Gravel & BMX: A Unique Fusion
In the golden light of the Champagne vineyards, a bike glides along a white path. Its rider, focused, lets the miles unfold beneath his knobby tires. Further ahead, on a pump track, another rider takes off, hovering in the air for a split second before landing with pinpoint precision. Two worlds, two disciplines, one shared love for riding. Welcome to the first edition of GravelUp Champagne.
An Unexpected Meeting of Two Tribes
The adventure begins at The Farm, a unique sports hub nestled in the heart of the Montagne de Reims. Just 45 minutes from Paris, this unconventional spot brought together two seemingly opposite communities. On one side, passionate gravel riders, drawn to exploration and endurance. On the other, BMX legends, led by the iconic Matthias Dandois, ten-time world champion.
(Matthias Dandois, ten-time BMX flat world champion.)
Discovery, sharing, adrenaline: in no time, the barriers came down. Gravel riders tested the pump track, while BMX pros embraced the freedom of the Champagne trails. A perfect playground where dust rose under spinning wheels, grins locked in the thrill of effort, and every moment was lived to the fullest.
(An impressive jump on the pump track! The freeride spirit meets the gravel world.)
150 km of Exploration Through Vineyards and Forests
Legs burning, hearts racing. Over 150 km, the routes unfolded, winding through endless vineyard rows and disappearing into towering forest canopies.
Gravel riding in Champagne is a wild escape, an invitation to slow down and take it all in—where climbs keep you on your toes and descents leave you grinning.
(Contemplative pause on the heights of the vineyards.)
And then, the stops. These pauses that are part of the journey. A picnic in a clearing, a quick coffee break between dusty trails, a moment frozen in front of the horizon.
(Outdoor lunch – a well-earned break after countless kilometers.)
The Farm: A Haven After the Ride
Each evening, the riders' HQ came alive. The Farm, with its warm atmosphere and simple comfort, became the place where stories were shared and bodies rested. A large dorm, a communal kitchen, a table filled with good food. Fresh croissants in the morning, raised glasses in the evening.
(The Farm, an exceptional place in the heart of the Champagne vineyards.)
We relived the best moments, debated gear choices, and started planning the next adventure.
Next Stop: Join the Ride?
This first GravelUp Champagne edition was a unique experience, a sports adventure where freedom took center stage.
(Gravel, one tribe, one spirit.)
If you want to discover Champagne from a new perspective, ride alongside passionate cyclists, and push your limits on stunning trails, sign up now!
The GravelUp adventure continues. Be part of it.
Photos credit : @Pierre Blondel
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