Gravel event in the Palatinate Forest: 4 days of fun at the Dreifels Camp + competition

This summer is not necessarily fulfilling all expectations at the moment. The persistent rain may even be affecting your motivation to get out on your bike. Scandal! This is where taking part in a gravel event could provide the necessary a***-kicking. One opportunity for this is the Gravel-Camp Dreifels 2023 - Zum Schwarzen Fuchs near Annweiler, which is being organised by the Gravel Club for the first time this year.

Gravel-Camp Dreifels - Zum Schwarzen Fuchs

Location of the Gravel Camp

The Gravel-Camp Dreifels is based on the grounds of the Zum Schwarzen Fuchs forester's lodge in Annweiler. This forester's lodge has been lovingly restored and extended and now offers a restaurant, beer garden and barbecue area as well as rooms for overnight guests. Anyone who appreciates nature is very welcome here - regardless of whether they are hikers, families, gravel bikers, mountain bikers or other interested parties.

The programme at Dreifels

The organisers have prepared an exciting programme. On Thursday, it's time to arrive. There will be plenty of tarte flambée, an opportunity to get together and a campfire. Friday starts with breakfast, followed by a gravel ride - everyone can choose a route that suits them. There will even be free childcare. Later in the afternoon, there is the opportunity to take part in a tubeless workshop before the evening programme starts - a pasta party with musical accompaniment. But that's not the end of the day. In an open round, three women share their gravel and bikepacking adventures and there is the opportunity to chat with each other in a relaxed atmosphere. A campfire and music are also planned for this evening.

Saturday: Of course, Saturday will also open with breakfast, followed by gravel tours on individually selected routes and more childcare. If you missed the workshop the day before, you have another chance to take part in the tubeless workshop today. The highlight of the day is a barbecue party, where both vegan and vegetarian options will be on offer. There will also be room for socialising around the campfire this evening.

On the last day of the Dreifels gravel camp, Forsthaus Annweiler invites you to a hangover ride. Then it's time to pack up and leave.

We think that sounds extremely interesting. We will even be there in person and will report afterwards on what our experiences were like and which experience stood out for us personally.

This way - the routes at the gravel event

The selection of routes leaves nothing to be desired - they range from short 15-kilometre routes to challenging extreme tours of 160 kilometres. We in the editorial team are delighted with the creative names. These names were not chosen at random; it is worth reading the detailed descriptions of the individual routes carefully to find out more about the background to the names. Here are the routes of the Dreifels Gravel Camp 2023:

• Hangover Ride: 15 kilometres, 280 metres in altitude
• Reblaus: 55 kilometres, 1100 metres in altitude
• Trifelsblick: 65 kilometres, 1250 metres in altitude
• Knight's banquet: 90 kilometres, 2030 metres in altitude
• To the devil's table: 100 kilometres, 1900 metres in altitude
• Calf cramp: 160 kilometres, 3480 kilometres

Test bikes and more

Those who know the Gravel Club and may have already taken part in a ride or two at events such as Eurobike or Cyclingworld in Düsseldorf will know that Orbea gravel bikes are available for testing there. The same applies to the camp in Trifels. Seven carbon gravel bikes in sizes from S to XL will be available in the Palatinate Forest. It is not possible to book in advance.

>> Extreme conditions with snow and storms prevailed during an outing in Düsseldorf

There will also be bikepacking bags from partner Ortlieb to test. The Gravel Club will have various models available to touch and test.

Overnight stay

Either in a hotel, camping or glamping. These are the three options available to participants at the Gravel-Camp Dreifels.

Glamping

The organiser works together with a glamping provider who provides glamping tents with two sleeping places, bedside lamp, wardrobe and more. Cost: 350 euros (plus weekend ticket, 230 euros).

Camping with your own tent

Camping is included in the weekend ticket. If you can and want to bring your own tent, choose this option.

Rent a tent

A two-person tent for the Dreifels gravel camp costs 39 euros for hire. Advantage: You don't have to lug a tent with you.

There is also something for the children

Parents of young children often face a challenge: how can childcare be organised during such events? This often results in only one person being able to attend the event - often it is the man who is allowed to drive if it is a family with husband, wife and child. The wife and child stay at home. This often leads to a guilty conscience or dissatisfaction.

The Gravel Club has found a solution: A Dreifels kindergarten has been set up, which is suitable for children aged three to 11. However, the children must fulfil a few requirements: They should be able to walk independently, no longer need nappies and not be dependent on medication - as the childcare staff at Dreifels are not allowed to administer medication.

Free childcare at the Dreifels Gravel Camp

On Friday and Saturday between 10am and 4pm, Alex and Sascha will be on hand to take care of your children. You can expect lots of fun, nonsense and plenty of entertaining activities. Dear parents, the childcare team would like to inform you of the following in advance:

We accept no liability for any pranks learnt here that your kids will later test on you!

The children can already look forward to lots of time in nature and a variety of games. Childcare is still in the planning phase and there could be a special highlight for the children. Discussions are underway with the local forester to realise this. The Gravel Club promises that more information will be published on the event website drei-fels.com. There you will also find a brief introduction to Alex, the centre manager, and Sascha, who is also known in insider circles as the "children's whisperer". Children are completely enamoured of him.

The childcare team

Alex has dedicated her life to caring for children and is now the manager of a day care centre. She runs it with extraordinary commitment, warmth and an abundance of love. The children have a special connection with her, and anyone who has been lucky enough to meet Alex will quickly realise why.

Tickets

There are two ticket categories:

1. Normal ticket (for the entire Gravel Camp, meals included: 230 euros)
2. Gender PayGap Ticket (213.90 euros - because women earn on average seven per cent less than men, there is a seven per cent discount)

Optionally bookable:

• A place in the glamping tent: 350 euros
• Two-person tent for the Dreifels Gravel Camp: 39 euros

Competition: Secure tickets for the Dreifels Gravel Camp now

Gravel enthusiasm blossoms in the summertime. And the time for gravel means a good time. And as the saying goes: a joy shared is a joy doubled. At BIKE and TOUR you now have the chance to win three tickets for the Gravel-Camp Dreifels. Simply fill in the entry form by 13 August, 11:59 pm and keep your fingers crossed. The lucky winners will then be notified promptly. The camp, which is organised by the Gravel Club, will take place from 24 August to 27 August at Forsthaus Annweiler Zum Schwarzen Fuchs.

Here is another book recommendation for you: Mountain bike paradise Palatinate Forest.

Mountain bike guide Patrick Wiedemann knows the mountain bike trails in the Palatinate like no other. In his book, he presents the 25 most beautiful trails for all fitness levels, which are also fun for children. Route descriptions for multi-day tours and tips and tricks on descents, braking and cornering technique expand the book and give you the advice you need for a successful excursion into the countryside. So nothing stands in the way of your flow through the spectacular forest landscape! >>> available HERE