Silkeborg MTB / Gravel

Silkeborg MTB / Gravel bills itself as the season opener of central Jutland, a spring day out in the Søhøjlandet lake district, where rolling hills and water seem to appear around every bend. Silkeborg calls itself Denmark's outdoor capital, and the routes run through the country's largest continuous forest area.

Mountain bikers get twisting forest paths in Vesterskoven and the Sønder and Østerskov woods, while the gravel routes are mostly loose surface with wide views, the longer one adding a loop through Gludsted plantation. Everything starts and finishes at Silkeborg Trailcenter, right where the forest begins.

It is run as a non-competitive ride by a local club that points to more than 30 years of experience, and the organisers stress the community side as much as the riding: good spirits at the start, support along the course and a relaxed meal together after the finish.