Grevet #1 '25: Gravel Paradise: Lost Places

Kick off the Gravel Season with a passage through time!

Winter isn’t exactly known as a bike-friendly season. But when the first rays of sun tentatively break through the clouds, the days gradually get longer, and the first flower buds discover the light of the world, even the last cyclists awaken from their winter hibernation—just in time for the start of the Vienna Grevet Quartet 2025.

To kick off the Gravel season, the first Grevet, “Gravel-Paradise: Lost Places,” takes us back to a nearly forgotten chapter of the city’s history: to the places where, in the 19th century, brick factories sprouted due to the rapidly growing capital and the demand for building materials. On buttery-smooth gravel paths, this Grevet guides you past abandoned buildings and one of the oldest and most complex canal systems in Europe—which, incidentally, flows in the British style on the left side.

But beware: don’t get too distracted by the picturesque route and accidentally ride into the Großmittel military training area. With momentum, we roll along fields, canals, and forest paths toward Wiener Neustadt. Back in civilization (Wiener Neustadt), you'll have one last chance to refuel your energy and snack reserves before the toughest part of the route awaits. The climb to Steinkogel on enchanted forest trails is a steady uphill, pleasantly challenging, and will get your heart pumping—until you finally reach the summit. A perfect spot to pause and enjoy the stillness of nature.

The descent on gravel forest roads toward Bad Sauerbrunn will have you cheering, as it’s ideal for picking up speed without too much technical terrain. Once there, a slice of cake with whipped cream and an espresso await you before you head back via field paths toward Zillingdorf, through Ebreichsdorf and Achau, and on to Maria Enzersdorf. A perfect ride to get a feel for long distances and to prepare for tougher routes.

WTF is a Grevet?

Grevet (pronounced gre-vé) is a fusion of two words: “gravel” and “brevet”. Essentially, it’s a long-distance cycling challenge, but with a twist! Instead of staying on the smooth asphalt, Grevets take you on a journey “where the pavement ends.”
Whether you’re an experienced cyclist looking for a new challenge or an occasional cyclist in search of an adventure, a Grevet is a chance to push your limits, explore new horizons and make unforgettable memories in the process.

Grevet events are carefully crafted routes that ensure participants are properly introduced to the world of long-distance cycling. Each event is designed to gradually prepare cyclists both mentally and physically for ultra-distance challenges. From the outset, riders are guided through a carefully structured series of routes ranging from 125 to 400 kilometers, which correspond to classic randonneur distances on asphalt in terms of performance demand and average riding time.

Four Grevets will take place in Austria in 2025:
**GREVET #1: Gravel Paradise: Lost Places
APRIL 05 - APRIL 27:📍130 km / 650 m elevation gain **
GREVET #2: Extinction
03 MAY - 25 MAY📍185km / 1600 m elevation gain
GREVET #3: Bohemian Borderlands
07 JUNE - 29 JUNE📍220 km / 2200 m elevation gain
GREVET #4: Land of 1000 hills
05 JULY - 27 JULY📍250 km / 4500 m elevation gain

The first date per Grevet is our “Social Ride”, where we set off in a group – always on the first Saturday of the month. Although it is no classic group ride due to the distance and profile of the routes, we encourage participants to form small groupettos. The members of the Kurbel Kollektiv Wien ride with you and are there for you if you need help. Otherwise, you have three weeks to complete the rides on your own!

The Grevet series was created in Berlin by @grevet_cycling and is presented you in Austria by @kurbelkollektivwien. It’s the ideal preparation for long and ultra distance events and to become an experienced bikepacker. Once you have completed the entire series, you will also be more than ready to take part in the “Supergrevet” from Vienna to Berlin (https://supergrevet.grevet.de/).

Grevets are explicitly not a race, although there will be a finishers list at the end to encourage you to get through those tough moments in the saddle!
And last but not least, we want to encourage you to push your own limits, but also offer a welcoming atmosphere and real team spirit! We welcome people of all genders and experience levels to participate.

You can find a detailed description of the route and all registration information here