99%Match
01
MAR
GRAVEL
Sahara
Ouarzazate
455 KMS
4500M
All Events
Rhodes 500
Difficulty Profile
TERRAIN
CLIMBING
HEAT
412 km
Distance
7530 m
Elevation
Gravel
Surface
Intermediate
Difficulty
What to Expect on Rhodes 500
412 km, 7,530 m. Rhodes 500, an extraordinary adventure set in remote and rural landscapes that will challenge your assumptions about history, yourself, and safety. This demanding journey underscores the importance of meticulous planning for accurate resupply, given the exceptionally remote roads. Riders must carry up to 6 L of water and nutrition, considering a potential two-day race/tour strategy. Beginning in the romantic town of Rhodes, the route includes the famous ‘TTT’ (Tenahead – Tiffindell Traverse), impacting average speeds and requiring strategic resupply decisions. Explore the stunning Mount Fletcher and loop outside before reaching Maclear for a detour filled with added beauty. After a beautiful descent between towns, brace for another loop of extremely rough gravel, testing resilience at an altitude of about 2700 m. Past experiences offer a sense of remoteness, allowing reflection on fuel decisions, whether racing or touring the Rhodes 500. Safety remains paramount in this challenging yet breathtaking adventure. Full route release to riders two weeks before the start date.
Bike Setup for Rhodes 500
Bike
Gravel Bike
Tires
45-50mm Tubeless
Cassette
10-51T
Chainring
38-40T (1x)
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Frequently Asked Questions
How long is Rhodes 500?
At 412 km with 7530 m of elevation gain, Rhodes 500 is roughly the distance of 10 marathons back to back, with climbing that adds up to close to a third of the height of Mount Everest.
What bike do I need?
Rhodes 500's terrain calls for a Gravel Bike, ideally running 45-50mm Tubeless tires. On the drivetrain side, a 38-40T (1x) chainring matched to a 10-51T cassette gives enough range for the climbing involved.
How difficult is it?
We rate Rhodes 500 as Intermediate overall. Riders should be ready for rough, technical terrain for a good stretch of the route, fairly flat elevation gain, and mild and generally comfortable conditions.
When does it take place?
Rhodes 500 takes place on March 2, 2026. That puts it in autumn, as conditions start cooling but daylight hours are shrinking.
What surface is it?
Surface-wise, expect gravel throughout Rhodes 500 — 45-50mm Tubeless tires are a safe bet.