Gravel biking in Leutasch
NEW BIKES FOR ALL OCCASIONS
With its online tour portal for gravel bikers, the Seefeld region – Tyrol's high plateau – is responding to the new cycling trend that combines the feeling of road biking with the enjoyment of nature. Christian Wandl, host at the BIO Hotel Leutascherhof, knows more about the trendy bike hype.
The English word ‘gravel’ means pebbles or crushed stone. The name says it all: with a gravel bike, you can ride on all kinds of roads and paths. Whether asphalt, gravel and sand paths or natural paths without surfacing, the gravel bike is the bike for all occasions.
Hello Christian, have you tried gravel biking yet?
Yes, of course! When we offer our guests a new sporting experience, I want to know what it feels like. The gravel bike is a great combination of a classic road bike for paved roads and an off-road vehicle for paths away from the clean routes.
The gravel bike is just right for places where a classic road bike would struggle. What I particularly like is that you can ride much faster at 20 to 25 km/h than with a cross bike. Speed and pure nature – that's a great combination.
What is the difference between a road bike and a gravel bike?
You can see this at first glance in two ways. Firstly, the handlebars are round or curved, as on a road bike, if you like. On a mountain bike, the handlebars are straight. Secondly, the tyres are significantly wider. On a road bike, the tyre width is usually 23 to 28 mm, while on a gravel bike it is 37 to 40 mm. In terms of riding position, a gravel bike is much more comfortable than a road bike, but not as comfortable as a mountain bike. You can really feel the speed on a road bike. My conclusion: a gravel bike is a very comfortable road bike that is also the perfect choice for riding off-road.
Why is the Seefeld region – Tyrol's high plateau – a great location for gravel bikers?
Leutasch, the entire Seefeld region and the Karwendel mountains score points with their incredible variety of rideable routes. The tours on different surfaces lead along rivers such as the Isar and up to the alpine pasture region. The views of the surrounding mountains are magnificent and varied, and there are many huts, alpine pastures and inns that are perfect for breaks and refreshments during longer tours. Sporty cyclists who don't want to miss out on the alpine environment will love riding their gravel bikes in Leutasch and the surrounding area.
What are your three personal tour tips for gravel bikers?
Our guests can start the Adventure Ride bike tour at the Weidachbrücke car park, with the finish line right in front of the hotel. On this approximately 50 km long tour, you will discover three beautiful lakes and rustic huts and enjoy unique views.
My second tip is the tour to the Gaistal valley – I'm just a romantic! From Weidach, the route climbs up to the Gaistalalm. Along the way, you can choose between asphalt and gravel, accompanied by the sound of the Leutascher Ache stream, while enjoying views of the Hohe Munde, the Mieminger Kette and the Wetterstein mountains. If you like, you can cool your legs afterwards in the Kneipp facility at the entrance to the Gaistal valley.
My third tip is the Wettersteinrunde, which, at just under 78 km in length and a whopping 1,754 m of ascent, is something for very athletic gravel bikers. The start and finish point is the Salzbach car park in Leutasch-Gaistal. Along the way, you will encounter scenic highlights such as the Ehrwalder Alm, the Partnach Gorge and the Geisterklamm. There are plenty of ups and downs, but this tour is definitely worth it.
You can find more gravel bike tour suggestions in the online tour portal! Of course, we also have exciting suggestions for less athletic cyclists and those who want to start gravel biking. We also provide suitable route tips for families with children.
Thank you very much for talking to us and have fun with your gravel bike!
Would you like to find out more about gravel biking in Leutasch and the Karwendel and get to know the BIO and hiking hotel Leutascherhof?
With just one click, you can take the first step towards a biking holiday in Tyrol!