Lauf Gritfest is a gravel enduro event held in the Cambrian hills, Wales, UK. It’s the product of A Cycling, a company run by top Welsh rider Matt Page and his wife Nia, that is known for several popular and challenging events. This year was the fourth edition and finally back in its full guise after a hiatus in 2020 and a scaled-back version last year to fit with pandemic restrictions. Full guise meant plenty of atmosphere and entertainment to go alongside the premium route of 140km and 3300m climbing with six-timed stages across two days. 

"The fleet enjoying some shelter from the rain".        Image @Rachel Sokal

Doing my pre-event packing in temperatures of over 30^oC, for a weekend of bike racing and camping when the forecast predicted torrential rain for the first 24 hours, is a confusing affair. Fortunately, the messages pinging in from friends already at the venue sparked me to put in extra pairs of riding shoes and empty my drawers of kit to give me an almost infinite combination of sleeves and waterproofs. 

With vans parked and tents pitched we enjoyed a beer in the Friday evening sunshine and convinced ourselves there would be bright skies the next day too. 

Dry skies early on Saturday lulled the riders into a false sense of security before the heavens opened ahead of the race. With waterproofs donned we headed to the start line for day one’s 80km. Despite the weather there was a cheery atmosphere and plenty of excited chat between riders as we rolled out along the idyllic Welsh country lanes. 

"Full-on focus over the top" Image @Adam Titley

The cheer – or at least certainly the chat – was short lived as the course turned up and took us up a steep gravel track to the start of the first stage. It was at this point I first regretted giving all my attention to packing my clothes and ignoring my bike - perhaps I should have done something to change my usual flat-riding gearing to something more suitable for the inclines of Wales. 

"Following the fast line on the descent" Image @Anthony Pease

At the top of the climb riders congregated: removing layers, demisting glasses and attempting to rid their legs of lactic acid before heading into the first stage. The 6 km of gradual uphill was a torturous lesson to me that I not only should have gone for a smaller chain ring, I probably should have done a bit less chatting and a bit more breathing on the transition climb too. 

"Riders got a quick breather as they rolled towards the first stage on day 2". Image @Rachel Sokal

The second stage was an epic - nearly 20 km of undulating trails on ever changing grades of gravel. The riders at the side of the trail fixing punctures were a sharp reminder to balance all-out speed with keeping bike and self in one piece. 

"It wouldn’t be Wales if it wasn’t wet". Image @Anthony Pease

Congratulating myself for my working bike we rolled our way to stage three (perhaps ‘rolled’ isn’t quite the right word for winching up a 20% gradient climb) and into the 8 km of stage three and its punchy climbs and drifting descents. With timed stages in the bag took we had chance to take in even more of the epic scenery as we made our way round Llyn Brianne reservoir and back to base. Now we were back on tarmac we could finally clear our glasses of the wet dust splatter and be thankful that the weather had been nothing as bad as the forecast. 

"Rolling trails, rolling hills"    Image @Anthony Pease

Back at event central riders made good use of the bike and person washing facilities and array of food and drink outlets to recover from the day’s riding. Then the rain really came down, so we hid in our tents until the evening brought out the sunshine, entertainment and some very dodgy dancing in front of a very lively local band. 

"Bi-lingual road instructions" Image @Rachel Sokal

Day two was a much drier and shorter affair although the fact that the 60 km route included 1,500 m of climbing meant I continued to curse my relaxed attitude to selecting gearing. At least the day’s stages were predominately downhill and so riders could pace their tired legs up the hills. 

"Swooping through the old lead mine" Image @Anthony Pease

The first two stages were fun and fast but with plenty of kicks and flats which meant you were never entirely off the pedals. The most fun was saved for the last stage with a spectacular fast descent on a winding track through an old lead mine. The only downside is that there was no chance to stop and take it all in.   

"Recommended recovery fuel" Image @Rachel Sokal

Gritfest is a superb event both on and off the bike. The course is brilliantly put together balancing the fun and the challenge. There’s a load of other stuff to occupy and entertain you too whether it be the beauty of the scenery, the spot prizes from the sponsors, the gravy on the chips or the dodgy dancing. I’ll be back next year, albeit with far more sensible gearing. 

Cover image @Anthony Pease