250 kilometres of riding with 4500m of climbing is a huge day out on a gravel bike by anyone’s standards. Add to that some technical trails and some wet weather before the event and it becomes a real challenge. This is what the participants in the recent Pfalzlands 2023 event had to face and Timo Rokitta was there to join in the fun.
"Badlands" in Spain and "Flatlands" in the Netherlands - iconic gravel events that now have their counterpart in Germany. With "Pfalzlands," an epic gravel ride took place, demanding everything from its participants. The first edition took place on July 29th. The route covered 250 kilometres and included 4,000 meters of elevation, so was aimed at experienced and well-trained riders.
But first, where exactly is the Pfalz that gave the event its name? The Pfalz is a region located in southwestern Germany. It is known for its picturesque landscape with gentle vineyards, dense forests and idyllic river valleys. The region has a rich history dating back to Roman times. Throughout the centuries, the Pfalz has been an important centre for culture and politics. Many castles and palaces still stand today, bearing witness to its historical significance.
The "Pfälzerwald" (Palatinate Forest) is one of the largest contiguous forest areas in Germany, covering an area of approximately 1,771 square kilometres in southwestern Germany. Amidst the green forests, you can find over 500 castles and palaces that remind us of the region's eventful history. Well-known castles include Burg Trifels, where Richard the Lionheart was once held captive and Hambach Castle, a symbol of the German democracy movement.
But the "Pfälzerwald" is also a paradise for gravel riders. Numerous trails traverse the hilly landscape, offering varied routes for both beginners and experienced bikers. The unique aspect of "Pfalzlands" was that the track led over all the local summits higher than 600 meters.
More than 50 gravel riders were ready at 6 a.m. sharp when the starting signal sounded. The first 25 kilometres were still relaxed and relatively easy through the flat Rhine plain. As they reached the "German Wine Route" below Burg Battenberg, the terrain became hillier. From here, the track continued between the vineyards and the Palatinate Forest. Below the famous Hambach Castle, the leisurely part of the route was over. The participants ascended on a well-maintained trail to the Forsthaus "Hohe Loog." Here, they encountered the first of countless singletracks - steep and narrow downhill. Shortly after that, they reached the first refreshment station.
From the highest peak of the "Pfälzerwald," the "Kalmit," there were magnificent views of the Rhine Valley and the Odenwald. Then came the trail part of "Pfalzlands." Participants rode on partially narrow paths, exploring viewpoints and mountains that were previously unknown to most of them. Due to the rain in the previous days, the ground was sometimes very slippery and some ascents had to be tackled on foot. Many participants also climbed the towers on top of many of the summits, enjoying the views of the seemingly endless forests.
After 165 kilometres, the most challenging part of the route was completed. From here, the riders only had to climb one more ascent to the last of the 16 summits, the "Rosberg." A rapid descent on a wide gravel trail appropriately concluded the hilly part of the route.
The last 80 kilometres were then the so-called "Tour d'Honneur." With a slight tailwind and much anticipation, the riders rolled towards the finish line as if on their own. Out of the 55 participants who started, 44 reached the finish line. The two female participants also finished this ultra-tough route just after midnight and received their well-deserved medals as recognition. After the success of "Pfalzlands," it is confirmed that there will be a repeat event in 2024.
Images courtesy of Timo, Vadim and Matthias