WHAT IS IT?

A 3-day off-road cycling event. Includes an optional prologue stage on Friday evening, and 2 full days across the weekend

WHERE?

Rhandirmwyn, Nr Llandovery, Carmarthenshire

WHEN?

Friday, June 20th (optional prologue)
Saturday, June 21st 
Sunday, June 22nd, 2025

ENTRY FEE

2025 Entry - £120
(plus payment processing fee)

CATEGORIES

SENIOR - Ages 16 to 39
VETERAN - Ages 40 to 49
GRAND VETERAN - Ages 50 to 59
SUPER VETERAN - Ages 60+
All categories are based on riders' age on 31/12/2025

EVENT FEATURES

  • Accurate Electronic Chip Timing

  • Camping from Friday to Monday

  • On-site Showers

  • Event HQ Facilities & Parking

  • On-Site Catering

  • Full Route Marking

  • Prizes for Category Winners

  • Bike Wash Facilities

  • First Aid Support

  • Feed Stations

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2025 ROUTE IN BRIEF

  • 128KM OVER 3 DAYS

    7 TIMED STAGES

      • Prologue (optional) – 5.3km, 170m climbing
      • Saturday – 73km, 1700m climbing
      • Sunday – 55km, 1300m climbing
      • 70% off-road
      • 40% on timed stages
      • Mix of terrain
      • Suitable for all off-road bikes

     

  • PROLOGUE

    5.3km / 170vm


    Returning for 2025
    An optional Friday timed prologue, with a fast stage with incredible views and a twisting descent to get you ready for the days ahead. Just over 1 kilometer from the event HQ, the timed section is 5.3km with 170 metres of climbing.

    More Route Info

  • SATURDAY

    73km / 1700vm

    Prepare for three spectacular timed stages set amidst the stunning terrain of the Cambrian Mountains. The challenge begins with a classic route through Esgair Dafydd, culminating in a thrilling descent to Llyn Brianne. From there, riders face the toughest test of the weekend as the course heads deep into the Tywi Forest. After a gentler stretch, the route circles back to Llyn Brianne for a final off-road timed stage around its dramatic perimeter.


    More Route Info

  • SUNDAY

    55km / 1300vm


    After an untimed climb to get the legs turning again, the first special stage begins at the remote heart of Cwm Berwen. A well-earned feed station follows, offering stunning views towards Tregaron. A short, scenic stretch of tarmac then leads riders into Esgair Ganol for the second timed stage, before the final test brings the action to a close on the iconic dam wall of Llyn Brianne.

    More Route Info

FULL ROUTE DETAILS

EVENT SCHEDULE

Friday, June 20

12:00
Campsite opens

13:00
Catering open

13:00
Registration opens

14:00
Optional prologue course open

18:00
Prologue course closes

19:00
Registration closes

19:30
Prologue results & podium

21:38
Sunset

22:00
Final arrival time (gates will be locked after)

Saturday, June 21

04:54
Sunrise

07:00
Entrance & campsite opens

07:30
Registration opens

08:30
Registration closes

09:00
START

13:00
Faster finishers are expected back

16:00
Day 1 timed stages podium

21:38
Sunset

22:00
Venue closed & gates locked

Sunday, June 22

04:54
Sunrise

07:00
Arena opens

09:00
START

11:30
Faster finishers are expected back

15:00
Prize giving

21:38
Sunset

Monday, June 23

11:00
Campsite closes

LOCATION

 

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SUPPORTERS

 
 

FAQ

What bike do I need?
Lauf Gritfest is open to all off-road bikes. While it is aimed primarily at Gravel & Adventure bikes, which are essentially fat tyred drop bar bikes.
But if you have a mountain bike, cyclocross bike or even a single-speed fat bike tandem then you are welcome!
How do the timed stages work?
The timed stages will be clearly marked and you will be timed using a chip that will be on your wrist. You won't need to stop, or dib in at the finish, however, we will have finish sections in a way that is designed to slow riders down to cross the line.
Do I have to race?
Lauf Gritfest is as serious a race as you make it. You can try and beat your mate, try to beat everyone or just sit back and enjoy the stunning scenery around the area.
What will be on the feed stations?
We will have a range of sweet and savoury options available at the feed station daily and we aim to ensure that we have something to suit everyone.
How fit do I need to be?
With approximately 125km across the 2 days, you will need a certain level of fitness to finish. Each day there is a considerable amount of climbing.
What camping facilities will be on site?
There will be toilets & showers, plus drinking water on site.
We'd like to ask everyone to take their rubbish away. There are no chemical waste facilities on-site.
Can I use an e-bike?
Yes, although e-bikes will not be eligible for prizes. Please ensure that you have a bike that can cover the distance, and height gain each day. The climbing in particular can reduce the battery range significantly. So long as you understand the potential limitations, you can take part, and we would welcome you at Gritfest.
Can I use a singlespeed?
Hell yes! Just don't brag about it.
What food will be available?
We will have several catering outlets at the event and have worked closely with them all for a number of years.
Expect good quality, tasty and nutritious food that will keep your energy levels up. There is pizza too! :)
Will there be a bar?
Yes, we have Stokh brewery on site.
Can I bring my family?
Yes! We are actively trying to make the event a fun weekend away for everyone. So long as you are all staying in the same tent/caravan/motorhome then your family can come for free!
Are dogs allowed?
Yes, although being a rural area with sheep & animals never that far away it is really important that you keep them under strict control and always clean up after them.
Will it be loud at night?
There will be live music and entertainment on going until 10pm on Friday & Saturday night, but there will be a quiet camping area that is furthest away from the main area.

RULES

Event Rules

  • Anyone found to be riding under another person’s entry will be instantly removed from the results. It is a breach of our event insurance and we can not accept anyone who has not entered and is riding in their own name.
  • Helmets are mandatory. Anyone caught riding without a helmet will be removed from the event immediately.
  • Technical assistance from a non-racers must only permitted at feed stations. Bikes changes are not allowed.
  • Riders are free to help each other while out on course, but swapping bikes is not allowed.
  • All styles of bikes are allowed and there is no restriction on tyre or wheel size.
  • e-bikes are allowed, but will not be eligible for prizes. Motor pacing behind an e-bike on timed stages is not allowed. It is the responsibility of the rider alone to manage battery life.
  • Littering is not allowed and any rider caught leaving litter will be immediately penalised

    • Penalties

  • Anyone caught missing a section of the course will be disqualified immediately.
  • Anyone caught dropping litter on purpose will be immediately disqualified. This includes discarding gel wrappers.
  • Anyone who disobeys a marshall will be disqualified immediately.
  • Anyone caught overtaking dangerously will have a 2 minute time penalty as a first offence and disqualification as a second offence.
  • Anyone who break any rules and laws while riding on public highways will be immediately disqualified. We ask that all riders ride in a manner that is safe and courteous at all times.