With the appeal of gravel cycling at an all-time high, you see many multi-day gravel events springing up. From a nice weekend gravelling in the Eifel, to real wear-and-tear events lasting a week (or longer). All in all, there is plenty of choice for gravel enthusiasts who would like to tick off a multi-day gravel event in Europe and come home with stories for life. To get you in the mood for 2024, we have selected some cool events for you. Where will you be going next year?
Bohemian Border Bash
When you say multi-day gravel events, Bohemian Border Bash cannot be missed. Vendelín Ondřej Veselý is the organiser of the Bohemian Border Bash Camp, a multi-day gravel event on the border between Germany and the Czech Republic. You actually have a collection of events, because besides this 'Camp' you also have the Bohemian Border Bash Race and you have the Border Bash Aragon. The latter is obviously not in the 'Bohemia', but in Spain. If you join the camp then you can prepare for everything that makes gravel so beautiful. The routes in the region are insane, the atmosphere is nice and loose and you can choose accommodation that varies between 'basic' and 'basic plus'. More information on these events can be found via the link of Border Bash.
The Traka - Girona
Girona is a cycling destination par excellence. Half the professional world pitches its tent there, or organises its training camp. Because Girona is cycling and cycling is Girona. That this is also a perfect base for a gravel weekend is proven by 'The Traka Girona' . Part of the Gravel Earth Series, this four-day event is one of the better events in Europe. Different routes and options for different levels. It is a limited event, with 'ultra distance' riders having priority. You also have to show that you can handle it. What do you get in return? A lot of beautiful routes and views. For the 560km variant, you do have to set aside a few days, but that was precisely the intention. Oh yes, this one is also self-sufficient, point to note.
Gravel Tro Breizh
Brittany never disappoints. At least, if you go for really challenging cycling routes. On road bikes, you'll already find the 'Tro Bro Leon', but the Gravel Tro Breizh is another multi-day gravel event you'll want to put on your list. The event takes you along the trails and small roads of this French region between land and sea. Every year, the route is completely redesigned. This year (2024), the 1250-km route must be completed within less than 180 hours (7 days and 12 hours).
Starting from Lac de Tremelin in the heart of the mythical Brocéliande forest, you traverse Brittany with its wide variety of terrains and landscapes. There is a loop to the west and there you will find the famous 'wild coast of Brittany' overlooking the Atlantic Ocean. Are you ready for it? Then head quickly to the site of the organiser Erminig.
Grinduro
Grinduro is an umbrella for multiple, multi-day gravel events in Europe and also in the US. The events in Europe for 2024 are only in Germany, with the 'Eifel' as a classic. Previous editions have included Italy, Wales and those outside Europe include the US and Japan. The Grinduro events are a nice mix of real races and a 'party atmosphere'. Not for nothing do they say themselves: the perfect party-to-race ratio. The advantage of these events is that you are at a fixed location and start graveling for three days. This is a bit different from a real multi-day gravel/bikepacking tour. More information on participation, locations, routes, etc. can be found on the site of Grinduro.
Gravelty Tuscany
If you do want to cycle the beautiful routes of the Strade Bianche one day, then it might be an idea to join one of the Gravelty Tuscany events. Surely this multi-day event series from NL Tour Rides stands out from the other options offered by this organiser. In four days you cross Tuscany and in 2023 there was a strong collaboration with OFM. That these routes are not just for men is shown by the fact that ladies also participate in the OFM. events. The first two editions in Tuscany were sold out and in October 2024 two new events are scheduled again. These tours are fully catered for, including luggage transport, care and everything you would expect from a 'fully catered trip'. More info via the site of NLTOURrides
Nature is Bike - Angers
Last year, we already had a taste of the beautiful event in France. It is clear that this is here to stay and a nice challenge for everyone. That is why it is on this list. You have several days of different types of routes and three days of gravel fun. The care is top-notch. Even last year, when the weather threw a spanner in the works, the organisers were on hand to make sure everything ran smoothly. Read more about our experience here. If you would also like to join this year, you can find the link to the registration and all the find information here.
Falling Leaves Lahti
That the organisers of the Nordic Gravel Series know what they are doing is proven by Falling Leaves Lahti. What a cool event it is! Not only can you gravel nicely here, the party atmosphere is also top notch! Note: beer is expensive, so better by the water. Besides these events, the organiser has a bunch of other events to match the growing demand for cool gravelevents. Falling Leaves Lahti gives you multi-day gravel fun in the beautiful setting of Finland and Lahti. Another tip: if you can't make it on that exact date, there is also the possibility of a multi-day tour with the organisers on alternative dates! Check those options here. And for all about the event go to this link.
