I was already there back in 2025. With my camera, notebook and a broken heart, because I couldn’t take part. This year, I’ll be lining up at two starting lines, true to the motto ‘Better safe than sorry’. From 11 to 13 September, Gravel Ground is taking place for the second time at the Ewald Colliery in Herten. As always, the centrepiece of the gravel festival is the Expo: over 50 exhibitors will be showcasing their latest bikes, clothing and kit – free entry all three days. And best of all: nothing is just for show. You can take the test bikes out onto the Hoheward slag heap, so you can try them out at your leisure before making a purchase decision. Accessories are all there too, from A for Abus helmets to W for tools.
The sporting highlight of the weekend is the ROSE Scary Schotter gravel race on Saturday: 45 kilometres, 750 metres of elevation gain, open to anyone aged 16 and over. New and sure to get your heart rate soaring: the ‘Legend of the Halde’ mountain time trial on Friday evening – 2.6 kilometres, 80 metres of elevation gain. We’ve not forgotten the little ones either: ‘Gravel Ground Rockets’ is the name of the new children’s race, and there’s also the VeloTiade course for 8 to 14-year-olds. As for the races: cheering is expressly encouraged and gives almost as much energy as an energy gel.
Even if you don’t want to pin on a race number or cheer on the riders, there’s still plenty to enjoy: radrevier.ruhr is organising a free programme of rides across the Ruhr region, ranging from family rides and sightseeing tours to more challenging routes.
The stage programme also features events that made a lasting impression in 2025 with film premieres and lively book launches – the line-up for 2026 had not yet been finalised at the time of going to press. On Saturday evening, the Gravel Ground Open Night will bring the festival to a close right on the Expo grounds.
I’ve signed up for the mountain time trial and the gravel race, not just to challenge myself and see what I’m capable of, but also because, when I look at the start lists, I still too often notice a clear imbalance in one direction. Every woman on the starting line shifts the balance a little and might just give another woman the courage to give it a go herself. When I cross the finish line on 11 September, with my heart racing and my legs like jelly, I’d be delighted if there were lots of other women gasping for breath right beside me.
Whether it’s for races or rides, just to have a look, try things out, have a party – or to meet new people: Gravel Ground has something for everyone this September.
Gravel Ground 2026 – The Facts
Date: 11–13 September 2026 Location: Ewald Colliery, Herten (Ruhr region) Expo: Over 50 exhibitors; free admission on all three days
Race
- Legend of the Halde (Mountain time trial, new) – Fri, 5.30–6.30 pm, 2.6 km / 80 m elevation gain, separate classifications for women and men
- ROSE Scary Gravel – Sat, start at 12:00, 45 km / 750 metres elevation gain, ages 16 and over, entry fee €39 plus charges
- Gravel Ground Rockets (Children’s race, new) – Sun, 11.30 am–1.30 pm, born between 2014 and 2021
- VeloTiade Course – Sat & Sun, for 8- to 14-year-olds
Supporting programme: Free programme of tours with radrevier.ruhr, night rides, guided tours of the training mine, Morning Flow Yoga, stage programme, Gravel Ground Open Night (Sat, 6 pm–10 pm)
Camping: Motorhome, caravan and campervan pitch right next to the event site; bookings via Motorworld Herten
Registration: via racement.com for Scary Schotter and Legend of the Halde; for further information, see event.delius-klasing.de/gravel-ground
Sandra Schuberth
Editor
