Alec Seaman is a photographer and videographer who has been to more than his fare share of Grinduro gravel races over the years. Here, he recounts his thoughts on what makes the Grinduro experience different to your average gravel bike race.
This isn’t a ride review. It’s not an account of any one Grinduro but one rider’s reflection of Grinduros in Switzerland, Wales, Italy and Pennsylvania. It’s what makes this global race series different and special. It’s how it crossed cycle’s tribal lines and brought riders of all disciplines together. It’s more than a race, it’s the Grinduro experience.
Live music blared out over dust-covered riders celebrating with beers in hand after a great day’s riding. Conversations drifted between the usual post-ride debate, ‘What’s the perfect bike for this course?’ or simply what was the best bit, when a ripple of excitement spread through the crowd. People stopped talking and turned toward the finish line. The buzz grew louder as Nick Weighall, a pro rider for BMC who had finished hours earlier, was spotted back on his bike as he passed under the finish arch and disappeared down the course once more in what would make this more than a race but the Grinduro experience.
Ten hours after the ride began, two riders remained on the course: Kyle, a young first-timer, and his dad. Declining the broom wagon, Kyle was determined to complete his first big ride under his own steam. Nick had heard about their efforts and headed back out to offer support.
Grinduro does have a prize giving, but there isn’t a ‘lantern rouge’ or ‘wooden spoon’ category – but as the last two riders, now joined by Nick, edged ever closer to the finish line, sponsors came forward with contributions for a prize to recognise this young rider’s effort.
Grinduro isn’t your typical race. Sure, there’s a start time, but it’s more of a suggestion than a rigid clock. If your morning coffee isn’t quite ready, don’t panic—you won’t be left behind. The race format focuses on timed segments rather than an overall time, which means the in-between sections can be as social or scenic as you want them to be.
Each course includes four segments, typically a mix of climbs, technical descents, singletrack, and fast fire-roads. The goal? To ensure that no one bike is perfect for the ride—every participant will find themselves slightly out of their comfort zone at some point. But that’s part of the charm. Riders bring what they have, and Grinduro welcomes them all.
At the end of each segment, aid stations offer more than just fuel. Whether it’s a bicycle propelled icecream vendor, ex-mountain bike enduro pro Mark Weir, grilling fries, or a wine tasting at a stunning Tuscan vineyard, these stops become mini-events in their own right, where riders regroup, share laughs, and prepare for the next stretch together.
In a famously tribal community, Grinduro creates a space where pros and beginners ride the same course, share the same struggles, and celebrate the same achievements. Where roadies ride with mountain bikers, and passionate discussions about the perfect basket are as likely to be overheard as the long debate over the relative merits of mechanical v electric shifting, or carbon v steel frames. Elitism has no place here—everyone is welcome, whether seasoned racers or first-time adventurers.
The beauty of the format lies in its ability to foster connections. Timed segments allow riders to push themselves, but the untimed sections encourage conversations, shared experiences, and plenty of high-fives. It’s not uncommon to see a pro offering tips to a newbie or a group of strangers banding together to tackle a tough climb.
Grinduro’s international presence also adds a unique flavour. Each event reflects the culture and landscape of its location, from the rugged Highlands of Scotland to the sunny trails of California. Despite regional differences, the spirit of Grinduro remains the same: a celebration of cycling and community.
To call it a “party” feels like an understatement. From the moment you arrive, Grinduro radiates a festival-like energy. Riders set up vibrant tented communities while live music plays, and sponsor brands roll out BBQs, gin-tasting stands, and even pop-up barbershops, and these aren’t new additions or a response to a new trend; that is how Grinduro has always been; brands can’t come just to put a stand in the village; they need to be out on the course participating too.
The entire weekend is about connection—catching up with old friends, making new ones, and swapping stories over food and drinks. By the time Saturday’s ride wraps up, the transition to celebration is seamless. Bands and DJs keep the energy high, while chill-out zones and fire pits offer spaces to unwind. It’s not just an event—it’s a shared experience that perfectly balances the thrill of the ride with the joy of community.
Now entering its tenth year, Grinduro has grown from a single event in California to a global series that has spanned eight countries. It’s easy to assume a large corporation must run such a polished operation, but Grinduro remains a labour of love.
Initially created by Dain Zaffke while leading the global marketing for Giro, Grinduro was envisioned as a way to bring all Giro’s partners together on a single ride. In 2017, Paul Errington and James Deane of Northern Consultancy Co. took the reins, turning it into a global phenomenon. Today, the duo have run the series independently since 2022, working with local partners to ensure each event retains its regional authenticity while staying true to the Grinduro spirit.
Zaffke, now at Leatt, continues as a mentor to the Purple Party, proud to see his creation still flourishing after all these years.
Dain Zaffke
Paul Errington
James Deane
The crowd craned their necks to catch a glimpse of the final riders, the first shapes appeared in the distance. Kyle and his dad, escorted by Nick, rounded the last corner and crossed the finish line to thunderous applause 11 hours, 10 minutes and 5 seconds after the start. For everyone there, it wasn’t just the end of a ride—it was a reminder of why, no matter how we ride, we love cycling: the challenge, the camaraderie, and the stories we create along the way.
Kyle’s story perfectly encapsulates what makes Grinduro unique. It’s not about winning or losing—it’s about the journey, the people you meet, the community you become part of and the moments that make it unforgettable.
Grinduro is more than a race. It’s a celebration of everything that makes cycling special, and this year is no different. With events in Italy, Scotland, California, Japan and South Africa, the only real question is which ones will you ride?
