The first Grinduro event outside of America was one of our highlights last year (check out Tom’s story here). Despite atrocious weather, those who made the trip universally reported back with tales of a great day out, great atmosphere and the best post-race party in the business.
It’s therefore fantastic to hear that the event is returning to the Isle of Arran for 2018 (July 14). It seems to be retaining everything that made it such a success last year – good news as far as we are concerned, and we are sure that word of mouth will guarantee that the race is bigger and better than ever.
Racing takes an “enduro” format, with timed stages linked together via a longer waymarked route. Here’s how the Grinduro team describe it:
In short, Grinduro is just what it sounds like: Gravel Grinder + Mountain Bike-Style Enduro = one long loop of pavement and dirt, where finishing times aren’t based on overall loop time, but four timed segments (each roughly five-to-ten minutes).
But Grinduro is not just a bike race. It’s a celebration of cycling with as much emphasis on the party as the ride, with excellent food, an impressive display of art and incredible handmade bikes, live music, free camping and a festival atmosphere.
The course is a serious affair (45 miles of rolling terrain) but the Grinduro isn’t meant to be a sufferfest. We’ve linked together some of our favorite roads and trails on the Isle of Arran. With spectacular scenery and a friendly pace, you’ll be in no big rush to find the finish line. The course features a mix of surfaces (smooth pavement, gravel and hard-packed dirt) with punchy climbs, flat out fire road and flowing natural singletrack descents. Riders will finally descend a cliff top to the shoreline with stunning coastal views.
With a Gran Fondo-style mass start from Lamlash, you’ll be pedaling out of town and up the first climb alongside your heroes and the pace will be conversational—because overall time doesn’t matter, only the four timed segments. The Grinduro segments (the exact sections will be shared two weeks prior to the event date) are designed to reward the most well rounded of rouleurs.
We loved the route last year, despite atrocious weather. It blended technical, entertaining riding with stunning scenery. Hopefully the cloud will be high enough to enjoy it all in 2018!
Keen? Submit your entry and get more details here.
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Such a fun weekend. Even the rubbish weather didn’t stop anyone from having fun… Really hope I can make it again.
Such a fun weekend. Even the rubbish weather didn’t stop anyone from having fun… Really hope I can make it again.