The connection between Swedish author Astrid Lindgren, creator of the beloved Pippi Longstocking series, and gravel riding may not be immediately obvious to those outside Sweden. The organisers of the Lönneberga Gravel, set to take place in early September, hope to change that, however, by guiding participants through the picturesque landscapes that inspired and featured in many of Lindgren’s most celebrated stories.  

“Småland is a landscape of stories. Biking through its vast forests and past the abundance of red cottages, it is not hard to imagine how this area inspired the setting in many of Astrid Lindgren's works.” That’s the description used by the organisers of this year’s Lönneberga Gravel event to help entice gravel riders from around the world to sign up. This year's event, which is scheduled for September 5th is the fifth time the event has been held and will follow the if-it’s-not-broken-don’t-fix-it approach of offering a choice of three different distances:  70 km with 950 m climbing, 100 km with 1400 m climbing and 165 km with 2200 m climbing. The routes combine both timed and non-timed sections, with the timed sections requiring a Strava account for anyone interested in finding out what their cumulative time was. 

Despite the inclusion of timed sections, the organisers are at pains to point out that “Lönneberga Gravel is not an official race but a recreational event focused on adventure and experience. Of course, you have the opportunity to challenge yourself and others when traffic conditions allow, at your own risk and responsibility.” The routes are described as following“undulating gravel roads, farming roads through the forests, a few singletracks and some short sections of tarmac to catch your breath. The roads are chosen with care to provide beautiful sights and experiences along the route, with as little car traffic as possible.”

Although the ethos of the event is that it is self-led and you need to be self-reliant, the organisers are also putting on two guided groups for the 100 and 165km routes -  the guides will hold an average speed of 22 kph and there will be a backup vehicle available in case of mechanical or medical emergency. 

It wouldn’t be a Swedish event without some proper thought given to Fika, loosely defined as “taking a deliberate break to enjoy coffee, a sweet pastry and social connection.” Depending on which route option you take, there are up to three Fika stops included, with each one stocked with locally produced goodies. 

For anyone interested in turning the event into a long weekend, the organisers are also putting on the Småland Gravel Camp. The gravel camp includes a social ‘pre-ride’, entry into the Lönneberga Gravel and a guided social ride on the Sunday. Away from the bike, there are opportunities for lake swimming and saunas (it is Sweden after all). Dinners are included on the Friday and Saturday nights and lunch is included after the ride on the Sunday too. Participants will be provided with “pre-made bottles and energy gels” for the Lönneberga Gravel event and will also be able to access the appropriate fika stops.   

If all this has whetted your appetite, then head over to the Lönneberga Gravel website to find out all the details and to sign up. 

 All images courtesy of Chris Lanaway