The fully booked GVR Milestone Challenge began early in the morning at Waldfrieden and ended for the last finishers by the light of their bike lights. The Heidelberg cycling group GVR had limited the number of participants to 300. During the Everesting challenge, road cyclists, gravel bikers and recreational cyclists were able to take part in the community event between 9 am and 1 pm. Many visitors stayed longer than planned and cheered on the Everesting participants along the route.
The rise and its history
The Weisser Stein is 5.3 kilometres long and has an elevation gain of 360 metres. It is considered the most popular climb in the Rhine-Neckar region. Runners are familiar with the hill through the ‘Puls am Berg’ event organised by TSG Germania Dossenheim. Since 2025, it has also become well known amongst cyclists thanks to Project Milestone. Together with the municipality of Dossenheim, the GVR installed Germany’s first kilometre markers along the route, modelled on the French system.
The first GVR Milestone Challenge 2025 has already attracted several hundred participants. This year’s event was once again fully booked. Participants travelled to Dossenheim from various regions of Germany and from Switzerland. Stefan Herr launched Project Milestone together with Birgit Kerber and the GVR. He explains what motivated them: “Two years ago, we were tackling the big climbs in the Alps and the Pyrenees and said to ourselves: ‘How lovely it would be to bring a bit of this cycling culture back home.’”
Participants in the Milestone Challenge
Ariane Richter, the 2024 German Ultracycling Champion, took part in the event. Swiss ultra-endurance athlete Marc Büchel, a former Everesting record-holder, was also on the starting line. Richter describes her impressions: “I compete in races and long-distance events all over Europe. What has been created here is something special. You don’t often experience this combination of community, challenge and support along the route.”
Michael Kneip, who successfully completed the Everesting, praised the organisers: “I have never taken part in an event that was organised with such enthusiasm, passion and tireless dedication to the participants.” Petra Blender took part in the Community Edition in 2025 and 2026 and volunteered in 2026. She highlights the atmosphere: “The combination of sporting challenge and community spirit is what makes this event so special for me. You feel welcome straight away.”
Milestone Challenge Organisation
The municipality of Dossenheim closed the route from Waldfrieden to Weißen Stein to public transport for the first time. This created a safe environment for participants and visitors. Mayor David Faulhaber supports the project: “At the event, I sensed a special atmosphere, alongside the professional organisation and execution. People support one another, cheer each other on and spend a day together on the mountain.”
Volunteers made the event possible. The Dossenheim branch of the German Red Cross (DRK) and the Weißer Stein mountain restaurant supported the event as local partners. Co-operation with the relevant authorities was necessary in order to close the route to traffic.
Awards and documentation
Every finisher received a bespoke GVR Milestone as a memento. The organisers list all successful Everesting participants in the Hall of Fame on GVR.cc. This digital record preserves their achievements for posterity.
The organisers are planning further editions. Following the Kilometersteine, two Milestone Challenges and the first Everesting Edition, the Weiße Stein is set to remain a regular meeting place for cyclists. The combination of sporting challenge and community spirit is at the heart of the event’s concept.
Kristian Bauer
Editor
