The Ride Gravel is one of the few multi-day events for gravel biking, and we were eager to join. Editor Koen Theys kept a close watch on all the action.
© FatPigeons / The Ride Gravel
The Ride Gravel is a six-day adventure where you ride five gravel stages from Echternacherbrück (Germany), passing through Luxembourg and Belgium, looping back through Germany to finish in Heerlen, the Netherlands. This is a meticulously organized supported event where all your needs are taken care of—campsites with ready tents (or hotel options if you prefer), plus all-you-can-eat breakfasts and dinners. You ride the stages using GPS on pre-planned routes, with two well-stocked feed stations along the way and technical support available in case of equipment issues.
Photo: beautiful deserted gravel roads. © Koen Theys
Each day, riders could start between 8 am and 9 am, choosing between the standard route of approximately 105 km or the XL version of about 120 km. Opting for the standard route totals 515 km with 9,100 meters of elevation gain. For those who chose the XL route each day, the distance reaches 600 km with 10,800 meters of elevation gain.
No need to decide in advance, as you can choose on the go which route to take. The XL version follows the standard route but adds extra gravel loops here and there. The routes strike a perfect balance, with 60% on gravel roads and 40% on paved ones. Out on the gravel sections, you feel like you're in the middle of nowhere. Miles of serene, deserted roads and breathtaking landscapes make you feel like the king (or queen) of gravel at every turn.
Photo: a beautiful blend of asphalt and gravel. © Koen Theys
Each stage featured two well-supplied feed stations with fruit, cookies, chips, and daily surprises like pancakes, donuts, and muffins, plus SiS bars and sports drinks. Technical support was available through the mobile Trek Service Point in case of breakdowns (more on that later).
The five stages offered great variety, making for an ideal gravel experience. In Luxembourg, the terrain was rougher and more technical, while in Belgium and Germany, the trails were more rolling, with the occasional challenging hill. The final stage into Heerlen featured more descending than climbing, making it a faster ride. The last feed station was at the 'Drielandenpunt' (Three-Country Point), signaling the start of the finale, where riders could finish on a podium to cheering supporters and upbeat music. It was a fitting end to a fantastic The Ride Gravel—though the real highlight might have been the well-earned fries afterward, especially since the 2024 edition was far from dry.
Photo: plentiful feed stations, including this salad bar. © Koen Theys
As the name suggests, a gravel bike is your best choice. Here are a few tips:
Alternatively, you could also use a mountain bike, cyclocross bike, or endurance bike with wide tires and a wide gear range.
We stayed at five different campsites, either in your own tent or one provided by the organizers, which was set up and taken down for you each day. I opted for the Royal Tent, which included a camp bed with a mattress, a chair, a bike rack, and a battery pack for charging your phone, bike computer, and other gadgets. Transportation of the tents and your luggage was all handled by the organizers. If you prefer hotels, the organizers can arrange that as well.
© FatPigeons / The Ride Gravel
Each campsite featured a Rider's Village, complete with a large covered area for meals, a bar, a coffee corner (provided by Il Magistrale Cycling Coffee), a campfire, charging stations for electronics, and—last but not least—the Trek Service Point for repairs.
Photo: the Rider's Village from above. © FatPigeons / The Ride Gravel
Every evening, a briefing was held in the village to discuss the next day's ride, including the location of feed stations and any points of interest (such as ditches, fences, or steep descents). Safety is paramount at The Ride Gravel, so participants are checked in at the start, at feed stations, and at the finish. If you're not checked in by the cut-off, someone will call to ensure you're okay.
Photo: the daily briefing. © Koen Theys.
The Trek Service Point was available at each campsite and feed station to handle repairs. I personally needed their help on day two. After a rainy night, the trail became quite muddy, and just five kilometers in, I slipped and broke my derailleur hanger. I called the pre-arranged Ride Gravel Emergency Hotline and shared my location. They sent me a location pin via WhatsApp, and the broom truck picked me up after a short walk through the mud. At the next feed station, the Trek mechanics fixed my bike, and I was able to continue—luckily, no DNF for me!
Photo: top-notch mechanical support from Trek. © Koen Theys
The Trek team—Jeroen, Martin, and Roy—were always ready to help, both on the road and at camp. Whether it was brake pad replacements, bleeding brake lines, or installing new tires, they did it all! In return for their free services, participants could make donations to KiKa (Children Cancer-Free Foundation). By the end of the event, Trek raised €1,692.50, which was rounded up to €2,000 by The Ride Gravel, all of which went to KiKa.
Photo: riding through the woods. © FatPigeons / The Ride Gravel
After each stage, you could clean your bike using Dynamic Bike Care products, ensuring it was ready for the next day. I became a fan of their chain degreaser!
The Ride Gravel is much more than just cycling. It's a social event, where the energy of the 50+ volunteers, staff, and participants kept the mood high throughout the day. This started with the bus ride from Heerlen to Echternacherbrück. Your luggage was packed in a sturdy, waterproof duffel bag (yours to keep), sent ahead by the organizers, and your bike was securely transported in a trailer. The event's quality is outstanding, and the pricing (€730 early bird, €859 regular) is more than reasonable for what you get.
I was there on my own, but I quickly struck up conversations and rides with the volunteers and my fellow gravel riders. Every day, I was eager to hear how my new friends had experienced their day, listening to all the details by the bar or around the campfire until the sandman came along. Good night and see you tomorrow!
Would I ride it again? DEFINITELY YES!
Want to know more about The Ride Gravel? The 2025 edition takes place from September 7 to 11. You can find all the info at the-ride-gravel.cc.
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