Grelly '25 - The Conquest
Back to basics: ONE distance, same challenge for all !
​​
- Start: Monday, August 18th, 2025 - 8:30 a.m.
Start location: Taverne De Miester, Bierbeek, Belgium
- Finish: BEFORE Sunday, August 24th, 2025 - 7:00 p.m.
Finish location: Gouvy, Belgium
- Distance: 1,100 km with around 20,000 M+ (These values might vary slightly)
- Camping: Participants are welcome to arrive in Bierbeek on Sunday evening (17/08), where they can set up a tent at the designated camping site and enjoy a light dinner. The event will finish in Gouvy, where riders can celebrate their achievement at the finish line.
​
Goal: Start, keep pedalling and complete the route within the time limit (by Sunday 7:00PM)! We will be waiting for you.
Open for solo-riders and duo-teams.
​​
Max 50 participants. We do not limit the amount of female riders! We will keep a small waiting list. Registrations will close on July 1st, 2025. *If you registered for ‘The Conquest’ but due to circumstances cannot complete the full distance, you may request the organisation to change your ticket to an ‘Adventure’ ticket before August 1st, 2025. The difference in cost (25€) will not be refunded.
​​
Grelly '25 is a self-supported bikepacking event = NO external assistance allowed! Riders may only use services accessible to everyone (shops, hotels, restaurants, local bike shops, …) or accept friendly, unsolicited help from a passersby. Racers will be watched more closely than adventurers !
​
The track of the Conquest will be shared one week before the event. This track must be followed and completed within the prescribed time limit. When, at some point during the challenge, you leave the track, you must rejoin the track at the very same point to continue.
​
Recommended bikes: A gravel bike with at least 45mm tires and small gearing or a mountainbike: Comfort is more important than pure speed. NO electric bikes are allowed. Of course: No motor, no public transport - just you, your legs and your bike.
​
Bagage: Since the track starts in Bierbeek and finishes in Gouvy, we offer transport of a small backpack to the finish line.
​
The registration fee is 175 € per rider to cover all the costs.
This fee includes:
- Use of a GPS-tracker (no deposit required this year; we trust you to return it at the end of the event),
- Free breakfast before the start of your journey.
- One, or more, food station(s) along the route, exact location will be announced before the start.
- Possibility to set up a tent the night before the start in Bierbeek and at the CP in Gouvy.
- Goodie bag (with the support of our Partners),
- Unique Grelly Cycling item
- A rider's guide with useful and detailed information,
- Chill atmosphere at the start & finish.
Important !
​​
Grelly '25 - The Conquest is not a race in the sense that you are fully responsible for your own safety and have to respect traffic rules at all times ! Stay visible, especially at night, and wear a helmet at all times ! Your progress will be monitored and published via a tracking system (so your home front, fans, friends ... can follow your progress). An ranking will be made for those riding The Conquest.
​​​​​​
No deposit is required this year for the GPS tracker. However, please note that you are responsible for the tracker, and in case of loss or damage, we will kindly ask you to cover its cost (€150). We count on your honesty !
​
If a participant cancels his/her registration before June 1st 2025, he/she will receive a 50% refund.
Cancellations after June 1st, 2025 will not receive a refund.
The maximum number of participants for 'The Conquest' is 50 (excluding female riders).
​
The organizers reserve the right to cancel the event (e.g. due to governmental restrictions or weather conditions). In such cases, the organizers will decide whether paid participants will receive a full refund or be automatically registered for a next edition.
Participating in this event is at your own responsibility. Please, be aware that this is a demanding, multi-day endurance activity, and we will need the following documents from you before August 1st, 2025:
- Insurance Certificate from your liability insurance
- Recent Medical Certificate from your doctor or a valid cycling license, confirming your fitness to practice long-distance endurance cycling.​
​​​
The Conquest - Rulebook !
-
Follow the GPX Route on a human-powered bike only: Ride the provided GPX track from start to finish solely with human power (no e-bikes or motorized assistance). You are allowed to leave the track to find food, a shelter, bike mechanic or anything you need but you must rejoin the track at the exact same place where you left it. You are allowed to reach a bike shop/mechanic by using public transportation. After repairs, you must return to the exact point where you left the track.
-
Bike rule: You must complete the track on the same bike you started with. No bike swaps are permitted.
-
Self-supported only: No 3rd-party support, resupply, or private lodging is allowed. All food, supplies, & accommodations must be publicly accessible to all participants. So called “Trail magic” (unexpected assistance from strangers) is allowed.
-
Traffic laws and route deviations: Follow all local laws and traffic regulations. Your safety is your primary concern. In case of unforeseen traffic changes, unforeseen obstacles, or any unsafe situation on the track you are allowed to find a safe detour. Notify the organizers by email or WhatsApp (include a picture of the obstacle) explaining the reason why you deviate from the route.
-
Drafting and riding together: Drafting is only permitted between teammates in the Duo category. Extended riding (more than half a day) with other participants outside of your team is not allowed.
-
Category consistency: Finish in the same category as you started. If one teammate quits, the remaining rider may continue solo in the team category, but they cannot switch to the solo category or form a new team.
-
Insurance requirement: All Conquest participants must carry a valid Insurance Certificate from their liability insurance. This certificate should cover personal injury and any third-party damages. Proof of insurance must be submitted before the event (August 1st, 2025).
-
Mandatory equipment: You must carry the following items at all times:
-
Front and rear lights
-
High-visibility belt or vest
-
Basic bike repair kit (spare tyre, …)
-
First aid kit
-
Safety blanket
-
Rain Jacket
-
-
Safety and rider assistance: Riders need to assist each other in case of accidents or any dangerous situation.
-
Technical Support between rRiders: Sharing tools, like a pump, or offering technical advice to another rider is permitted. However, riders must fix the bike themselves.
-
GPS Tracking and ride verification: Riders need to keep evidence of their ride with their own GPS. Your event-issued tracker must remain always on and charged throughout the event. You are responsible for charging the battery when needed (organisation may remind you).
-
Dispute resolution: In case of dispute about the rules or complaints, only the Grelly organization can take the final decision, with no option for appeal.
-
Respect for the environment and other participants: Ride in the spirit of self-reliance with respect of each other and nature. Leave no trace: no littering or damaging the environment.
​