After the COVID-19 pandemic, interest in ‘being outside’ has increased significantly. In fact, there was a real boom in the cycling scene, with every form of two-wheeled vehicle not being able to be taken for granted. Gravel bikes played a major role, and that has had its impact on the supply of gravel routes, bikepacking, and more. Although long-distance routes have been around for a long time, long-distance bikepacking routes are becoming increasingly popular. One of the forms in this context is the ‘divide’. There is an Iceland Divide, a GB divide, an European Divide Trail, and in the Netherlands the ‘divides’ seem to be appearing more and more frequently. We picked out a few for your inspiration. Most of these routes can also be ridden in segments, although the real stickers are handed out to those who complete the route in a long stage.
READ ALSO: Everything you want to know about bikepacking!
European Divide Trail
One route has to be the longest. That must have been sung in Andy Cox’s head when he set out to ‘find a different perspective on Europe’. From the northern tip at Grense Jakobselv in Norway to Cabo St Vincent in Portugal. To quote the creator: ‘The idea came to me when I was riding some of the more established bikepacking routes and found them technically and physically challenging for long trips over long distances. The route (EDT, red.) is conceived as a route in the same spirit as the Great Divide MTB route in the USA, a relatively non-technical crossing of this diverse and fascinating continent.’ Essentially, an unpaved touring route that, along the way, comes close to some of the already existing, technically challenging routes.’
That the European Divide Trail is not a ‘doggy-doo’ can be seen from the length; it is a real challenge with 7600 kilometers. On your adventure, you will cross 10 European countries. In the 7600 kilometers, you also have to cover quite a few elevation changes. Then you also have to take the weather into account. Because if you start in Norway, that can only really be in the summer/spring, but which month do you get out at the end? Well, time will tell. Do you want to know more about this route? Check the Pedaleurs podcast with Joren Kruit, He is one of the few finishers. He is actually driving it in the opposite direction (i.e. south-north).
Green Divide trail
We mix between projects that you have to plan months in advance and more manageable challenges. The Green Divide Trail, devised by professional adventurer Erwin Sikkens, The Green Divide is a 300-kilometer long nature trail through all the beauty that the Netherlands has to offer. With a length of 300 kilometers, the Green Divide is the longest green off-road bikepacking route in the Netherlands. Originally started as an idea to cycle from Zwolle to Arnhem on unpaved terrain, this has now become a multi-day nature trail. The Green Divide consists of two parts: the HUIER VALLEY DIVIDE and the VELUWE DIVIDE.
Erwin's Komoot collection contains lots of tips and tricks for this adventure. One of the most important ones:
- This route goes through the Loo Crown Estate and is therefore not accessible during parts of the year (September-December). Then there is the opportunity to do the ‘brown divide’.
- You don't need any MTB vignettes for this route.
- Always be sure to have enough water, especially in the summer. There are fewer water points in the Veluwe than in Utrecht.
Share your experiences of the trail with Erwin himself, via Insta!
The Veneto Divide
How beautiful it can be? Cycling in Italy and then also through the beautiful Veneto region. This region was already the backdrop for the Gravel World Championships, although that was mainly about paved roads back then. This Veneto Divide offers you a truly unique experience, because it has a serious number of elevation meters (over 13,000) in a relatively short distance (400 kilometers). You start at Lake Garda and end up on an east-facing route. You encounter really beautiful roads, but also challenging gravel routes. Exploring the fringes is the motto here. But you will be rewarded with beautiful views over the plains.
Great Britain Divide
Many of you will think: this is just LEJOG?? Yes, in a way, but the variation in this theme is that you actually get more green areas than in a regular race. LEJOG Challenge. Because most cyclists who cycle from Lands End to John O’Groats (LEJOG) go for a more direct, i.e. shorter route. This route includes the following national parks and ‘areas of oustanding natural beauty (AONB): Exmoor NP, Quantock Hills AONB, Mendip Hills AONB, Brecon Beacons NP, Cambrian Mountains (aka the Desert of Wales), Snowdonia NP, Yorkshire Dales NP, North Pennines AONB, Kielder Forest Park, Scottish Borders, Loch Lomond & the Trossachs NP, Cairngorm NP and the Scottish Highlands. If you really want to do something really cool, then you do this DIVIDE, which is almost 2000km long.
Expect everything here, from beautiful gravel paths, some asphalt, singletracks and everything within that spectrum. It’s an ode to Great Britain. Lachlan Morton rode it recently and that resulted in stunning photos by Dan Moghan. The 2000km with 30,000 meters of elevation gain is a multi-day affair. Plan it well in advance and take into account the British weather.
Altravesur – South Spain Divide
To complete this article, we have found another beautiful route for you. The South Spain Divide is almost 1350 kilometers long and goes from Cadiz to the east towards the coast near Valencia. So, it goes through Andalusia, and that is a beautiful cycling region. You go through the beautiful Natural Park near Granada. When you say Granada, you immediately think of ‘Alhambra’. You also pass through the Sierra de Cazorla in the province of Jaen on the way. Not enough nature? The park with the catchy name: Parque Natural de Los Calares del Mundo y de la Sima is on the list. With a finish in the cycling city of Valencia, on the Mediterranean coast, you won’t go wrong. Although, being wrong is a broad concept: after 1300 kilometers and almost 25,500 meters of elevation gain, you will definitely need some rest for your tender back.
On this route you will take part of the Transandalus and Transgranada cycling trails. However, keep in mind that there is a significant amount of hiking on this route, so you will have to use your bike for some of it.
Questions & tips
Do you have any questions about this route, or have you been there yourself? Share them here. We read everything and usually respond within a few days.