Storuman Gravel XL is an ultra-distance gravel event following a 450-kilometer route in the Swedish Lapland…
Storuman Gravel XL is an ultra distance gravel event over a 450km (280 miles) long course through forests and mountains in the municipality of Storuman and Hemavan-Tärnaby (in Swedish Lapland), with or without an overnight stay halfway. The course runs on mostly gravel roads of varying quality (83%), with short connecting segments on asphalt scattered in-between (17%).
All participants are self-supported (packing required) and join as individuals, but you can choose to ride together if you like. The course is available on file and shows the recommended shortest route between the course’s checkpoints that must be passed in given order. Halfway through you find yourself in Hemavan and can spend the night there (hotels exist), if you want to split the event into two days (2 × 220 km / 140 miles).
The event is a lightweight arrangement without course markings and depots, and uses public and private roads open to traffic as usual. There is no service on the course and the participant is self-responsible for safety and transport, for example if quitting. It’s not a formal competition and doesn’t follow the format of any sports organization, but is a challenge for those who want to test their strength over a really long cycling distance in a relaxed context. Race timing and live tracking is included (tracker devices provided), but there are neither prices nor placements awarded.