Gravel Rallye Rhine Valley

Having dust on the frame 💨 is one thing, but crossing a border with a smile on your face is even better 😉.

Located in the town of Freiburg 📍, at the heart of the stunning region of Baden-Württemberg in Germany 🇩🇪, the Gravel Rallye Rhine Valley stands out as a must-attend mid-May rendezvous. Over three days 📆, the event turns the Kaiserstuhl volcanic massif 🌋 into a gravel and wine-country paradise 🍷. The organization offers Kaiserstuhl 🌋 for gravel enthusiasts and scenic landscapes 🍷. It features five major events to satisfy every craving: 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+. Don’t forget the adventurers who hike with an "Overnighter" by 300 km and 3 000 mD+ over two days or the format of 140 km and 1 500 mD+ 🚴. Another "Q-Rallye", with challenges to tackle via an app, on 50 km and 800 meters of positive elevation are on offer! 🤙

Here, we're not talking about a time-trial race ⏱️, but an authentic ride where the joy of riding takes the spotlight 😁. The route starts from Eichstetten am Kaiserstuhl to explore the steep ridges ⛰️ and the plains along the Rhine 💦. You'll ride on the lands of the circuit Propain Gravel Rally Series, just like a pro 😎. You'll face a varied mix of surfaces: winding forest trails 🌲, vine paths gravel trails 🪨 and grassy stretches that demand solid grip 🛞. The full-format course will even take you into Alsace, on the French side 🇫🇷, for a perfect blend of gravel tracks and picturesque villages 🏘️. The dry climbs through the vineyards will push your legs to the limit 📈, but the smooth descents toward the plains will quickly make you forget the effort 😜.

By the way, what's this about a poker? 🤔 Could this race be a bluff? 🥸 Not at all! The "Poker Ride" are playful, accessible challenges for 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 winning cards with poker faces ♦️. It won't be the driver’s speed that pays at the end, but the best card combination! ♣️ A different way to tackle your race, with guaranteed fun for everyone 🤪.

On the vibe side, the event cultivates an authentic, friendly spirit 🎉, far from the stress of typical pelotons 😊. You’ll be looked after by a team of volunteers who go the extra mile to host unconventional feed zones 🥨. Forget flavorless gels; here we savor local Flammekueche pizzas 🍕 and even some wine tastings from the region (with pedal-friendly moderation, of course ⚠️). The race village, set in a grape grower cooperative 🌾, becomes the perfect rallying point with its test bikes exhibition and its barbecue nights 🍖 and vinyl music 💽. It's the opportunity to share your race stories over a good meal as the sun sets over the Kaiserstuhl hills 🍷.

Your weekend doesn’t stop once the bike goes away ❌. We recommend taking the post-race time for a full immersion in local culture 🏰. You’ll visit the historic center of Freiburg im Breisgau with its famous cathedral, or opt for a calmer wander through the streets of Endingen. Families or thrill-seekers alike can head to the world-famous Europa-Park just a few kilometers away 🎢. If your calves crave a rest, the Bad Krozingen thermal baths offer a welcome relaxation break 💆‍♀️. We wrap up the stay with a stroll through the Rhine reserves to watch birds before hitting the road 🦅.

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