Poland Gravel Race

Poland Gravel Race is a self-supported crossing of the Polish Carpathians, ridden as a race by some and as a mountain adventure by others. Polish cycling retailer Centrum Rowerowe calls it one of the most demanding gravel ultramarathons in the country, and the organisers describe a route that is tough but fully rideable, with fords that can change with the mountain weather.

The start is in the old town of Przemyśl, where the first climb leads straight up to the Tatar Mound. From there the route links the Przemyśl Foothills, the Bieszczady, the Low Beskids, the Sądecki Beskids and the Pieniny on scenic gravel roads and tracks, with nights spent bivvying under the open sky or in mountain huts.

Riders finish at the Głodówka mountain hut near Bukowina Tatrzańska, where champagne and a sweeping view of the Tatras wait for every finisher. The race is run by Koło Ultra, a Warsaw-based association of riders who also organise long-distance events such as the Maraton Północ Południe and Kresy Bike Adventure.