The Grand Jogl - Gravel Challenge - short version, Birkfeld

Characteristics

Skill

Fitness

The tour in numbers

Level of difficulty medium

Route 68,3 km

Time 4:30 h

Uphill 1696 hm

Downhill 1693 hm

Highest point 1585 m

Very demanding gravel tour - leads through all the municipalities of the region Joglland - Waldheimat and shows its diversity and most beautiful places.

The Grand Jogl guarantees you a good portion of gravel, sweat and altitude. It's not about progress tracking and data analysis, but about you, the adventure, the challenge and the thrill of "real", original cycling. And exactly where the fox and the hare say good night to each other: in the breathtaking lost places of the Styrian Joglland.

The certified Bed & Bike establishments along the route are particularly suitable for overnight stays on this multi-day tour. Due to the individual division of the stages (2-4 days), this tour is ideally suited for all cyclists, extreme cyclists may complete the tour with its approximately 200 km and 5600 metres of altitude difference in one day.

A special service along the tour "Der große Jogl" is the luggage transport - simply cycle carefree, without annoying extra luggage. While you are on the road, your luggage will be taken to your next stage destination (by 5:00 pm at the latest).

Best season

January

February

March

April

May

June

July

August

September

October

November

December

More information

Further information on arrival: Friesi's Bikery, Birkfeld
Birkfeld, Friesie's Bikery, train station (free)

Starting point of the tour is the bike shop "Friesis Bikery" in Birkfeld.

From here we cycle to Ratten on the R8 Feistritztalradweg. After the church in Ratten we keep to the left and cycle up the Koglgrabenweg to the crossroads - Almbauerweg. From St. Kathrein am Hauenstein we follow the main road B72 for a short distance before continuing briefly on the R8 cycle path. We turn right to follow the Landauerweg to Falkenstein. From Falkenstein to Fischbach it is only a short distance. When you arrive in Fischbach, there are various places to stop for refreshments and a bed & bike establishment (Dorfhotel Fasching). From now on it's almost all downhill. When you arrive in Birkfeld, there are again numerous places to stop for refreshments and another bed & bike establishment (Athecada).

On the overall tour "Der kleine Jogl" - Gravel Challenge, we have now completed about 60 kilometres and 1260 metres in altitude.

Important telephone numbers:

European emergency call: 112
Emergency call mountain rescue: 140 (if possible, please provide GPS data)
Rescue: 144
Fire department: 122
Police: 133

Fair play rules for cyclists

Plan your tour carefully!

Check your bike before you set off!

Always ride with the right protective equipment!

Always ride with a helmet!

Don't forget all your equipment (repair kit, first aid kit, etc.)!

Only ride on marked paths!

Observe the road traffic regulations!

Observe driving bans and keep to opening times!

Control your speed!

Leave no tracks!

Respect other nature users!

Show consideration for animals (only ride in daylight & close pasture fences)!

Avoid noise and garbage!

Use the cycle paths at your own risk!

Beware of working machines, wood or potholes on the road, grazing livestock and vehicle traffic (forest roads are working areas and workplaces)! A few tips on correct and fair behavior: Cycling and mountain biking in the forest (oesterreich.gv.at)

Cyclists should avoid visiting the forest approx. 1.5 hours before sunrise and after sunset, as wild animals are particularly active at this time.

Plastic bottles, handkerchiefs, cigarette butts etc. have no place in the forest! Please make sure that you do not leave any garbage in the forest.

Camping and making fires is strictly forbidden in the forest!

Helmet

- Sunglasses

- Water bottle

- provisions for on the way

- Protective clothing if necessary (knee pads etc.)

- Sporty clothing

- Sturdy shoes

- Gloves

- Rain jacket/windbreaker

- Repair kit (air pump, repair kit, spare inner tube, multitool, etc.)

- Light

First aid kit

Maps

Many places, such as the Hochwechsel, the Masenberg or the Wildwiese, impress with their fantastic views. Time and again, huts and rustic inns invite you to take a break.

Timetables and travel information can be found at Österreichische Bundesbahnen (ÖBB) or at Verkehrsauskunft Verbundlinie. For local transportation we recommend the SAM-Sammeltaxi Oststeiermark.

You can find information about the region, places to stop and stay overnight, excursion destinations, etc. here:

Eastern Styria Tourism Association

Joglland-Waldheimat office

8255 St. Jakob im Walde

Mobility Eastern Styria with shared taxi SAM

Regio Bus

The Grand Jogl - Gravel Challenge

Informieren Sie sich im Tourismusbüro über Radkarten und weitere Tourentipps.