Dirty Jutland is one of the oldest Scandinavian gravel events. Since 2018, Uggi and his team have invited riders to ride along the windy west coast of Denmark. 900 riders signed up for this year’s event. Many riders participate in the 130 km “One Thirty” course, some brave souls tackle the entire 460 km XL from the German border. I will share my story from riding the original 223 km Grinder from Klitmøller to Skagen.

This is my race setup for the Dirty Jutland. You can see the whole setup if you click on the thumbnail above. (Unfortunately, there are not many photos of me during the race.) Photo: Andreas Ohldieck.

Splits on in the windy West Coast

While going south of Norway, I expected a warmer climate but it’s quite cold here. The northern breeze is chilling us to the bone. Only 11 riders remain in the front group. Out of the 400 riders starting the Gravel Grinder signed up for the event, we have narrowed down the group to the last few. However, we still have 150k to go.

On Friday morning, I took the ferry from Larvik to Hirtshals with Andreas and Anders, two riders I coach in 101percent Training. Today, Andreas had a strong start to the race but lost the front group with a puncture. Anders should be another few minutes behind him.

CHECK OUT: My race calendar 2024

The group is dominated by nine Danish riders, five from Willing Able. They are pushing a strong pace, as we have been having the whole day. But one fellow countryman is here, Vebjørn Rønning. We rode as teammates in the World Championship last fall. He also raced DNF GRVL two weeks ago in the snow. Now we are here in the cold Danish spring. I felt strong in the beginning, but it’s harder now. The tailwind helps with the pace but not with the drafting. There’s no place to hide.

In the first part, we rode many sections of beautiful forest roads. This is another group behind. Photo: Eventfotografi/Dirty Jutland.

There are many challenges to overcome

The route has led us along the beach, on forest roads, country roads, through towns, and mostly on gravel. It’s beautiful and fun. It’s pancake flat. The many twists and turns, but the sharp flints are the biggest challenges.

Many people experienced punctures, but I didn’t, thanks to my Challenge Getaway XP 40. Photo: Eventfotografi/Dirty Jutland

BAM! 

A rider in the group hits something and loses control of his bike. He’s down, and with the high speed, it’s almost impossible for the riders behind to avoid hitting him. It’s a domino effect, and I have first-row access. It’s too late to break. I’m in the middle of the gravel road, and a bike is flying towards me. Another rider on my right crashes into the ditch, and in a quick reaction, I manage to find a tiny gap, dodging the bike and the riders to my right. I’m through! Five riders are down. Vebjørn is one of them. None are seriously injured, and the fallen riders tell us to keep going, so we do. It’s a survival of the fittest. 7 riders left in the front.

One of the most iconic parts, when we were riding on a single track along the beach before we had to climb up the stairs. Photo: Eventfotografi/Dirty Jutland.

It’s getting hectic

We are passing midway, and soon, we catch the riders from the 130k route. This event is inclusive, and you’ll find riders from all levels. The many, some less experienced, riders create traffic jams in the narrow sections. I am doing my best to keep up with the riders, but I have to chase and maneuver gently (and sometimes not so gently) between riders. It’s a chaos. 

With 900 riders on the course, it was sometimes a lot of traffic. Photo: Eventfotografi/Dirty Jutland

I hit a rock, and it feels like my front tire is out of air. Panic sets in. Could it be a puncture? As we turn onto an asphalt road, I slow down to check, and to my relief, it’s not. But as I check my tire, a gap opens, and the leading riders pull away. I am getting dropped. I take a deep breath and summon all my strength to make a final attempt to catch up. I sprint with all my might and start counting down the seconds. 50 seconds…49 seconds…48…47. My legs feel heavy and full of lactate, and I can barely push the power. My heart is pounding, but I refuse to give up. I keep pushing, and finally, I start closing down the gap. The wind is howling in my ears as I continue to sprint. I can see the leading riders getting closer and closer. I give one final push.

Finally, I make it as we hit the gravel. Surprisingly, two fellow Norwegian riders from Sandnes are catching up. One of the riders had an early puncture, and they both stopped to fix it. They must have been chasing for hours, but they made it—impressive.

READ ALSO: Big Sugar Gravel 2023

You don’t get much draft in tailwind on a gravel road. I am still in pain after my last effort. We are heading towards the sea. I had heard about this section, and now we are finally here. We are riding on a 10km stretch of hard-packed beach. It’s an amazing road! The sand is so hard you can ride your road bike. Some cars also drive on it, but you need to be careful because there are occasional patches of loose sand where your front wheel can get stuck, and you may lose control. We also cross rivers and water pits on the beach as we maintain a high pace.

But I am in pain. I am losing the wheel in front of me. The gap is opening up again—5 meters, then 10, so 15. I don’t have another acceleration in my legs to get back up. I have to realize that I will not see the first eight riders again before the finish.

I team up with Kristoffer after getting dropped on the beach. Photo: me.

Finding my rhythm

Kristoffer from Sandnes also drops, and we team up. We don’t talk much, but we have a common understanding. We are both exhausted, but we are determined to reach the finish line. Eventually, riders from the 130k group start to pass us. I try to keep up, but I am completely exhausted right now. I haven’t felt this depleted in a long time. My heart rate is high, and I think my body is a little unwell, but I have no choice – I must reach the finish line. There’s no one to pick me up, and my bags are already in Skagen. I have to keep going, and if I can just keep up with some of these riders, it will be over much quicker than if I ride alone.

Three strong masters pass me. They have a good pace but are not trying to drop one another. It’s a perfect trio to follow. The train is moving, and we are getting closer to the end, kilometer by kilometer. Now we catch Kristoffer, too.

The last hours are long. I try to focus on the tasks ahead, my biggest being following the trio. I also make sure I drink and keep eating. I am about to empty my bottles, and the hydration pack has been empty for a while already. I would have stopped at the feed zones, but I didn’t risk getting dropped by the group.

I count down each of the last 20 km. It’s a test of patience, but we are closing in on the final kilometer. Five kilometers to go. We turn into a narrow cycle path crossing some scenic nature. It’s beautiful, but I am not able to enjoy it. Instead, I am getting dropped by the group. They are disappearing, but I don’t mind anymore. I know I am going to make it to the finish in Skagen.

The last 20 km had some really cool sections like this one. Photo: Eventfotografi/Dirty Jutland

Skagen – here we are!

We are in the Northernmost town in Denmark. And there it is—the finisher banner! I cross the line, tired yet satisfied. Despite my weak last hours, I hold on to 10th place in the Grinder!

I love the atmosphere in the finish area after an epic gravel ride. The riders are all exhausted but happy. The organizer serves burgers, chips, beers, cokes, and coffee. Food has never tasted better! Andreas and Anders are joining my table and sharing their stories from the day. We all agree it has been a ride to remember. This was epic! Thank you, Dirty Jutland. We will be back!

READ ALSO: Unbound Gravel 200 – 2023

Traka has become the European version of Unbound Gravel, and it is safe to say that Traka is the premier gravel race in Europe. More than 2000 riders have visited Girona, the self-proclaimed gravel paradise, within the five-day gravel festival. Most of the world’s best-known gravel riders are racing the 360k or the 200k route, while many recreational riders sign up for the 100k or 50k. The bravest riders sign up for an incredible 560k route. As an elite gravel rider, I decided to take on the 200k route, but I also signed up for the 100k. Let’s dive into my 200k experience!

– Swoosh. 

The mud is splashing as I try to keep up with Laurens ten Dam’s wheels. The rainfall of the last few weeks has turned the gravel into a dirt road, making it wet and slippery. I have to trust my Challenge Gravel Grinder tires to keep me on the right path. We’ve been going fast all day. The gun went off when the sun rose and we began the trail, starting with a neutral start that quickly became chaotic.

I’m following the fast pace. Photo: The Traka

Not really a neutral start

As the car took off, everyone wanted to be at the front into the 4k steep graveled climb that was about to begin. The separation happened instantaneously, and I was around 50th at the start of the climb. I had to work my way up the climb overtaking riders who were getting dropped, but it didn’t work out well. Midway up the climb, the first riders were already gone, and I found myself in group three. The group kept growing, and now we are about 20 riders in total.

It’s a beautiful morning with a temperature of 15ºC and the sun shining. There’s no wind, just the wind resistance. The course is twisty, and it feels like I have to sprint out of every single corner just to keep up with the group. This is a different kind of course than what you’ll find in Kansas; this is Girona.

– Man, if I stay back where tail gunning, I will for sure get dropped as elactic band will eventually snap. I got to get to the front of our group. 

It’s harder to stay in the back of a fast group. Photo: The Traka (from the 100k race)

Into the biggest climb of the day

– Gogogo, Jonas. 1 min to the next group. Andreas texts me, and it pops up on the screen of my head unit. 

Andreas participated in the 360-kilometer race yesterday and performed exceptionally well, finishing in the top 30. Today, he is following my race from his hotel room. He had hoped to support me by providing food during the race, however, he discovered that the rental car his wife used on the gravel roads yesterday had a puncture. It’s even challenging for cars to drive on these roads, not to mention 40 or 42-mm tires. I’ve seen many riders with punctured tires. Fortunately, my tires are holding up well.

There! I spot a group ahead while on the open field. It appears that my group has caught up with them. Unfortunately, I am not with them anymore because I took a wrong turn five kilometers back. The course is not marked, and one has to follow the GPS track. Sometimes, it’s hard to see the details on the little head unit. I mistakenly thought we were headed straight, but we were supposed to make an S-curve and continue on the other side of the creek. I had to turn back but lost about 20 seconds, and I couldn’t catch up with the group. Not yet, anyway.

I’m in time trail mode and catch a few riders while chasing the group ahead.

Chasing down riders. Photo: The Traka.

Start of the last climb. 7 km. 

I don’t know if the sign is motivating or depressing, but I get into a rhythm and try to ride the whole thing as fast as I can. But it’s steep, and the surface is loose or rugged. I see a rider ahead. I am motivated to press on. Let’s catch him!

I caught a rider and we are working well together. Photo: The Traka.

Hitting the bar

– Where did my energy go? 

I feel completely exhausted. I can’t even sustain 150 watts. I caught up with a fellow rider at the top of the climb and we cooperated for a while. However, I had to stop at the feed zone to refill my bottles. When I resumed chasing, I managed to catch up to him again, but it seemed to take more effort than I anticipated. I think I’m hitting the wall.

I stop to urinate and eat a snack, but I still feel empty. A group of cyclists passes me, and I cannot keep up with them.

– I need a Coke. 

There is a small town. I make a quick call to ride off the course to find a place I can buy a drink. I find an open bar and ask the bartender for a Coke.

sitting on a bar stool in the bar
Like the good old days, when the riders had to refuel in bars and shops along the way. Photo: Jonas Orset.

– Quieres algo mas? 

The bartender asks me if I want something more. I get an urge to get some salt. On the shelves, there are small bags of chips. I choose one, pay by phone for Coke and chips. This is a surreal moment. I was in a competitive race; now I am hitting the bar.

But after just a few sips of the Coke, I can feel my energy coming back. I chug the whole can. The chips taste so good. I put my phone back in the hydration bag, grab the bag of chips, and get back on the bike. I return the 250 meters back to the course and keep riding. 

A group of riders pass me, and I follow them. The bag of chips in my left hand, the legs pushing the pedals. I am back. 

A tough final of the race

200k on gravel roads is always tough, but this course makes the riders have to fight for every meter. The climbs are steep, the gravel rocky and loose, the course twisty, and the sun is also heating up. Several riders are cramping. I am feeling better again. Not great, but I am definitely back to where I was before I boinked. The group I’m in now has been growing. We are catching dropped riders. 

I know the last 20k as I did them in Santa Vall X. It’s wet, muddy, and rocky. I consent to stay on the best line. Please, no punctures or crashes today. 

It’s a beautiful course, but partly rocky. Photo: The Traka.

It’s satisfying to know the last km, as I know we are getting close to the finish. The last 5 km are on single track, which can be interesting on the slippy trails.

There is the finish line, I try to sprint, but my legs are not moving any faster. I have to let two riders pass me. Finally, I make it. 63rd.

I finally made it and having another Coke is definitely in place. Photo: Andreas Ohldieck.

It’s a bittersweet feeling. On one hand, I am so glad to be back I have been suffering badly. On the other, I would have hoped to be in a little better shape and maybe a little better result. But what an adventure it was. The Traka is something special. 

I will do it all again tomorrow with the 100k! I can’t say that I’m looking forward to it right now, but after some finishers’ food and a good night’s sleep, I know I’ll be ready for another adventure. Because if there’s one thing that Traka truly is, it’s an adventure.

Gracias, Klassmark, for a weekend of gravel adventures I’ll never forget! I’ll be back!

Next up, Gravel Locos.

READ MORE: Unbound 2023

180 km on gravel, more than 5000 meters of climbing, and in more than 30ºC, Iron Gravel would be a challenge for every rider. When I had two flats and had to walk for 15 km in the burning heat, it became one of the most challenging days on the bike this year. But also one of the most beautiful and epic! Iron Gravel – I hated and loved you!

It’s 4.15 AM. I had my morning coffee and oatmeal. I have dressed up in my CCN kit and pumped the tires. I am already on my way, driving from Guardamar to Busot for Iron Gravel. My alarm rang early, but waking up at 3.30 AM was easy. 

I am excited — riding 180 km in the mountains around Alicante. I have done most of the asphalt roads here before. The area north of Alicante is an Eldorado for climbing. Yet today, the course will lead me to the less known roads. The other 107 participants and I follow the backroads around the famous Col de Tudons, Guadalest, Confrides, and Carrasqueta. I look forward to seeing what fun Miguel Angel, the main organizer, has found for us. 

Now, I have another 30 minutes of my 70 min drive to Busot. 

happy man with thumbs up
I am ready for Iron Gravel 2023. Photo: Rafa Romero.

¡Buena suerte!

Miguel Angel is wishing us good luck as we head off. It’s still dark, and our bike lights are illuminating the road. Dark, but not cold. It’s comfortable at 20ºC. And that’s before sunrise! I assume it will be a hot day. 

I make a small talk with another rider. I am the only non-Spanish rider doing the 180. Is this race only for loco Spanish matadores?

The rider tells me this is the fourth edition of Iron Gravel. He has done all of them. I don’t know his name, but he must be a badass

cyclist in the dark
The lights are illuminating the road. Photo: Rafa Romero.
Dark start to the race. Photo: Rafa Romero.

Soon we turn off the asphalt and head onto the gravel. Then, the climbing starts. Lots of elevation is waiting.

It doesn’t take many pedal strokes before things are getting spicy. A rider sets the pace, and I follow. I feel strong, and even though the speed is high, I am comfortable. 

Most riders do the intelligent thing, let us go and find their march speed. We are only four riders putting down the hammer. 

Quickly we gain elevation. Seven km to the top.

riders in the spanish mountains
Beautiful morning over Alicante. Photo: Rafa Romero.

As we are closing into the top, the sun is rising. It’s a beautiful sight towards Alicante. I am left in the front with one other rider. We are not planning to drop each other off now; it’s nice to have some company. It will be a long day. He tells me his name is David, and he has been racing more mountain bikes until now. Gravel is his new thing. He also tells me he lives near the top of the climb, so he is familiar with the area. 

We are arriving at the top. As we head downhill, another rider makes up the ground. We are now a trio. The three musketeers?

A few km later, we are at the bottom of the descent. The new rider introduces him as Javier. He is one of the legends who has done several Iron Gravel. I look forward to riding with these hitters.

No otra vez

I have been having technical troubles in my latest races—punctures in Gravel Locos and Unbound, then a chain drop at the worst time in FNLD GRVL. I hope my bad luck is over now. Nothing would feel better than a clean race today.

We are passing Torremanzanas and on asphalt road. Then we turn left off onto a short downhill trail. I follow David. Then it happens again; I hit a small rock, and my rear tires is losing air at the same time sealant is squirting everywhere. 

Man, not again.

rider fixing a flat tire
I am getting used to fixing these flats. Photo: Rafa Romero.

I jump off my bike and look for the hole where the sealant comes out. I cannot find it. Maybe it did seal? I’ll add a CO2 cartridge. But wait, something is wrong! The gas goes everywhere, and I don’t get anything in my tire. As I loosen the cartridge adapter, I see the problem. The valve is broken. 

I have to put it in a tube. So I do. Several riders pass me, but I must focus on doing it right. 

– Don’t stress, Jonas, Iron Gravel is long, I tell myself.  

A few minutes later, I can ride on. What a start to the challenge. Hopefully, it’s the end of my bad luck now.

Estado del flujo

I get in a good rhythm. The first riders aren’t to see, but I am catching others. It gives me a motivational boost. They try to hold on, but I am in a flow state and soon leave them—next goal – catching the first two.

Riders in Iron gravel
I got my flat fixed and am on the road again. Photo: Rafa Romero.

We are passing Alcoleja and following some farm roads across small bridges and through small villages. The course varies, and it’s fun. I am pushing the pedals, but I am looking more at the course on my head unit than my power. Left, right, steep hills, steeper downhills. I am enjoying it.

I am alone and passing the 50k mark. I am moving steadily and hope to see the first soon. Now we are mostly on concrete roads mixed with gravel sectors. The concrete climbs are steep, and it’s important to be careful on the gravel downhill as there are many rocks. Some are loose; some are rising from the ground. It is a risk of punctures here too. 

Otro vez

I am by myself and riding across some loose stones. Then I hear an all too familiar sound. It happens again!

Bad luck seems to follow bad luck. Flat again! 

Madre Mia, why shall I have so much bad luck? Or is it my riding style? Or the tires? I should have chosen a little bit more rigid rear tire for this course, that’s for sure. There is no need to evaluate now; I must figure out how to get home. I am out of spare tubes. I was planning to plug, but with a broken valve, I had to use my emergency tube. And that tube is also flat now.

I am in the Spanish mountains with an unrideable bike. 

I start walking. Soon the riders behind are catching me. I ask them for a spare tube, but no one wants to help. More riders are passing. I am getting more and more desperate. I call the race organizer. They understand but tell me I need to ask passing riders and try to make it the 16 km to the aid station. 

More riders are passing. But still no Good Samaritan.

They say they need it themselves. I understand, but I am stranded in the heat! 

Rider fixing bike
Again I puncture, and I don’t have a spare tube this time. Photo: Rafa Romero.

Then finally, I convince a rider to give me a tube. He is hesitant and unhappy about it but gives me a tube. I am grateful and start to change the tube. But as I try to inflate the tube, I realize the tube valve is too short for my DT Swiss wheels with a 50mm profile. Nothing goes my way! A friendly rider on a Felt bike asks me if I need anything. We change tubes in the hope his valve is a little longer. Barely, but it still doesn’t work. 

The minutes fly. More riders are coming by, and many riders ask if I need help. The back troop has more time than the first racers. But nobody has a tube with a longer valve. A fellow rider puts in a massive effort to help me inflate the tube I have, but we just can’t get the air into the valve as it’s just too short. 

I give up the tube. I have to start walking.

La caminata

Step by step. I am moving, but it’s slow. The last riders have passed me, and I am now dead last. Nobody around. Walking in cycling shoes is not comfortable. Walking on rocks and uneven surfaces is not comfortable either. Dragging the bike up and down these hills is also a hassle. 

I have to walk in climbs like this! Photo: Raquel Lopez.

Sometimes the challenge is getting so ridiculous it starts being epic. And epic riders, I love. So as I keep walking for the fourth hour, I am enjoying it too. The course is beautiful, and I am getting closer to the aid station. Two more km. It’s hot but a cooling breeze. I had a hydration pack, so I had water until now, which is fine. It’s not long to the aid station. 

As I am closing in, a vehicle is heading my way. They are honking and stopping in front of me. It’s the organizers, they got a new tube for me! 

I have been walking for 15 km and can’t wait to get rolling again! 

Spanish landscape
It’s getting hotter. Photo: Rafa Romero.

No es facil, es Iron Gravel

I am still last, but now the km is passing by. If I said quickly, I’d be lying. The climbs are steep, and I am rolling carefully downhill. After all, I don’t have a spare tube, and if I puncture again…. I don’t want to walk another 15 kilometers!

The sun is strong, and the heat is increasing. The surroundings opening up in front of me are amazing—a big blue lake covered with green trees. I’ve done 110 kilometers as I see the famous Guadalest castle – a popular tourist location. I have no time to stop today. 

High above, with the Guadalest reservoir below. Photo: Rafa Romero.

I am riding steadily but trying to keep a good pace. However, it feels like each climb is getting steeper. I am getting toasted in the sun. 

There, finally, I see a fellow Iron Gravel rider.

– Hola, todo bien? I ask.

– Si, bien. He answers with a smile.

It’s nice to see he’s positive in this tiring challenge. We still have climbs to do. 

Soon I pass other riders. I am finally back in the race. 

Spanish vibes along the course. Photo: Rafa Romero.

Vikingos Nordicos 

There are no electrolytes at the feed zones, and I am low on salts. I through in salt nuts and serrano ham. In this heat, you will lose lots of salt, and having enough electrolytes is crucial for your water balance. I wish I’d brought my salt tablets. 

I hear familiar words as I keep chewing nuts and filling Coke in my bottle and water in my hydration pack. 

Two Swedes and a fellow Norwegian rider from the 110 race are also refueling at the feed zone. They tell me it’s a big challenge for them. They are tired and hope to make it by dark. But they are keeping their chin up. They are doing a good job so far. This course is next level, even for the 110-course. I wish them good luck and get on my bike. 

Soon, I am climbing again. It seems to be steeper and longer than before. 

Ultimo empujar

It has been a long day. I am almost there—just a last push up the climb to Busot, where we started. 

From Orxeta, it has been easier, with less climbing and more asphalt. I needed it, as I have been starting to feel the day. My head unit shows me 13 hours of elapsed time. I also show elevation gain well above 5600 meters. It has been a personal challenge. A mental challenge. A challenge of never giving up. 

I had times I hated it. All the suffering, never-ending climbs, and always another hill. The burning heat. The rough gravel roads. 

Spanish fence
I am closing in on the finish line. Photo: Rafa Romero.

But there were more times I loved it—all the beautiful landscape. The variating course has many turns and always something new around the next corner. The many good people I met. And also the craziness. I love a good challenge. 

I climb the last hill to something looking like the ruins of an old hospital. I am fatigued, but I shouldn’t need ER. 

I follow the gravel road and onto a technical section. 

– Don’t do anything stupid now, Jonas. No flats, no crash, just make it home! I tell myself.

Rider in Alicante
The course has been amazing all day. Photo: Raquel Lopez.

Paella, cerveza y premios a acabadores

I turn into Busot, and I see the banner around the corner. I am done! I made it. 

Miguel Angel runs towards me. He is proud of me for making it to the finish after walking 15 km. He says I showed a real Iron spirit;

– That’s what it’s all about. Keep going no matter what. 

Hugging after the finish of Iron gravel
A friendly hug from Miguel Angel after the finish line. Photo: Rafa Romero.

Now he hands me paella and cerveza. What a day it was. 13 hours out there.

I am dehydrated, so I choose water. I need to make sure I get home to Guardamar to my fiancé safely. We are having a week of well-deserved vacation with ice creams and sunbathing on the Playas. 

Gracias, Iron Gravel. This was something else. Loco. 

Gracias, Miguel Angel. A day to remember. Photo: Rafa Romero.

READ MORE: Unbound Gravel 2023

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