Suisse Gravel Explorer

16 SEP - Arrival

The nearest and recommended airport is Zurich where you will be met by the Hotchillee team to direct you to the train. We suggest taking a train from Zurich to Disentis (2hr 30mins) which run regularly, passing through beautiful scenery including Lake Zurich. Once in Disentis it’s a short walk to the hotel where a Hotchillee mechanic will be on hand to help you build your bike and the team will be waiting. There will be a Welcome Dinner and Rider Briefing in the hotel in the evening where you can meet your fellow riders, sample the local cuisine and we’ll run through the next few days.

17 SEP - Stage 1

Distance: 52km
Elevation: 1566m

Staying at an 8th century monastery, whether you choose to really get in touch with your inner Benedictine monk and be up in time for matins or just about make the ride briefing, is up to you! You’ll be climbing on gravel pretty much from the gun today and, after reaching close to 2000m and the source of the Anterior Rhine, are rewarded by a blistering off-road descent to Tschamut. It’s then downhill on tarmac to Sedrun before engaging granny gears again and hauling yourselves to Mompé Medel. What goes up must come down though and, if you enjoy single-track, you’re in for a treat. It’s then just a final grind back up to the monastery in plenty of time for evensong or maybe a beer or two.

18 SEP - Stage 2

Distance: 69km
Elevation: 1946m

Leaving the monastery, any sore legs (or heads) will be eased by the punchy climb up to Cavardiras. You’ve then got some grin inducing downhill on the “Alpine Bike” MTB route all the way into Trun. You’ll then begin the long climb up onto the high mountain plateau passing through Brigels and onto the lake at Pigniu. Settle into a rhythm and take in the fantastic scenery as both it and the gradient will take your breath away. You’ll then stay high on undulating trails and riding the skyline before gravity lends a helping hand for a rollercoaster ride into Llanz, the first city on the Rhine.

19 SEP . Stage 3

Distance: 58km
Elevation: 2061m

For the biggest climbing day of the trip, you can either think of your legs as being fatigued or warmed up! The opening uphill salvo of the day climbs up sinuous switchbacks to Val Lumnezia “the valley of the sun”. This is just the starter though as the main course, topping out at over 2000m, sees you ascend Alp Nova. Truly stunning it’s both the metaphorical and literal high-point of the trip. It’s then time to get your downhill mojo on. Enjoy the views during the long decent to Obersaxen but then, for the techie trails down to Trun, you’ll definitely be wanting to focus on your line choice. Warm down and let the adrenaline subside with an easy spin along the Rhine back to Llanz to end your Suisse gravel odyssey.

20 SEP - Return

Home time.

Is the route signed?

No, you will need to upload the route to your navigation device before the event. If you do not have a device you can ride with one of the Hotchillee Ride Captains or local guides.

Do I need a GPS device?

No, but we recommend it if you do not want to ride with one of the supported groups.

What is the event format?

Riders with GPS navigation units will be able to download the route ahead of time. However, there will be local ride leaders and Hotchillee Ride Captains at the front and the back of the course so having the route is not essential (although recommended).
You will need to be self-sufficient for large sections of the ride and each rider will need to carry spares and tools necessary to deal with punctures and mechanicals.
We will have a dedicated support vehicle and mechanic to deal with more technical issues but there are large parts of the route impassable by car.

What are the Entry Requirements?

You must be 18 years or older on 16 September 2021 to enter.
The event is not technical but as there is a lot of climbing involved you will need a good level of fitness. If you are in doubt as to your fitness then we recommend you have a medical check-up before registering.

How do I get there?

The nearest and recommended airport is Zurich. We then suggest taking a train from Zurich to Disentis, these run regularly throughout the day and cost around. £35. The journey is smooth and takes in some beautiful scenery including Lake Zurich. Journey approx 2hrs 30mins. You will be met at the airport by a Hotchillee representative who can assist re your onward train journey.
For the return journey, trains from Ilanz run regularly to Zurich and tickets cost around £35. Journey time approx. 2 hours.
Bicycles can be transported on trains or you can opt to purchase the Bike Transport option through HotChillee if travelling to/from the UK.

What bike should I ride?

We’d recommend a gravel/ adventure bike with lots of gears, some of the climbs have a max gradient of 18%! 36/42 would be perfect. Hotchillee Ride Captains will be riding the Specialized Diverge.
You can also join us on a Mountain Bike if you would prefer.
You’ll need SPD shoes with MTB style soles to enable walking if required over rough ground.

Do I need insurance?

Yes! We ask that all riders take out travel insurance.

Is there any racing?

No, this is going to be tough enough!

Will there be mechanics on the course?

Hotchillee Ride Captains will be on the route to help with light mechanicals, but much of it is not accessible by vehicle. There will be a mechanic at lunch and the end of each day.

Are there water stops en route?

Yes, but ensure you have two water bottle cages on your bike

Will there be a sweeper vehicle on the course?

Yes.

What happens if Hotchillee cancel the event?

If Hotchillee cancels the event for any reason not listed in the conditions of sale, your entry fee is fully refundable.
If the event is postponed due to COVID-19, your entry will automatically be transferred to the new date. If you can’t make the new dates, you’ll receive a credit to use against any other Hotchillee multi-day event. The credit expires on 1 July 2022. If you have not used the credit by the expiry date, you’ll receive a refund equal to the original booking amount.

What happens if I need to cancel my entry?

If for any reason you need to cancel your entry there are several options available:

1. You are able to nominate a substitute rider for your entry (up to 30 days before the event start date).
2. You may defer your entry as a credit towards another HotChillee event in the same or following calendar year (up to 12 weeks before the event start date).
3. You are entitled to the following refund on your entry:

• 17 Weeks + before the Event start date: 66% refund of the full entry fee paid including any extra services and upgrades
• 13-16 weeks before the Event start date: 33% refund of the full entry fee paid including any extra services and upgrades
• 0-12 weeks before the Event start date: 0% refund of the full entry fee paid including any extra services and upgrades