Mountain biking

Raiders Gravel

Raiders Gravel Galloway is the UK’s newest gravel event. A uniquely Scottish gravel adventure awaits riders in the heart of the Galloway Forest Park. The 4-day festival features 3 gravel riding stages where riders explore the many corners of the Galloway and Southern Ayrshire UNESCO Biosphere taking in the natural wonders, wildlife and serene outdoors. This premium all-inclusive event has the optimal mix of adventure, entertainment, culture and relaxation, guaranteeing an unforgettable time in the South of Scotland. The event is open to all abilities and has a non-technical route.

Raiders Gravel is a team event where riders enter and participate in teams of two. The inaugural edition will take place from October 7th to 10th 2021. Team entry packages include daily breakfast, recovery lunch and dinner, evening entertainment, welcome drinks, GPS rider tracking, professionally managed routes, special inaugural edition finisher medals, camping pitch (BYO tent) or motorhome parking, MucOff bike wash, secure bike storage, free WiFi in the event village, Bioracer leader jerseys for all event categories, goodie bags with sponsored merch and much more. Entry prices start at £375 per person for early-birds (first 50 teams), with VIP packages available for those looking for a more luxurious experience.

Malcolm Smith, Golazo Cycling Director says “we’re stoked to bring this incredibly unique event to the stunning region around the Galloway Forest Park. As a gravel enthusiast myself, I was blown away by the wilderness and scenery here in Galloway. Paired with some of the best gravel tracks in the UK, riders are in for an unforgettable time in the South of Scotland. We’re also particularly excited by the world-class headline partner line-up of Canyon, POC Sports, MucOff, HIGH5 and Bioracer as well as funding support from the South of Scotland Destination Alliance (SSDA), South of Scotland Enterprise (SOSE) and the Dumfries & Galloway Council, all of whom are playing a vital role in creating one of the world’s leading gravel events.” 

Aaron Budd, UK Head of Sales and Marketing at Canyon says “we are very excited to be a partner of this uniquely Scottish gravel event. The format of the event, coupled with the vast landscape in Galloway makes for some exciting racing and riding and we can't wait to be there this October!”

Dumfries & Galloway Councillor Adam Wilson, the Council’s Events Champion said, “I warmly welcome Golazo UK’s decision to create the Raiders Gravel Festival, in our unspoilt Galloway Forest Park. We have so much for cyclists to explore and enjoy, and our villages and towns are charming to visit. After the terrible stresses caused by the coronavirus pandemic, I hope hundreds of people will participate in the Festival and enjoy our great outdoors.”

Jemma Reid, Project Manager, South of Scotland Destination Alliance (SSDA) said “we’re delighted to be supporting the new Raiders Gravel Galloway event. It promises to be a phenomenal few days with riders exploring just some of the many natural wonders and natural excitement that we have in the South of Scotland. We believe it is a great addition to the suite of cycling events that we have underway this year. From the Solway Coast 200 to Glentress mountain biking mecca, the South offers superb cycling with options for everyone, no matter your age, level or ability. We have it all - gentle hills, road routes, challenging terrains – topped off with the most spectacular, breath-taking scenery. As we at the SSDA work to transform our region into a world-class destination, the cycling community and cycling events such as Raiders Gravel, will play a big role in helping us become the goto location for those visitors looking for the best two-wheeled adventures in Scotland!”

Text and photo: quattro media GmbH

Back to summary

Photo gallery

Up