INTERVIEW
Especially when dealing globally with very differing outlooks and trying to apply our Grinduro event concept for example. Geography seems to dictate how Gravel as a genre is interpreted, it’s frequently compared to the early days of mountain biking which I love as they were amazing.
How has your experience with other events and brands influenced the development of Grinduro? Before the launch of my first gravel event, Dirty Reiver (2016), and beyond I have always tried to ride a huge diversity of events globally and I think from each experience you take away a few lessons. Often the smallest important details like the availability of showers and toilets are overlooked in favour of the more glamorous event elements and these details are key to rider experience. We certainly don’t get it right all the time but we are constantly trying to improve.
Grinduro is celebrating its 10th anniversary this year! Looking back, did you ever imagine it would become this global phenomenon? Grinduro when conceptualised was always just to create an event space where everyone could find something appealing… racing, riding, music, socialising. We ignored the broader industry-led trends, did our own thing and as it turned out it was exactly what a lot of riders wanted. It was never imagined to be beyond its
www.bikebiz.com Paul Errington
California home but we are so happy we get to take this concept globally and meet so many good people.
From your experience, what are some of the biggest challenges and opportunities facing the gravel event industry today? Direction is the biggest challenge. Not that we lack one but we have so many. We need to remain as open-minded as we can to where gravel might go as a genre. We are fortunate that we on the whole have seen how mountain biking has gone so there are lessons there already that have been learned.
Ignoring if we can the challenges of most recent years there is still huge growth in gravel as it offers on many fronts, the most accessible form of cycling to date. Gravel doesn’t require specific terrain or even bike, so with minimal investment, you are set to explore.
Grinduro is known for being more than just a race, it’s an experience. How important is that festival atmosphere to the overall concept of Grinduro?
The festival element is paramount and is something we would never compromise on when it comes to the event format. It’s this that really sets us apart from other events. We really want the event to feel like a
little holiday and though we appreciate there are those who would love a cheaper
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