In 2017, the Jeroboam Bike Festival Franciacorta was held for the first time, blending exciting gravel routes of 300, 150 and 75km with a great family atmosphere. After the success of the 2018 event, and the first attempts to bring this atmosphere in different countries in 2019 with events in Spain, Switzerland and Czech Republic, the goal last year was to go global with 7 dates all over the world. But we all know how 2020 went, and there is no need to explain why most of that ambitious calendar was unfortunately cancelled.
However, we ended 2020 somehow satisfied by maintaining a part of the schedule, with two Jeroboam events taking place in the Dolomites and in Greece. We also asked all of you to help us in keeping the spirit of Jeroboam alive by covering a gravel route of 300 km near your home: which we called Soloboam.
Faced with the persistence of the pandemic in the world, we could have started the year by taking a pause. Instead, we choose to relaunch with an even richer program: the event that should have opened last season in Costa Rica but which was canceled 12 months ago, took place at the end of February 2021 with the participation of about 70 cyclists. The second event, scheduled for the last weekend of May in Japan, although limited to 50 participants, is already sold out.
From today, registrations are also open for the three events that will take place in Italy: Altopiano di Asiago, the Dolomites and Franciacorta as per our tradition. Register fast because we expect to be sold out very soon.
This year will be the first time of some more exotic destinations, especially towards the end of the year, with the event in Malaysia in October, and the one in Patagonia in November.
The full Jeroboam schedule:
Costa Rica: 26-28 February
Italy – Altopiano di Asiago: 28-30 May, registration open!
Japan: 28-30 May, sold out
Italy – Dolomites: 2-4 July, registration open!
Switzerland: 6-8 August
Italy – Franciacorta: 17-19 September, registration open!
Greece: 14-16 September
Austria: 1-3 October
Malaysia: 16-18 October
Argentina: 20-22 November
As always, the routes will be extremely varied across the series, highlighting the diverse regions of each event. The Costa Rica route, that runs through the entire Nicoya peninsula, started the series in a relatively gentle way with “only” 3,000 meters of climbing on the 300km course.
The 300km route of Jeroboam Franciacorta is widely considered to be the world’s toughest, with very rough surfaces of all kinds and 7,000 meters of elevation. Riders need anywhere from 20-40 hours to complete the challenge. But last year Jeroboam Italy Franciacorta was challenged for the title of world’s toughest gravel ride by Jeroboam Italy Dolomites with as much as 10,000 meters of climbing for the 300km course!
That said, riders who love these regions but do not have the stomach (or legs) for these extreme rides can always opt for the 150 and 75km routes. Across the series, the 300, 150 and 75 km routes (matching the Jeroboam, Magnum and Standard wine bottle sizes) will be joined by a short Demi Family Ride.
In general, where the 300 km will be more suitable for bike-packers looking for overnight adventures, the 150 will be geared more at those who love speed and performance beyond the asphalt.
The 75 km will be the perfect option for those who are new to the discipline or are coming back from some time off the bike. The Demi Family Ride will be the most inclusive, allowing families to ride together and experience the joy of riding.
It is not at all easy to predict whether it will be possible everywhere to combine the rides with the traditional activities of the village: from local food to concerts and entertainment. However, we will always do our best to try to preserve the original spirit of Jeroboam and at the same time fully comply with the protocols established in each country for the containment of Covid-19.
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#jeroboamgravelchallenge
More info:
www.jeroboam.bike
info@jeroboam.bike
