“If you go down to the woods today, you’re sure of a big surprise” are the opening lines from the children’s song A Teddy Bear’s Picnic. While there might not have been any bears (or picnics) at the recent Grinduro Germany, there certainly was a dinosaur, some amazing trails and a hell of a party, as Loek Luijbregts from Fatpigeon.cc reports.
Introduction
Grinduro Germany is a one-of-a-kind gravel event that blends the exhilaration of a bike race with the relaxed atmosphere of a cycling festival. Set in the breath-taking Bavarian countryside, this event offers riders a chance to discover Germany's stunning landscapes while participating in a unique race format that emphasises both endurance and camaraderie.
The Grinduro Format
Grinduro's race format combines elements of enduro racing with the rising popularity of gravel biking. Participants tackled a challenging course spanning over 100 kilometres, featuring a mixture of gravel roads, forest trails, and occasional tarmac sections. The race is timed, but only on four specific segments, including climbs, descents, and flat sections. This unique format enables riders to enjoy a more relaxed pace between timed segments, allowing them to take in the scenery, socialise with fellow riders and save their energy for the race's more challenging parts.
The Schwalbe Prologue: No pain, no gain?
The Grinduro Germany race kicked off with the gruelling Schwalbe prologue, which proved to be a true sufferfest. With gradients reaching up to 30%, riders were pushed to their limits as they navigated steep climbs and descents. Many riders were forced to dismount and walk their bikes up the steepest sections, although a handful managed to keep pedalling. The prologue set the tone for the race, challenging participants' endurance and technical skills right from the start.
A Diverse Rider Audience
Grinduro Germany attracted a predominantly German audience, but also welcomed riders from The Netherlands, France, England, Poland and Italy. The event's unique format included meals, camp and glamping options and helped foster a sense of unity and shared passion for gravel biking.
The Grinduro Rave: A Night to Remember
With Saturday’s racing in the bag, Saturday night saw DJs MulderOnTheDanceFloor and 8000Watt hosting a one-of-a-kind Grinduro rave that kept the crowd dancing for hours. The rave was a perfect way for riders to unwind after a challenging day on the course, creating memories that would last a lifetime.
Grinduro Success and Future Plans
The second edition of Grinduro Germany was a resounding success. With the popularity of gravel riding continuing to grow, organisers creating ever more inventive courses and event support from sponsors like Shimano, these events promise to deliver thrilling experiences for gravel riders seeking new adventures.
The Spirit of gravel
When in need of help - say it or write it out loud, which is exactly what one of the riders at Grinduro Germany did. Nick, a finance professional from Jersey, England needed a ride from the event to the Netherlands. He made a handmade sign and hoped for the best at the end of the event. In the spirit of gravel, the FatPigeon crew picked him up and shared the ride back to The Netherlands while Nick shared with us his gravel inspiration about riding on the island of Jersey and the nearby coast of France. This encounter exemplified the camaraderie and shared experiences that make gravel events so special.
Same time, same place, next year?
Grinduro Germany is more than just a race – it's a celebration of gravel biking culture and a showcase of Bavaria's gravelicious landscapes. Definitely worthy of anyone's consideration.
Images courtesy of Eppo Karsijns