presented by komoot
Five completely renewed awesome stages with even more gravel (all explored and pre-ridden by routemeister Jelmer) brought to you by komoot
The most beautiful paved and unpaved roads, paths, and trails
Daily choice between standard length stage (appr. 100 km, level: intermediate) or XL stage (up to 145 km, level: experts), both at least 60% off road
The event is perfect for riders from intermediate to expert level (In doubt of your level? Mail info@the-ride-gravel.cc for a check by our cycling trainer Erwin!)
Get ready for the ultimate gravel experience with The Ride Gravel 2025, powered by Shimano GRX! Here’s your first look at the routes—still being fine-tuned to ensure you have the greatest gravel week of your life. We’ve handpicked the finest gravel roads to deliver an unforgettable adventure, with every stage featuring at least 60% off-road. Prepare to immerse yourself in the breathtaking landscapes of the Netherlands, Germany, and Belgium. From the serene beauty of Maasduinen and Meinweg to the rugged terrain of the Eifel, the Hoge Venen, and Southern Limburg—this is gravel heaven.
The full routes for 2025 will be revealed well in advance and shared with participants via a special webinar, so you can get ready to ride! For each stage, you’ll have two options: the standard route (about 100 km) or the XL route, which adds 20-25 km and extra elevation for those who want an added challenge. The final stage will be the same for everyone, bringing us all together for a grand celebration at the Shimano Experience Center in Valkenburg.
Please note: routes are subject to change.
STAGE 1 - LAND van grind en zand start
arcen → landgraaf
400 M
STANDARD route
600 M
XL ROUTE
New for The Ride Gravel: we start in the Netherlands! This year, we begin in the North Limburg region, also known as “Het Land van Grind en Zand” (Land of Gravel and Sand)—a hidden gem for gravel lovers! The first stage will take you through incredible national parks like Maasduinen and Meinweg, guaranteeing an epic start to the ride. Since most of this stage is in the border regions, we’ll cross into Germany a few times along the way. It’s a bit longer, as the terrain is less hilly today.
landgraaf → nideggen
103 KM
1.600 M
121 KM
1.900 M
While the first stage was mostly flat, this second stage will take us into the stunning hills of Southern Limburg and the Eifel region. We’ll continue to find nearly perfect gravel roads—wide and easy to navigate. After tackling some challenging, gnarly hills in Southern Limburg, we’ll cross into Germany just south of Aachen. The Eifel is known for its peaceful forests, quaint villages, superb gravel roads, and very little traffic. The finish is in the picturesque town of Nideggen.
STAGE 3 - queens stage
nideggen → Prüm
105 KM
1.600 M
128 KM
2.000 M
Another gravel-filled day in Germany, another day in the gravel paradise of the Eifel. This stage takes us across the Eifel, from the eastern side to the southwest. Expect winding climbs followed by some steep ascents that will challenge your legs and your spirit. The campsite in Prüm will be a familiar stop for The Ride Gravel veterans, but this time, we'll approach it from a completely different direction, unveiling new parts of the region for you to explore and enjoy. As with Stage 2, you’ll ride through breathtaking forests and pass stunning lakes along the way.
stage 4 - classic gravel
Prüm → Hellenthal
104 KM
1.600 M
128 KM
2.000 M
While the direct distance between Prüm and Hellenthal is only around 40 kilometers via tarmac, we’ll take you on a winding adventure with extra loops to craft an unforgettable gravel experience. This stage is all about spectacular gravel roads, making it a true classic of The Ride Gravel—a fan favorite that always earns top ratings from our participants.
Once again, we’ll cross into Belgium, as the route takes us along the borders of both countries. If you keep your eyes peeled, you’ll notice the shift in landscape and architecture, with town and road signs changing, and occasional remnants from World War II scattered along the way. In addition to the Eifel, this stage will explore the beautiful Belgian region of Hautes Fagnes (the High Fens), another stunning area that gravel enthusiasts will love.
stage 5 - back home
Hellenthal → valkenburg
104 KM
1.600 M
no xl route
The final day of The Ride Gravel 2025—where every rider’s journey culminates in the glorious feeling of victory. Because to finish is to win! Expect a fast-paced day as we head toward the Lowlands, with more downhill than uphill riding. Today, we’ll cross three countries: starting in Germany, passing through Belgium, and finishing in the Netherlands.
The day kicks off with a ride through the charming, traditional village of Hellenthal, heading towards the dam lake to the north. From there, we’ll make our way to the picturesque town of Monschau—perfect for a photo op and a chance to soak in the views. After that, it’s time to climb out of Monschau (and trust us, it’s a tough one) to reach the highest point of the day.
Next, we’ll enter Belgium, riding through the stunning region of Hautes Fagnes (the High Fens), where you’ll encounter some smooth, mostly downhill cycling paths—ideal for letting your legs rest and recharge. After a relaxing stretch, we’ll continue further into Belgium, eventually making our way into the Netherlands. Here, more challenging gravel climbs will mark the final leg of our The Ride Gravel journey.
The finish line awaits at the Shimano Experience Center, where we’ll celebrate with a well-deserved Kwaremont beer and the finisher’s badge. You did it—you made it!
