Grinduro returns to Machynlleth for more Maxin' & Relaxin' in the valleys! Well known for its epic views, challenging terrain and vast network of off-road trails, we will take you into the wilderness and beyond.
In short, Grinduro is just what the name suggests: gravel road race + mountain bike-style enduro = one long loop of gravel and dirt, where finishing times aren’t based on overall loop time, but four timed segments (each roughly 5-to-10 minutes).
But Grinduro is not just a bike race. It’s a weekend-long celebration of gravel cycling with as much emphasis on the fun as the ride. Your entry gives you three days of riding, excellent food all weekend, an impressive bike expo, live music, camping, and a festival atmosphere. Join us this July for the UK's ultimate gravel festival.
RESULTS
Race HQ and the event village is based in Machynlleth, a market town in Powys, North Wales. Originally known as the ancient capital of Wales, it is now the capital of alternative technology.
Based near to the Owain Glyndwr Centre Heritage Centre, the venue is a stone's throw from the family-friendly high street. Offering a wealth of accommodation, restaurants, pubs, cafes, museums and entertainment, all within walking distance.
Your Welsh Grinduro experience begins as you head south, through woodland and quiet lanes towards the Artists Valley, and the first special stage. Once in the hills the views will open up towards Cader Idris and beyond before our first feed station. The return takes in spectacular ridges, fast swooping descents and plenty to talk about before lunch back at the Grinduro Village.
The afternoon starts with a gentle warm up before heading into the hills once again. Stunning vistas, waterfalls, steep valleys and superb trails will keep riders challenged before the final descent back to camp. The Queen’s stage with it’s mix of Singletrack descent and technical challenge spits you out into the event arena where the party really begins.
Head for Manchester. Take M62 / M6 to M56 towards Chester. Take M53 / A55 south. Follow A483 south past Wrexham and Oswestry. Turn onto A458 through Welshpool, follow A483 west then take A470 south to Machynlleth at Mallwyd roundabout.
Head for Birmingham and then take M6 north. Turn west onto M54 past Telford. Take M5 round Shrewsbury then turn onto A458 through Welshpool, follow A458 west then take A470 south to Machynlleth at Mallwyd roundabout.
Machynlleth has its own railway station. For rail details call 08457 484 950.
Car Parking and Camping is included in the race entry fee for all competitors. We have a large and mainly flat grass field with easy access.
Please follow the instructions from the car parking stewards.
| Friday: |
|---|
| 12:00 - Village Opens/Registration Opens |
| 17:00-19:00 - Schwalbe Shakedown Prologue course open (incl Ambassador Rides from STRKR) |
| 18:00-21:00 - Evening Meal served |
| 19:00-22:00 - DJ set |
| 22:00 - Event Village closes |
| Saturday: |
| 07:30-08:30 - Registration opens/village opens |
| 09:30-09:45 - Morning stage start |
| 12:30-14:00 - Lunch served at the event village |
| 13:45-14:30 - Afternoon stage start |
| 17:30-19:00 - Evening meal |
| 19:00-19:30 - Award Ceremony |
| 19:30-20:30 - Live Band |
| 20:30-21:00 - DJ |
| 21:00 - 22:00 - Live Band |
| 22:00 - 23:00 - DJ set |
| 23:00 - Bedtime! |
| Sunday: |
| 07:30 - 09:00 - Shimano "United in Gravel' Breakfast |
| 09:30 - 10:00 - Wahoo Hangover Rides start |
| 12:00 - Event Village Closes |
| 14:00 - Site closes |
The fun starts on Friday afternoon with the Prologue, a chance to dial-in your ride and race your buddies on the special stage for some top prizes! Chill out on Friday night with food and live music, or take a browse around our pop-up brand expo.
Saturday is the big one: 75km, 4 timed stages, epic riding, stunning views, good times! 3 wholesome meals are included in your entry, along with the loudest post-ride party in Wales!
On Sunday morning, take the Hangover Ride - a laid back spin around the valleys for those of you who didn't party too hard the night before!
Stage 1 will be a timed hill climb mainly on fireroad with plenty of opportunity to really test yourself.
Stage 2, this timed descent will fire you along a ridge and downhill, will you take it easy and admire the view or be focused on the best lines through the corners?
You will then head back to the event village, where we will allow you time to refuel before a gentle start to the afternoon stage heading further east.
Stages 3 & 4 take in a variety of terrain on mixed surfaces, fast singletrack, short punchy climbs and sweeping turns will keep the adrenaline high! With the final descent we have saved the best until last - Fast and furious down the open hillside before diving into the woods hitting up every type of terrain possible. We then fire you into the finishing arena for a final lung burning short sprint across the finish line. Where you will be met with cheers from the crowd!
Do not be fooled by the route distance, this is Wales and there is plenty of climbing!
Grinduro features four timed enduro-style stages to race for victory. These demand everything from the participants and the faster overall will achieve podium glory!
The rest of the Grinduro course is untimed, meaning you can ride as fast or as relaxed as you choose... Hang out with your friends, relax at our many and varied feed stations, chill at the beer stop. Or just go hard all day!
Be cool, have fun and enjoy the ride. Those are the rules! For those of you who need things spelled-out, here you have it…
The Terms and Conditions detailed below apply to all entrants participating in the Grinduro. Completion of an entry form or purchase of an entry by every participant acknowledges acceptance of these Terms and Conditions by the participant.
1. Riders are required to attend a start line briefing and read briefing notes and sign to confirm that they agree to abide by the instructions given.
2. All riders must be self-supported. The event organizers and staff are not responsible for your preparedness while riding the course.
3. You should ensure that both yourself and your bike are in a serviceable state to complete a 100km mixed-terrain ride. A standard road bike is NOT suitable for this event.
4. Inform the a member of Focal Events Ltd at registration if you have any health complications or medical requirements in case of emergency.
5. If the situation arises that you are in an accident and are not capable of making the decision to call the emergency services, the rider agrees that a member of the organization or a member of the public/other rider may call for them.
6. At any time pre, during, and post event, riders must conduct themselves in a manner that does not discredit themselves or the event organizers. Riders must be considerate to other users of bridleways, tracks, byways and public ways when riding on and off road.
7. Riders are expected to respect the countryside that the event travels through. It should be remembered that this is both a working landscape and home to many communities. Riders stopping for a comfort break are asked to do so discreetly and appropriately and not to cause any offense to local residents or other riders.
8. There may be sections of public road included within the course. You must obey all Highway Code rules.
9. Riders whilst participating in the event must do so wearing a helmet complying with the latest EN1078, ANSI Z90/4 or SNELL standards. Any rider not conforming with this term will not be allowed to start or will be removed from the event if started.
10. Riders must carry the minimum required equipment for the full duration of the course. Spot checks may be used to ensure rider safety.
11. The organizers reserve the right to postpone or cancel the event should access to the event or sufficient portions of the course be deemed too dangerous due to severe adverse weather conditions.
12. The Event Registration Form must be completed by a person aged 18 years or over. This event is not open to riders under 16.
13. All riders are covered by third party insurance for the duration of the event. The cost of this is included in your entry fee. In addition, Grinduro Wales is covered by public liability insurance.
14. Organizers cannot take responsibility for loss or damage of personal possessions during the event.
15. During the event there will be warning signs at appropriate points on the trails or roads used for this event. Absence of these signs does not signal there are no dangers approaching and it is the individual rider’s responsibility to make a decision regarding whether to ride a section or not. The marking of the route does not necessarily indicate that the trail or road is rideable and the participant is deemed to make their own decision about whether to proceed on bike, foot or not at all.
16. Riders are expected not to drop or leave any litter on any part of the route and to dispose of it responsibly at an appropriate place or bin. Any rider found littering will be disqualified from the event.
17. Each participant will be fully responsible for any fees or costs incurred or arising from an accident either involving or caused by the rider. This includes, but is not exclusive to, fees from Police, Air Ambulance, Fire and Rescue and the Ambulance service.
18. Each participant hereby grants to Focal Events an exclusive, absolute and irrevocable worldwide assignment in perpetuity in the photographs/film/video/electronic representations and/or sound recordings of the participant obtained at the event and grants to Focal Events the right to use and publish such content in any and all media. The participant hereby releases Focal Events from any and all liability from such use and promotion. The participant hereby authorizes the reproduction, sale, copyright, exhibit, broadcast, electronic storage and/or distribution of said photographs/film/video tapes/electronic representations and/or sound recordings without limitation at the discretion of Focal Events. The participant specifically waives any right to any compensation they may have for appearing in any of the photographs/film/video/electronic representations and/or sound recordings of the participant at a Focal Events event.
19. In the event that a participant fails to complete the course for any reason they agree to return to or call the event centre before the close of the event and report to a member of staff. Not doing so will mean that a search may be organized and the subsequent cost will be billed to the rider.
20. An acceptable charge for any loss or damage caused by a rider to timing equipment will be made.
REFUND POLICY
In the case that you are unable to attend or that Grinduro Wales 2022 is unable to happen due to state health guidelines, natural disaster, or other reasons, registrants will receive a partial refund based on how far out from the event cancellation occurs, according to the scale below:
Stay in the middle of the action and camp onsite just a stone’s throw from the Grinduro village. Tents, camper vans, and motorhomes!
Camping is included with your entry. If you want to camp in the Quiet/Family Camping area, please make this known to the parking stewards. Make sure you pack everything you’d normally need for camping (tent, sleeping bag, sleeping pad, torch etc.).
For those camping in tents, motorhorhomes and caravans, all vehicles must be parked in the camping field, please ensure the hand brake is on and the vehicle is in gear.
Please note: no gazeebos/e-zee-ups. We can not guarantee everyone will anchor theirs down and a runaway gazeebo can cause thousands of pounds worth of damage to other peoples vehicles and property as well as being a danger to any person in its path. We will allow awnings that are fixed to motorhomes/vans/caravans to be erected.
Please note: Lock your bicyle and possessions up. Ideally inside your vehicle using heavy duty chains and ‘D’ stlye locks, if possible secure to anchor points inside your vehicle and cover up with blankets etc. Do not leave your bike on top or on the back of your vehicle. We would also like to make you aware when cycling around the event to do so in a safe and proper manner as we expect a large number of pedestrians of all ages to be in attendance. We always advise you to wear a helmet when riding your bicycle. When riding at night, we would also advise both front and rear lights.
1. General.
1.1 – This policy covers Grinduro Wales. In special circumstances, they may be altered or added to by local rules, made necessary for good management or because of agreements, planning consents, etc. entered into by the event organisers.
1.2 – We ask all of our campers to comply with our policies. If you or your party do not comply with the policies we may ask you to leave the site.
1.3 – The use of threatening behaviour and/or foul and abusive language will not be tolerated and will result in the offender being asked to leave the site.
1.4 – Please consider other users of the site and we ask that all users conduct themselves at all times with due regard to the health and safety of themselves and others.
1.5 – The maximum stay allowed is from Friday 10:00 through to Sunday 12:00, after which time your pitch must be vacated.
1.6 – Apologies to say we are unable to provide electric hook-up points.
1.7 – Personal alcohol must not be consumed or brought into the main finish arena.
2. Check In.
2.1 – Camping Pitches are available from 12:00 Friday. You can arrive on either Friday or Saturday to camp.
2.2 – On arrival, visitors should make contact with the Grinduro Team. Admission to the site is at the discretion of Focal Events Ltd.
2.3 – In the event of poor ground conditions, a pitch may not be available. Focal Events Ltd. will endeavour to advise you in advance should this occur but no responsibility can be accepted if this is not possible.
2.4 – Please familiarise yourself with the site’s fire regulations and firefighting equipment and its location as soon as you arrive on site.
2.5 – Please note the venue will close the front gates for entry at 22:00 on Friday and 20:00 on Saturday.
3. Pitching Tents.
3.1 – You may camp next to your vehicle, please do so in accordance to parking marshal’s instruction.
3.2 – If you want to pitch with your friends please reserve them a space. You can also pitch your tent next to your friends live in vehicle caravan/motorhome/van.
3.3 – Anyone caught tampering with fire equipment will be detained and reported to the Police for criminal damage and will receive a lifetime ban from the event. You will also be invoiced for any damage.
3.4 – The fire assembly point will be clearly marked and located next to the wall behind the Co-Op car park.
3.5- Vehicles on the site should be parked with their hand brake on and in gear.
3.6 – The transfer or sub-letting of pitches is not allowed.
3.7 – Do not move or adjust any markers that are laid out to allocate pitch space.
3.8 – Gazeebos / E-zee-ups are not permitted.
3.9 Pitching Caravans/Motorhomes and live in Vehicles (also includes vans you are sleeping in).
3.9.1 – On arrival, the Grinduro Organisers will show you to your camping pitch and answer any queries you may have. If you want to pitch your live in vehicle with your friends you must save them a space. We need to enforce the four meter rule between live in vehicles, excluding guide ropes. You can camp inside your awning and next to your motorhome, please do so in accordance to the parking team’s instruction.
3.9.2 – The “four metre rule” means that live in vehicles such as motorhomes and caravans must be four metres apart from adjacent units in order to protect you against the spread of fire. At all times there must be a clear 7.5 meter wide road way to allow emergency vehicle access.
3.9.3 – The fire assembly point will be clearly marked and located in the large field opposite the lake and finish arena next to the exit road.
3.9.4 – The pitch (along with any ancillary equipment) must fit within the confines of your pitch whilst maintaining the four-meter rule.
3.9.5 – The transfer or sub-letting of pitches is not allowed.
3.9.6 – Do not move or adjust any markers that are laid out to allocate pitch space.
3.9.7 – Gazeebos / E-zee-ups are not permitted. Only awnings that are fitted to your vehicle are allowed.
4. BBQ’s.
4.1 – Barbecues must be purpose-built and portable, standing clear of the ground. There must be no possibility of damage to the ground. Only gas or a charcoal barbecues should be used.
4.2 – Barbecues must be fully extinguished and cold before disposing of in the bins provided. Anyone causing a bin fire will be billed accordingly.
4.3 – Campfires are not permitted.
4.4 – Fireworks are not permitted.
4.5 – Never use or store a used BBQ in your tent, sleeping or living quarters. Please be aware of Carbon Monoxide poisoning, it can be a killer.
5.0 Pets.
5.1 – Pets are welcome on site but you are responsible for the behaviour of your animals. Please ensure that your animals are not allowed loose on site and are kept on a lead no longer than 2 meters. We are located on a working farm with livestock. Please be a repsonsible owner!
5.2 – You must ensure that your pets do not foul the site and you are responsible for cleaning up after them.
5.3 – If it is deemed a pet is creating a nuisance or causing disturbance to others, you will be asked to remove them from the site. Please note we do not allow on site, any breed of dog listed under the Dangerous Dogs Act of 1991.
5.4 – Please do not leave pets in your vehicle if there is a chance of them overheating.
5.5 – Check dogs and yourselves for Ticks, we always advise you to pack a Tick Removing Tool.
6. Recreation.
6.1 – The flying of model aircraft, drones and kites are prohibited.
6.2 – It is the responsibility of parents and guardians to ensure children are supervised at all times, whilst on site.
6.3 – The releasing of sky lanterns with naked flames is not permitted.
6.4 - Please ensure all children or vulnerable persons are supervised at all times and aware of any dangers.
7. Noise.
7.1 – Noise must be kept to a reasonable level at all times so as not to disturb the enjoyment of others camping.
7.2 – Between the hours of 23:00 and 07:00 all music, lighting and generators must be turned off.
7.3 – Generators may be used, we may ask you to refrain from using them if they cause a disturbance. Please ensure they are fenced off and not accessible to the general public. Also, ensure that any fuel is kept in the correct container for its content and that it is kept locked away and out of direct sunlight. Please make sure a competent person refuels the generator (when cold) and according to the manufacturer's instructions.
8. Vehicles.
8.1 – Vehicle movement on the site is prohibited between 22:00 and 07:00. This is for your safety. If you do need to leave in an emergency, please contact a member of our 24hr security team and they will assist you in your departure.
8.2 – Vehicle drivers, motorcyclists and cyclists are required to adhere to the Site’s 5 mph speed limit and follow any one-way systems in place.
8.3 – All cycles should have appropriate lighting if used at a time when it should be required.
8.4 – Essential repairs can be carried out so that an unserviceable vehicle can leave the site, however, general maintenance and servicing is not allowed.
8.5 – Drivers of vehicles, including motorcycles, must hold a full and current driving licence and a road fund licence in order to drive their vehicle at the venue.
8.6 – Ebikes that are chipped to exceed the legal speed limit are not allowed to be used onsite.
8.7 – Mini motor-bikes are not to be driven around the event site.
8.8 – Once your vehicles are parked up, that vehicle must only be driven when you are exiting the venue.
8.9 Please don’t lock your bike to the roof or the rear of your vehicle. Lock it securely inside your vehicle with D Locks and Cable Locks (around car seat frames etc..) if possible. Remember: Out of sight is out of mind.
9. Sanitation.
9.1 – Chemical toilets must only be emptied at the chemical disposal point, using only water from that source to rinse and clean them out. This is located next to the entry.
9.2 – To avoid possible damage to sewerage systems we support the use of biodegradable chemical fluids that do not affect the natural bacterial balance within the system.
10. Your Departure.
10.1 – Camping and Parking Pitches must be vacated by 14:00 on Sunday.
10.2 – If you leave a camping unit or other property on the site without prior arrangement after 14:00 on Sunday. The Grinduro Team shall be entitled to dispose of such property.
11. Lost Property.
11.1 – All items of lost property will be retained for one week. Items not claimed after this period will be donated to a local charity this includes any money. Any items that are not of use to any of the local charities will be disposed of.
11.2 – Anything, where the owner is readily identifiable will be either directly returned to the owner if still on site or contacted if possible. If it is not possible to contact the owner the items will be passed to the Police.
11.3 – Owners are responsible for the cost of reclaiming their goods.
11.4 – Credit or debit cards. Reported to the card issuer. The card issuer will then advise what further action is necessary.
11.5 – Items where there is any suspicion of danger to employees or to the public. The police will be contacted immediately in such circumstances for advice.
11.6 – Any item that we feel has clearly been abandoned will be disposed of.
11.7 – Where items of property are claimed the claimant should be expected to provide a description of the items lost. The claimant must sign for all items claimed and record their full name and address and provide valid I.D.
12.0 Liability.
12.1 – Focal Events Ltd will not accept responsibility for any loss or damage to the property of the visitor, including personal belongings, cash, jewellery, bicycles and motor vehicles, however, caused during their stay.
We believe that bike riders’ health, attitude and performance is directly related to the foods that they eat, so we have amazing food planned for the weekend. And you can leave the cooking utensils are home - Your meals from Friday evening through to breakfast on Sunday are included with your entry!.
Please indicate on entry if you have specific dietary requirements.
For liquid refreshments, our friends at Magic Rock Brewing will be be at the Grinduro Village with an on-site bar for the weekend with a wide selection of beers, spirits and alcoholic free beverages to limber you up for the party ahead.
We’ll have a podium awards ceremony on the main stage in the Grinduro Village on Saturday evening. The top three finishers of each category will be brought onto the stage for their moment of glory. In addition to fame and bragging rights, each winner will take home a little something special.
Best of luck!
THE BEST BIKE: You can ride any type of pedal-driven bicycle (no electric-pedal assist!), although we recommend a cyclocross/gravel bike or mountain bike. The ultimate setup is probably a disc brake-equipped cyclocross/gravel bike with fast-rolling, tubeless clincher tires. Be prepared with at least two extra inner tubes, a multi-tool and mini-pump.
We’ll be in Wales, so expect the unexpected regards to the weather. Remember there is no such thing as bad weather, only bad clothes! Be prepared with a rain jacket and the basics—ideally arm/leg warmers too—just in case weather rolls in. Also pack the sunscreen... you never know!
There will be feed zones (and an excellent lunch!), smart riders will bring at least two water bottles and their favorite nutritional supplies.
We always advise you wear as much protection as you deem necessary. Always wear your helmet when riding your bike and make sure it is correctly attached as recommended by the manufacturer. Plus riding glasses/goggles, protect your eyes!!
This is your chance to see the World’s fastest gravel racers in action, up close and personal!
All marshals will be fed breakfast lunch and dinner on event day. For volunteer information please send an email to [email protected]
Please note that all friends/family or spectators must purchase a 'Companion Entry' ticket. This will grant each person access to the event village, entertainment tent plus camping, food and parking throughout the event weekend.
Proof of age may be required and anyone 16 years or below must be accompanied by an adult.
More than 60 km of rugged terrain in the Wilderness of Wales, atmospheric woodland, soaring peaks, historic ruins and trails aplenty. Machynlleth is quickly becoming one of the UK’s must ride gravel cycling destinations, with trails ranging from steep and technical to fast and flowing. In other words, it’s the perfect location to host Grinduro!
