RADL GRVL – an eBike and Family Friendly Event
It's happening January 23rd, 2026 in McLaren Vale. Yes there are elite cyclists riding 127km on gravel bikes up ridicuously steep climbs (the blue route), and yes they are amazing (and some of them are famous), but don't be alarmed - there are options for mere mortals as well! A 35km almost flat option (the green route) is scenic and doable by pretty much anyone who can ride a bike. The red route is a 64km option that is perfect for eBike riders wanting some adventure! Yes you can!!
eBikes Available for Hire
Would you love to participate but don't have a bike? Fear not! SA eBikes is based in McLaren Vale, and can deliver an eBike to the start line (or your accomodation)! So now that excuse is dispensed with, its time to sign up here .
Family Friendly
This may not be the image you had in mind for the RADL GRVL, but cargo eBikes can be great for non-riders to be part of the fun! Cargo eBikes, eBikes with childseats and 24" "smaller people" eBikes are all part of the eBike fleet that can be hired from SA eBikes.
Not only does entry provide access to the marked courses with safety marshals, on-course mechanical assistance, fully stocked on-course aid stations with Maurten products and snacks, a post-race beverage and meal, a custom one-of-a-kind finisher hat, amazing swag bags, and access to event photos, but you can also particpiate in "shake-out rides" with professional cyclists and industry leaders, access to Valtteri Bottas' Sausage Sizzle tickets, access to rides with coffee, treats, and sponsor goodies, and new GRVL® friends for life!
The Green Route
The green route is 35km of pretty flat, scenic riding. It starts at the same point as the elite riders, but whereas they head off at 7.30am, the green route riders leave at 8.45am.
The dotted lines are the unsealed sections. There will be ride marshalls along the way to help you navigate the route.
The Red Route
This is a 64km route which is definitely more challenging both in distance and with the climb up Kings Hill Rd. You can defintiely do it on an eBike, 'tho!
This route starts from Oliver & Press at 8.30am with some straight forward riding through the back streets of McLaren Vale, then up past Battle of Bosworth Wines on Gafney Rd and onto the most difficult section of the ride, up Kings Hill Rd. You will ride along forest trails through Kuitpo to the boundary of Kyeema National Park. Then loop back to McLaren Vale, so Yes...there is a downhill... Taylors Hill Rd!!
The Blue Route
OK, this is where we try not to get carried away, but seriously, the cyclists riding the Blue Route deserve our admiration - they are freaking awesome!
The scale for this map had to be signifcantly reduced because 127 km is a loooong way - and it still doesn't fit - but you can see the red route and the blue route both climb up Kings Hill Rd and head through Kuitpo forest, but then the blue route goes way out to Bull Creek, then down through Ashbourne to Currency Creek then back through Nangkita to rejoin the red route.
Yep, there are going to be some tired riders! The first of the elite riders are expected back at Oliver & Press Winemakers at 11am, but most will be making it back mid - afternoon.
Why not stay on in McLaren Vale?
McLaren Vale is a stunning wine region with lots of gorgeous BnBs to choose from. So stay awhile and discover some of the many fabulous cellar doors!
The day after RADL GRVL, the TDU riders will be making their way through the region and up Willlunga Hill.
And then there is the spectacular coastline... Who wouldn't want to stay on??
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Explore McLaren Vale on an SA eBike.
