Gravel training camp in Southern Sweden

[JoninSweden]

I am putting the feelers out there to see whether there would be any interest in a gravel training camp here in SE Sweden.

We have truly world class gravel here, with the gravel network so extensive that it's almost pointless riding a road bike. All rides are 90% plus gravel, with the full spectrum from asphalt-smooth champagne gravel to rutted, gnarly forest tracks.

Our area is one of low population density, so traffic is pretty close to zero, and from May to September, we have excellent (and really rather warm) weather. There are lakes everywhere, the area is 70% forest and it's hilly enough, with climbs of 50-130m vertical being the most common. 130-180m climbing per 10km is typical.

I already created and lead the Glorious Gravel (a UK gravel holiday/events company) Sweden tour, but I'm really keen to get something organised for competitive gravel riders. I'm not in this for the money and my level is that I'm hoping to qualify for the UCI worlds next year in the 40-44 category.

My outline plan is to offer something in late May. It would be along the lines of 5-6 days of accommodation with catering. Planned routes every day (guided or just GPX files), sauna and airport transfers (we're 2hrs 45 from Gothenburg).

I know this area incredibly well, and can provide different and varied routes every day. You'd experience a broad variety of gravel, allowing you to brush up on skills ahead of the upcoming season. You'd hardly spend any time on asphalt and you'd likely be able to count the number of moving vehicles on one hand for each ride. 86km and over 3hrs is my personal record for not seeing a car.

I would aim to keep everything really affordable. Cycling is an expensive sport, so every saving is a bonus.

I can accommodate groups of any size, and I have experienced friends I can call on to make sure that a training camp is as tough or as easy as you want it to be.

Is this of interest to anyone?

For reference, here are two videos that (retired pro, two times Giro stage winner and former 1hr record holder) Alex Dowsett made when he was here last May:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tp6bBbuVTp8&t=2s

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pTkXFCpeRJg&t=1s

And a very typical Swedish gravel road:

[JoninSweden]

Some more photos, for reference:

[gloscherrybomb]

If they had more potholes they would be British highways.

[JoninSweden]

If they had more potholes they would be British highways.

Haha! This is true.

Many of the UK tourists we had this year remarked on the fact that some of the stretches were smoother than UK asphalt.

I flip-flop between high speed champagne gravel and the more rugged, forest access roads. I particularly like climbing the very steep forest roads, as the rougher gravel presents a technical challenge and gives me a lot of practice in smooth power delivery.

I'm doing 108km tomorrow and I'll count how many cars I see

[Sockman]

Is this Bohuslän? Where exactly in Sweden, what's the closest town?

[JoninSweden]

Is this Bohuslän? Where exactly in Sweden, what's the closest town?

Not Bohuslän, no. We live in a large village called Virserum. Hugely extensive gravel roads in all directions

[eins4eins]

Pictures are awesome and the idea is great. I want to visit sweden for a long time.
Are there any races the week before or after? This would make a perfect trip

[fa63]

Thanks for sharing, I am always looking for my next gravel adventure destination and it looks like this could fit the bill nicely

What is the weather like in May? Also, how are the bugs / mosquitoes that time of the year?

[JoninSweden]

Pictures are awesome and the idea is great. I want to visit sweden for a long time.
Are there any races the week before or after? This would make a perfect trip

There is Gränna Gravel, which should be the 11th of May. That's the one that Alex Dowsett and I did - it's a really great segments race, with some decent climbs. It's a fast rolling course, 140km or so with about 1950m elevation.

A new race is starting as part of the Swedish cup. That's in Mönsterås and I think it's a 40km lap, though I'm not sure how many repetitions there are. It's a flatter area, but some of the gravel can be a bit technical. Still fast. That race is the last weekend of May.

[JoninSweden]

Thanks for sharing, I am always looking for my next gravel adventure destination and it looks like this could fit the bill nicely

What is the weather like in May? Also, how are the bugs / mosquitoes that time of the year?

May is when spring happens here. Pretty much goes from occasional snow to 20c within the space of 2 weeks. So this year, the first day of summer was the 10th of May. It was 20c and didn't really drop below that for 4 months or so.

WIth the warmer weather come mosquitoes. Rarely an issue unless you're deep in the forest. It's worth taking bug spray incase you have a puncture or mechanical whilst in the forest. They really aren't much bother though, and you have to remember that they're a small price to pay for 70% forest cover, endless lakes and virtually no people.

[fa63]

Thanks. After a terrible experience with mosquitoes while cycling in the Upper Peninsula in Michigan, I am a bit wary of them But combining that gravel race with some riding before and after might indeed make for a fun adventure! I will DM you if I ever decide to head that way.

[JoninSweden]

Thanks. After a terrible experience with mosquitoes while cycling in the Upper Peninsula in Michigan, I am a bit wary of them But combining that gravel race with some riding before and after might indeed make for a fun adventure! I will DM you if I ever decide to head that way.

I've never had any issues whilst riding in all honesty. If I have a mechanical, I just spray myself with bug spray and it's all good. They are only out in any quantity from mid May to the end of June and then much less for the rest of summer when it's hotter and drier.

I had a belting 100km gravel ride today. Winter hasn't yet arrived, so it was about 4c and completely dry. This is the unwashed state of my bike after that ride:

[walafel3]

I think Sweden is great for cycling holidays.Maybe it would appeal to Dutch/German cyclists for whom getting there is much easier if not neccesarily cheaper than flying, i know someone who drove from the Leipzig area up into Lappland a couple of weeks ago for a long weekend:)

[JoninSweden]

I think Sweden is great for cycling holidays.Maybe it would appeal to Dutch/German cyclists for whom getting there is much easier if not neccesarily cheaper than flying, i know someone who drove from the Leipzig area up into Lappland a couple of weeks ago for a long weekend:)

Sorry I missed your reply!

I definitely plan to market towards the Germans and Dutch - I'm half German myself, so speak German fairly fluently.

It's a lot of driving though - we drive back to the UK every year through Germany and it's well over 1000km before you're into the Netherlands. In some ways, flying from the UK is quicker and easier.

Update:

We have a likely venue - it's a 3 star hostel (every room nicely appointed with private bathroom) stunningly located directly next to a lake. Large, comfortable living areas and we'd have full and private use of it.

www.trollebo.nu

And here is an example of the sorts of stages we'd do:

https://www.plotaroute.com/route/2831255

It is 92% gravel and 8% asphalt, which is pretty much what all the stages will be.

Looking at the last week in May and a cost of in the region of £1200 per person. That is for 7 nights, fully catered, fully supported and with transfers from Gothenburg airport. The group size would be 15, max, with several guides. Not included are flights, alcoholic drinks or personal insurance.

Many details still to be firmed up, but I'm really excited about it.