Gravel Rally Rhine Valley 2026

Having dust on the frame 💨 is good, but having a smile on your face while crossing a border is even better 😉.

Located in the city of Freiburg 📍, in the heart of the magnificent Baden-Württemberg region in Germany 🇩🇪, the Gravel Rally Rhine Valley is a must-attend event of mid-May. Over three days 📆, the event transforms the volcanic massif of the Kaiserstuhl 🌋 into a paradise for gravel enthusiasts and wine-growing landscapes 🍷. The organization offers five major events to satisfy all desires: the "Milan" and its 160 km for 1,700 mD+, the "Wild Rose" ("Poker Ride Red") of 90 km for 1,100 mD+, or the "Grasshopper" ("Poker Ride Blue") of 65 km for 1,300 mD+. We haven't forgotten about the adventurous hikers with the "Overnighter" of 300 km and 3,000 mD+ over two days or the 140 km and 1,500 mD+ format 🚴. Another course "Q-Rallye", with challenges to complete via an app, over 50 km and 800 meters of elevation gain is also offered! 🤙

Here, it's not about a time-trial race ⏱️, but an authentic race where riding pleasure takes precedence 😁. The route starts from Eichstetten am Kaiserstuhl to explore the rugged ridges ⛰️ and the plains bordering the Rhine 💦. You'll ride on the lands of the Propain Gravel Rally Series, like a pro 😎. You'll face a nice variety of terrains: winding forest trails 🌲, stony vineyard paths 🪨 and grassy sections that require good grip 🛞. The large format route will even take you into Alsace, on the French side 🇫🇷, for a perfect mix of gravel paths and picturesque villages 🏘️. The steep climbs in the vineyards will put your legs to the test 📈, but the smooth descents to the plain will quickly make you forget the effort 😜.

And what's this about poker? 🤔 Is this race a bluff? 🥸 No way! The "Poker Ride" are fun events accessible to all gravel lovers! 🥰 No need to be an experienced athlete or a time-chaser 😬, it's your hand that counts! ✋ At five different stations along the route (like the fingers on your hand 🙃), you'll draw your winning cards with poker faces ♦️. It's not the pilot's speed that will pay off in the end, but it's the best card combination that will win! ♣️ A different way to approach your race, and guaranteed fun for all 🤪.

As for the atmosphere, the event cultivates an authentic and friendly spirit 🎉, far from the stress of classic pelotons 😊. You can rely on a team of attentive volunteers to liven up refreshments that are out of the ordinary 🥨. Forget tasteless gels, here you'll enjoy local Flammekueche 🍕 and even some local wine tastings (with moderation on the pedals, of course ⚠️). The race village, set up in a winegrowers' cooperative 🌾, becomes the ideal rallying point with its test bike exhibition and BBQ evenings 🍖 and vinyl music 💽. It's the perfect opportunity to share your course anecdotes over a good meal as the sun sets over the hills of the Kaiserstuhl 🍷.

Your weekend doesn’t stop once the bike is back in the garage ❌. We suggest you take advantage of the post-race for a total immersion in the local culture 🏰. You can visit the historical center of Freiburg im Breisgau with its famous cathedral, or opt for a quieter stroll in 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 thermal baths in Bad Krozingen offer a welcome relaxing break 💆‍♀️. End your stay with a walk in the Rhine nature reserves to observe birds before hitting the road again 🦅.

Prepare your panniers, the Rhine Valley just waits for your pedal kick to start the season 😝.