The Bristol Rally 2026

Bristol is home to one of the UK’s most vibrant off-road cycling scenes — and for good reason. From the city centre, you can roll straight into adventure, linking together gravel tracks, bridleways, and quiet lanes that lead you deep into the countryside. The Bristol Rally route has been designed to showcase the very best of this riding, with a few surprises along the way.

We roll out on Friday 19th June with coffee and a rider briefing in central Bristol before pointing our wheels south towards the Mendips. Expect a weekend of variety: the iconic climb through Cheddar Gorge, the sweeping grounds of Longleat Safari Park (eyes peeled for camels), and the wild expanses of Salisbury Plain. You’ll even skirt the edge of Stonehenge at the height of the Summer Solstice, will you catch a glimpse of the druids?

The rally finishes back in Bristol on Sunday 21st June, where the Canyon Finisher’s Gathering awaits: food, drinks, and plenty of time to swap stories from the road.

The riding is classic British gravel — a patchwork of lanes, tracks, and byways with plenty of off-road terrain. Gravel bikes and hardtails are ideal, but neither is better than the other. The bike you feel comfortable riding will do the trick. We’ll send out a route briefing document out ahead of the event, with notes on camping options, B&Bs, and resupply spots along the way. How you tackle the ride is up to you: go full bikepacking, travel light and fast, or take it easy with pub stops and a soft bed. The rally spirit is all about making it your own.

We’re committed to making the Bristol Rally as inclusive and accessible as possible. 50% of tickets are reserved for FLINTA riders (Female, Lesbian, Intersex, Non-Binary, Trans, and Agender). Thanks to Tailfin, five riders will also have access to bikepacking bag setups, ensuring that lack of gear isn’t a barrier to joining.

The Bristol Rally isn’t a race — it’s an invitation. To ride, to connect, to celebrate the unique community that has grown from Bristol’s trails.