Niederrhein Gravel (NRG) 110/160km

The Niederrhein Gravel series is a gravel event held on the Lower Rhine plain near Kalkar in western Germany, with the 110km and 160km distances forming the shorter options in a series that extends up to 300km. The Lower Rhine region — Niederrhein — is one of Germany's flattest and most agricultural landscapes, a wide river plain of dike roads, windmills, sunflower fields, and market towns that sits close to the Dutch and Belgian borders. The approximately 70% gravel surface mix is a deliberate design choice, routing riders onto farm tracks, dike paths, and river-side gravel roads that keep cars away and the surfaces honest. Flat does not mean easy: the Lower Rhine is notoriously exposed to wind, and a headwind on the open dike roads can transform a comfortable pace into a genuine battle. The October timing means harvest season is in full swing, which adds character to the landscape and also means the gravel surfaces can be muddy after autumn rain. The event is well-organised and community-oriented, drawing riders from the Rhineland and beyond who appreciate the underappreciated beauty of Germany's flatlands. The shorter distances are achievable in a single day for prepared riders and offer an excellent entry point into self-supported gravel events.