Why Ultra-Cycling Captures the Spirit of Adventure

Ultra cycling has a reputation for being extreme, yet at its core it is one of the most accessible forms of riding. It is not defined by speed or performance. It is defined by exploration. Riders are drawn to it because it offers something deeper than a traditional event. It invites them to ride beyond familiar boundaries and discover what happens when they stay out a little longer, climb a little higher or travel a little further into wild landscapes.

This openness is what makes ultra cycling so appealing to such a wide range of riders. Some arrive with a competitive mindset and a hunger for long distance racing. Others are motivated by a personal challenge. Many are simply searching for a sense of adventure where time slows down and the landscape takes centre stage. Ultra cycling embraces all of these motivations equally.

The Gralloch Ultra captures this spirit perfectly. Set within the sweeping landscapes of Galloway Forest Park, the event offers an immersive endurance challenge that feels purposeful, rewarding and deeply connected to its surroundings. It is a chance to push personal limits and expand horizons while remaining part of a supportive and welcoming event culture.

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Restrap ambassador Justyna Jarczok describes the emotional pull of ultra riding:

“Ultra cycling is where I feel most alive. It is that wild, open air freedom where the world becomes my playground and every horizon dares me to chase it. Out there in the mountains and gravel and sky I meet my limits face to face. It is not the suffering that hooks me, it is the discovery. The realisation that I can always go a little deeper and a little braver than I thought.

I do not ride to escape the world. I ride straight into the heart of it. Every climb asks a question. Every sunrise offers a promise. Ultra riding depends entirely on your preparation, your mindset and your effort. I keep pushing to find the version of myself that moves faster and further. That is why I choose ultra. It challenges me, rewards me and never lets me stand still.”

Her words reflect something echoed across countless endurance stories. Ultra cycling is not about being the strongest rider. It is about finding the courage to start and the determination to keep moving. The Gralloch Ultra is the perfect place to begin that journey.

Explore the event: www.grallochgravel.com/ultra

What Counts as Ultra-Cycling?

Ultra cycling is generally understood as any ride of around 200 kilometres or more, particularly when ridden on mixed terrain or gravel. Distance alone does not define the experience. The format of the event and the level of support provided play a major role in shaping how an ultra feels.

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Self supported events require riders to carry everything they need, find their own resupply and solve any issues independently.

Fully supported events provide comprehensive feed zones, mechanical assistance and sometimes team support, similar to traditional endurance sportives.

Semi supported events strike a balance between independence and structure. Riders manage their own pacing, fuelling and equipment, while the event team provides safety oversight and essential support.

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The Gralloch Ultra is a semi supported event. Riders should expect:

• medical and emergency response teams positioned across the course
  
  
• a dedicated Event Control team monitoring all riders live via GPS trackers
  
  
• planned checkpoints for water and essential nutrition
  
  
• clear communication on cut off times, conditions and safety expectations
  
  

The terrain itself reinforces this format. The Into the Wild recce blog highlights how the route flows between sheltered forest trails, exposed ridgelines and long remote stretches. It is a landscape that rewards steady decision making and good preparation, while maintaining a strong sense of adventure throughout.

Training for Ultra Distance

When you first read that The Gralloch Ultra covers 330 kilometres and more than 5,000 metres of climbing, it can feel intimidating. But ultra training is far more achievable than most people expect. The key is consistency, not extremity. Long endurance rides build gradually. Skills and confidence accumulate over weeks, not days. The process is manageable for any committed rider.

A comprehensive Gralloch Ultra training guide will be released in January, offering structured plans, winter training advice, fuelling guidance and practical tips to help riders arrive on the start line feeling confident and prepared.

Coaching insight from Ben Thomas

Ben Thomas of Ben Thomas Coaching explains why thoughtful preparation makes such a difference:

“Gralloch is one of the highlights of the gravel calendar and now with the UCI race, sportive and the Ultra, there is something for every gravel rider. Whether you are experienced or riding your first long distance event, the better prepared you are the more enjoyable the experience will be. Training gives you the confidence to tackle a challenge like this. Planning is just as important. From choosing the right Restrap bag setup to dialling your nutrition strategy and pacing, every detail matters. Bring these elements together and you will have a fantastic weekend on the gravel roads around Gatehouse of Fleet.”

Coaching insight from Rich Rothwell

Rich Rothwell of Advance Cycle Coaching breaks it into actionable fundamentals:

“If you want to perform at your best for the Gralloch Ultra, the most important thing is to make your training specific to the event. Aerobic endurance should take up a high proportion of your training time. It teaches your body to use fuel efficiently so you can ride for longer with less fatigue. The route contains 5,000 metres of climbing, so you should practice sustained efforts that sit just below threshold and repeat them. Strength training supports off road riding, especially the demands of climbing and descending. Bike handling is equally important. When you combine aerobic efficiency with strength and technical skill, you move more efficiently across the ground. Prepare with these principles in mind and you will greatly increase your chances of success.”

The message from both coaches is clear. Ultra riding rewards steady, consistent preparation. Start now, build gradually and by spring you will feel ready for the challenge.

Your Guide to Luggage for Gravel and Ultras

There is a truism in cycling. The further you ride, the more you need to carry. Nutrition, spares, tools and extra layers all become non negotiable as the distance grows. The challenge is always finding the right balance. No one wants to be weighed down by items they do not need, but few things are more frustrating than abandoning an event you have trained hard for because you gambled on your spares.

Not so long ago, it was common to see riders stuffing jersey pockets until they sagged halfway down their backs. Thankfully, those days are behind us. Modern on bike and on body luggage solutions now allow riders to carry everything they need in a stable, accessible and far more comfortable way.

Our event partners Restrap are no strangers to long distance riding. Many of the team are passionate bikepackers and ultra racers themselves, and their experience shows in how their products are designed. Below is their advice on what to carry and how to carry it.

Nutrition: Fuel within reach

If your food is not easy to reach, you are far less likely to eat regularly. Before long, you find yourself low on energy and reaching a level of fatigue that is difficult to recover from. Easy access is essential.

The best options here are either a top tube bag, which is aerodynamic and easy to open with one hand, or a stem bag, which is even easier to reach into and stash items while riding. Both allow you to grab a snack without breaking your rhythm.

Explore cockpit bag options: restrap.com/collections/cockpit-bags

Tools: Staying self sufficient

A degree of self sufficiency is essential in ultra cycling. It is the difference between celebrating at the finish or sitting next to a broken bike as the light fades and the weather turns.

Where and how you carry tools will depend on your wider setup. A tool pouch under the saddle is light, discreet and keeps essentials in one place. If you opt for a larger saddle bag to carry clothing, the downtube is an often overlooked but excellent alternative location for tools and spares.

Spare clothing: Preparing for Scottish unpredictability

Even though Scotland has a reputation for good weather, very, very occasionally there’s a small possibility of experiencing some inclement weather. With changing conditions, especially over the course of a long day and night on the bike, spare clothing and extra layers are key. Fatigue also lowers your tolerance to cold, making spare layers more important than many riders expect.

A frame bag, canister bag or saddle pack provides space for a waterproof jacket, a warm layer and even a little sunscreen if you are feeling optimistic.

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An alternative approach: The hydration vest

Prefer not to have bags on your bike? A hydration vest is an increasingly popular method of combining extra carrying capacity with easy to access hydration and fueling. It also has plenty of space for a spare layer and tools.

Restrap’s luggage range is built to remove stress from your preparation. The right setup helps you stay focused on the terrain, the scenery and the experience of the ride.

A more detailed Gralloch Ultra kit guide, created in partnership with Restrap, will be released in the new year, offering a deeper look at how to dial in your setup for long distance gravel riding as well as what to pack for The Gralloch Ultra.

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Sustainability and the Landscape of the Gralloch Ultra

Ultra cycling encourages riders to travel lightly, respect the land beneath their wheels and move through remote spaces with care. This aligns perfectly with the values of the Galloway and Southern Ayrshire UNESCO Biosphere, which recognises the region as a special place where natural and cultural heritage are protected for future generations.

The Gralloch Ultra takes place within this landscape. The route travels through parts of Galloway Forest Park, an area that is actively managed by Forestry and Land Scotland. Their work supports biodiversity, maintains healthy ecosystems and ensures that forests remain places where wildlife and recreation can coexist. Riders experience these efforts first hand as they pass through quiet valleys, old woodland, open moorland and gravel tracks shaped by responsible land stewardship.

Restrap’s commitment to sustainability complements this environment. Their products are handmade in the UK using vegan friendly materials, reducing reliance on mass manufacturing and global shipping. Durability is central to their design philosophy and every bag is built to last for many years of riding.

Ultra cycling deepens a rider’s relationship with the landscape. Events like the Gralloch Ultra remind us that adventure and environmental responsibility can sit side by side. When riders return home, they often describe not only the distance they covered but also the connection they felt to the land.

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Riding with care and leaving no trace

With that sense of freedom comes responsibility. Riding through landscapes like the Galloway Forest Park means taking care to leave no trace behind. Litter, even small items like gel wrappers or food packaging, can have a lasting impact in these sensitive environments and undermines the shared effort to protect them.

Simple habits make a real difference. Keeping waste on your bike until the next checkpoint or finish area should be second nature on an ultra ride. Top tube and stem bags are particularly useful here, giving riders an easy place to stash empty wrappers and packaging as they ride. They reduce the temptation to fumble for rear pockets, where items can be dropped without noticing.

Ultra cycling is about moving lightly through the landscape. Carrying out everything you carry in is part of respecting the places that make rides like the Gralloch Ultra so special.

Your First Ultra Challenge

Every rider has a moment where they decide to step into something bigger. For some it is curiosity and for others it is the desire for a new challenge. Whatever your motivation, ultra cycling offers a chance to grow in ways that go beyond fitness. It builds resilience, confidence and a sense of capability that carries into daily life.

If you are ready to take that step, The Gralloch Ultra offers the ideal starting point. The route is demanding but achievable. The atmosphere is welcoming. The landscape is unforgettable. With thoughtful preparation and the right equipment, you will discover that you are capable of far more than you imagined.

Restrap’s gear is designed to support riders through exactly this type of challenge. Every bag is functional, durable and purpose built for long days on rough terrain. If you want to start preparing now, their collection is the perfect place to begin.

Read more about The Gralloch Ultra or register: www.grallochgravel.com

Explore the gear that will take you further: restrap.com

Ready to take on your first ultra? The journey starts the moment you decide to go further.