Grenna Gravel

Regardless of the class, the day begins with locally roasted coffee and a briefing in picturesque Gränna before we embark on the adventure in Småland. During the ride, all senses will be engaged, and there will be coffee stops for those who wish at places like Bauergården in Bunn, Rudenstams in Äppledalen, and Gårdsrosteriet at Vistakulle. All offering locally sourced delights that will bring joy to our challenged bodies and senses along the way.

Speaking of challenges, there are nearly 2000 meters of elevation gain to conquer on the long route. We promise it will be felt whether you've opted for a leisurely day focusing on the views or if you're challenging your friends to see who can cycle the fastest. Whatever pace you maintain, you'll have a day on some of the best gravel roads in Småland (some even say in the world...) which we'll celebrate together with a well-deserved after-bike when we return to Gränna.

Menu

The menu offers three distances to choose from. All starting and finishing in Gränna.

Grenna Gravel 75 km / 1000 meters elevation

Grenna Gravel 100 km / 1400 meters elevation

Grenna Gravel 145 km / 1800 meters elevation competition class for those interested with a valid license)

All routes traverse beautiful gravel and paved roads, tractor paths, the occasional trail, and some short stretches of asphalt where you can refill your water bottle. The routes are carefully chosen to maximize scenic views and experiences while minimizing traffic. However, the roads are open to the public, and normal traffic rules apply.

Here's how it works

Grenna Gravel is both a training adventure and a race. Whatever you choose, it will be an extraordinary experience and adventure. You set your own pace. It's perfectly okay to collaborate with others along the way as long as it doesn't involve unnecessary risks.

Five days before the event, you'll receive suggestions for GPX files to navigate by yourself. It's not mandatory to follow the suggested route, but it's mandatory to complete the segments and, most importantly, visit the coffee stops. Please note that only the segments are part of the competition class; the rest of the route is transport. We'll have cycling guides on the routes for 100 km and 145 km respectively, for those who prefer to ride in a group and skip navigation. The guides will maintain an average speed of about 22 km/h.

If you choose the competition class, your time will be taken on 6-7 carefully selected segments, and it's a requirement to have a valid competition license (licenses can be obtained here), to use the training app Strava during the race or upload the session from your cycling computer, and to consent to us accessing your data from the day. You must also finish by 4 pm.

Throughout the day, our rolling service vehicle will be along the route in case you encounter any problems with your body or bike. We'll also be there as cycling guides to ensure everyone is doing well.

Estimated times for coffee stops

10:00 – 12:00 Noens Friluftsbad (48km)

A lovely gem where Maggan and Mona offer classic Abloc-style coffee which includes homemade caramel cookies, soft gingerbread, raspberry caves, rolls, etc. We top it off with coffee from Vista Gårdrosteri and Vitargo sports drink from Kalmar.

(This coffee stop is only reachable if you choose to do the 145 km route)

11:00 – 14:00 Bauergården in Bunn

(after 14, 30, or 89 km depending on the route)

Located in the enchanting Bauer Forest, Bauergården offers locally produced lunch coffee and a moment of peace by the lakeside for tired bodies needing to recharge.

11:00 – 15:00 Rudenstams Gårdsbutik and Café

(after 37, 61, or 111 km depending on the route)

In the heart of Äppledalen, you'll find locally produced apple magic in various forms and colors. Apple juice enjoyed with a fantastic view of the beautiful landscape is included in the entry fee. Feel free to purchase more goodies while you're there.

Start and finish

08:00 Morning coffee is ready, and the start opens at the harbor in Gränna for those who want to "sneak" off a little earlier.

09:00 Start Grenna Gravel 100 and 145 km

10:00 Start Grenna Gravel 75 km

15:00 - 18:00 After-bike in Gränna with food, cold non-alcoholic drinks from Carlsberg, apple cider from Rudenstams, and local ice cream from Grenna Glass, and last but not least, a locally produced wrap from Mar Around Gränna. Raffle and prize-giving for selected achievements.

17:00 Prize-giving for the competition class.

17:30 Finish line closes.

Equipment

We recommend cycling on a gravel bike or cyclocross with room for slightly wider tires or a mountain bike, and of course, the bike should be in good and safe condition. All participants must wear a helmet. Also, bring a power bank to charge your phone/cycling computer if needed. You must also bring spare parts to handle minor mechanical issues (pump, spare tube, chain lock, multi-tool, patches, etc.). Also, consider weather-appropriate clothing. We recommend bringing extra energy and plenty of water. You'll need a lot of fluids and some "cream for the legs" during this adventure, but there are several coffee stops where you can replenish both your stomach and bottles. Throughout the day, there will be a service vehicle on standby in case of any material or physical mishaps. In the event of a serious accident, we will, of course, call 112, but if anything else happens that prevents you from continuing, we will come and pick you up.

Your responsibilities as a participant

We have a few rules of conduct, and it's your responsibility as a participant to follow them:

• We ride on public and private roads, and all traffic rules apply.

• We respect our fellow road users.

• Whatever we bring out, we bring back.

• You are responsible for ensuring that both your body and bike are in suitable condition for the day. Participation is at your own risk.

• You have personal accident insurance.

• The right to participate in the competition class is given to cyclists who turn at least 15 years old during the calendar year and hold a competition license, recreational license, or purchase a one-time license at the time of the event. A one-time license costs 65 SEK and can only be purchased here.

• Stay home if you are sick.

Facts

Location: Gränna and surrounding areas

Date: 11/5, 08:00 – 18:00

Meals: Locally roasted coffee before the start

Two to three refreshment stations with locally produced snacks such as cookies, rolls, fruit, juice, soda, coffee

After-bike in collaboration with "Mat i Gränna" serving local wrap topped with good drinks and magical ice cream.

Other:

Prize-giving where all participants have the chance to win great prizes from our partners Opportunity for refreshing swims in Lake Vättern

Collaborating partners:

Mat i Gränna, Grenna Glass, Bauergården, Rudenstams, Vista Gårdsrosteri, Destination Jönköping, Craft, Trek, Wahoo, among others.

Accommodation suggestions:

Västanå Slott, Grenna Hotell, First Camp Gränna Bauergården

Bring along:

Bike in good condition with at least 35 mm wide tires, cycling computer (or mobile phone for navigation), helmet, spare tube, and basic tools. If you want to be on the safe side, a power bank for your phone and cycling computer can be handy to have in your back pocket. We have a number of cycling computers from our partner Wahoo to lend for the day with all routes preloaded. Please indicate in the comments when you register if you want to borrow one; first come, first served