The Ewald Colliery in Herten will once again host the Gravel Festival from 11 to 13 September 2026. Following its inaugural edition in 2025, Gravel Ground by Maxxis is returning to the former colliery site. The three-day event combines races, an expo and tours centred around gravel bikes. The industrial setting of the disused coal mine provides the backdrop for the festival.
Gravel Ground Expo
More than 50 exhibitors will be showcasing the latest trends and bikes at the Expo. Visitors can test the bikes directly on the neighbouring Hoheward slag heap and the surrounding gravel tracks. Admission to the Expo is free on all three days. Workshops and talks by experts provide insights into gravel bikes, kit and riding techniques.
Gravel Ground Race Formats
Saturday’s ROSE Scary Gravel ride takes participants over the Hoheward slag heap. The route is 45 kilometres long and includes 750 metres of elevation gain. The event is open to gravel riders aged 16 and over. On Friday, the ‘Legend of the Halde’ mountain time trial will take place for the first time. Participants will complete the 2.6-kilometre route, with 80 metres of elevation gain, as an individual time trial against the clock.
The new children’s race, ‘Gravel Ground Rockets’, is aimed at children born between 2014 and 2021. The young riders will compete in front of an audience on their own course. The North Rhine-Westphalia Cycling Association is providing the Velo Tiade course. This skills course for children aged eight to 14 is open on Saturday and Sunday. Registration takes place on site.
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Tours and supporting programme
The event partner, radrevier.ruhr, is organising a programme of free tours. The range of tours on offer extends from relaxed beginner’s tours to more challenging routes and urban sightseeing tours. The Nightrides from 2025 are also making a comeback. Guided tours of the training mine offer exclusive insights into mining history.
A stage programme, a party and local food and drink round off the line-up at Zeche Ewald. Camping facilities are available right on the event site. Registrations for the ROSE Scary Schotter, the Legend of the Halde and the children’s race are now open.
Kristian Bauer
Editor
