever Ekoi Stone Circle.
2023 finishers list.
Price from
£TBC
135KM
Monumental
215KM
Epic
Mechanic support
3
Feed zones
1
Days in saddle
3
Skill*
Subject to confirmation. *This is based on 1 being a beginner and 5 being an expert.
NEED MORE GRAVEL?
HOTCHILLEE LONDON-PARIS GRAVEL 2024
THREE-DAY OFF-ROAD ADVENTURE WITH A DIFFERENCE
19-22 SEPTEMBER 2024
A fully supported ride from the Thames to the Seine finishing in the shadow of the Eiffel Tower… almost entirely off-road!
- New route by Sofiane Sehili.
- Guided by the Hotchillee Ride Captains.
- Stay in 3* and 4* hotels.
- Return by Eurostar.
135KM
Monumental
215KM
Epic
Mechanic support
3
Feed stations
1
Days in saddle
3
Skill*
Subject to confirmation. *This is based on 1 being a beginner and 5 being an expert.
SPEAK TO OUR TEAM
If you have any questions or just need some advice why not book a call with one of our team members.
ENTRY
Get a £10 discount on your Ekoi Stone Circle event entry. If you are not a Premium Member, join the gang!
135km
Hotchillee Premium Members: £TBC
Non-members: £TBC
215km
Hotchillee Premium Members: £TBC
Non-members: £TBC
- Friday evening pizza party at Festival Fort
- GPX file and route cards
- Timing chip
- 3 x feed stations
- Musette drop (feed station 2)
- Dedicated mechanical and technical support
- Full medical team back up
- Finishers beer
- Bike wash area
- Car parking (Friday 12:00 to Saturday 22:30)
- Limited edition event merchandise
- Sponsor products
- Hot food and drink at the Festival Fort and finish
Let's prepare together
From the point you register chat directly with fellow participants, the Hotchillee team, and industry experts on dedicated event groups on the Hotchillee companion app.
MEDIA
Are you a content creator, journalist, photographer or videographer? We’re always keen to welcome new people. If you’d like to join us please complete the below and we’ll get back to you.
FAQS*
*Information relating to 2023 event.
- GPX file & Route Cards
- Timing chip
- Feed stations x 3
- Musette drop (feed station 2)
- Dedicated mechanical and technical support
- Full medical team back up
- Finishers pizza and beer
- Car Parking (Friday 12:00 to Saturday 22:30)
- Limited Edition event merchandise
- Sponsor products
- Hot food and drink at the Pre-Ride Festival and finish. Vegetarian and gluten free options available
- Bike wash area
Please note for certain mechanical and technical services there may be a charge for parts and/or labour.
The route is not marked except for critical and/or complicated turnings. A GPX file will be provided and must be uploaded to your navigation device before the event. You can also collect Route Cards at Sign On.
The ride opens at 05:00 and all riders must have departed by 06:00
The event is not a race but will timed and finishing timers listed.
The course closes at 21:30.
You must be 18 years or older on 24 June 2023 to enter.
The course is long and a very good level of fitness and endurance will be required.
If you are in doubt as to your fitness then we recommend you have a medical check-up before registering.
The events takes place from/to Old Sarum, Castle Road, Salisbury, Wiltshire SP1 3SD.
There are direct trains to Salisbury from London Waterloo, which usually takes around 1h 40m but can take just 1h 20m on the fastest services, with around 36 trains running on this popular route every day.
From Salisbury train station it is a 2.3 mile bike ride or by car 2.1 miles.
There is free parking at Old Sarum from 13:00 Friday to 22:30 Saturday.
The event HQ is at Old Sarum near Salisbury, one of the most historically important sites in southern England. It combines a royal castle and cathedral within an Iron Age fortification, overlooking the vast and beautiful Wiltshire plains.
Salisbury is a busy and bustling City with many hotels and B&Bs to choose from.
If you prefer to camp, a list of local campsites can be found here.
There will also be limited onsite camping available.
There is free parking from Friday 13:00 until Saturday 23:30.
If you aren’t driving to the event and need somewhere to keep bags whilst you are out on the course, we will have a secure location at the start you can use. However any items must be clearly labelled and are left at your own risk.
The route covers a wide variety of terrain including fast rolling gravel, woodland singletrack, field-side bridleways, disused railway tracks and road so the sheer versatility of a dedicated gravel bike running 38mm + tyres would be our recommendation.
However a lightweight hardtail MTB with fast rolling tyres or Cyclocross bike would also be suitable.
You will need to be self-sufficient for large sections of the ride and each rider will need to carry spares and tools necessary to deal with punctures and mechanicals.
We will have dedicated technical support and mechanics at the Start and each Feed Station to deal with more technical issues.
There maybe a charge for some parts and labour.
Yes there are 3 x feed stations for the 215km course and 2 for the 135km course:
Feed station 1, 60km
Feed station 2, 110km
Feed station 3, 160km
A musette drop option is also available. A clear bag is supplied at Sign On and can then be filled with any nutrition you require, the bag should then be dropped at the start point and it will be transferred to Feed station 2 (110km).
If for any reason you need to cancel your entry there are several options available:
- You are able to nominate a substitute rider for your entry (up to 30 days before the event start date).
- You may defer your entry as a credit towards another HotChillee event in the same or following calendar year (up to 12 weeks before the event start date).
- Entries are non-refundable
To substitute or defer your entry, please contact [email protected]
Yes! Would love involvement from fellow gravel lovers. If you are interested in getting involved please email us at [email protected]
SPEAK TO OUR TEAM
If you have any questions or just need some advice why not book a call with one of our team members.
SPONSORS
TITLE SPONSOR
PRESENTING PARTNERS
FESTIVAL FORT PARTNERS
