Gravel Rallye Rhine Valley

Dust on the frame 💨 is cool, but crossing a border with a smile on your face is even better 😉.

Located in the town of Freiburg 📍, in the heart of the stunning region of Baden-Württemberg in Germany 🇩🇪, the Gravel Rallye Rhine Valley establishes itself as a must-attend mid-May. Over three days 📆, the event transforms the volcanic massif of the Kaiserstuhl 🌋 into a dream for gravel enthusiasts and wine-country scenery 🍷. The organizers offer five major events to satisfy every appetite: the "Milan" and its 160 km for 1 700 mD+ , the "Wild Rose" ("Poker Ride Rouge") of 90 km for 1 100 mD+ , or the "Grasshopper" ("Poker Ride Bleu") of 65 km for 1 300 mD+ . We also remember the adventure-loving hikers with the "Overnighter" from 300 km and 3 000 mD+ over two days or the format of 140 km and 1 500 mD+ 🚴. Another route "Q-Rallye", with challenges to tackle via an app, on 50 km and 800 meters of positive elevation is offered! 🤙

Here, we’re not talking about a time trial ⏱️, but an authentic race where the joy of riding takes precedence . The course begins from Eichstetten am Kaiserstuhl to explore the ridges ⛰️ and the plains that border the Rhine 💦. You’ll ride on the lands of the circuit Propain Gravel Rally Series, like a pro 😎. You’ll face a beautiful diversity of surfaces : winding forest trails 🌲, vine-dotted rocky paths gravel roads and grassy sections demanding good grip 🛞. The long-format course will even take you into Alsace, on the French side 🇫🇷, for a perfect mix of gravel lanes and picturesque villages 🏘️. The dry climbs through the vineyards will push your legs to the limit 📈, but the smooth descents toward the plain will quickly make you forget the effort 😜.

By the way, what’s this poker thing about? 🤔 Could this race be a bluff? 🥸 Not at all! The "Poker Ride" are playful challenges accessible to all gravel lovers! 🥰 No need to be a seasoned athlete or a chrono freak 😬, it’s your hand that counts! ✋ Across five stations spread along the course (like fingers on a hand 🙃), you’ll draw your winning cards with poker face ♠️. It’s not the rider’s speed that will win in the end, but the best card combination! ♣️ A different way to approach your race, and guaranteed fun for everyone 🤪.

On the vibe front, the event cultivates an authentic, friendly spirit 🎉, far from the stress of standard pelotons 😊. You’ll have a volunteer team going the extra mile to staff unconventional aid stations 🥨. Forget bland gels, here we savor local Flammekueche pizzas 🍕 and even some wine tastings from the region (drinking responsibly on the pedals, of course ⚠️). The race village, housed in a winegrowers’ cooperative 🌾, becomes the perfect gathering spot with its test bikes expo and its barbecue evenings 🍖 and vinyl music 💽. It’s the chance to share your parcours stories over a good meal as the sun sets on the the Kaiserstuhl hills 🍷.

Your weekend doesn’t stop once you park the bike in the garage ❌. We suggest taking part in an post-race immersion into local culture 🏰. You’ll visit the historic center of Freiburg im Breisgau with its famous cathedral, or opt for a calmer stroll through the streets of Endingen. For families or thrill-seekers, the must-see Europa-Park is just a few kilometers away 🎢. If your calves need a break, the Bad Krozingen thermal baths offer a welcome relaxation pause 💆‍♀️. Finish your stay with a stroll through the Rhine’s reserves to birdwatch before you hit the road 🦅.

Pack your bags, the Rhine Valley is waiting for your pedal stroke to kick off the season 😝.