Beyond Distance: The Philosophy of Route Design

Building a gravel ultra route is an art form. It’s more than just connecting dirt roads—it’s about creating a journey that challenges, inspires, and transforms riders. A well-designed route isn’t just about the distance; it’s about how that distance is experienced.

The key? Balancing difficulty, remoteness, and flow to guide riders through both physical and mental highs and lows.

If you’re looking to design your own bikepacking ultra experience, here are some fundamental principles to consider.

The 3% Rule: The Core of Gravalist Route Building

A Gravalist route follows a fundamental rule:

💡 Only 3% of the course should be truly tough.

Why? Because challenge is necessary—but only in the right dose. Too much, and it turns into a sufferfest that breaks the spirit. Too little, and it lacks the depth that makes ultra-rides meaningful.

That 3% is where riders hit their mental and physical limits, question their choices, and—if they push through—find something new in themselves.

For Clarens 500, the 3% challenge comes in the final loops through the National Part—right after a long, 100km remote section. Riders can almost see the finish, but it might take 8 more hours to get there. It’s at this moment that the ride stops being about distance and starts being about self-discovery.

Tip for Route Designers

• Keep 97% of the route rideable, encouraging steady forward motion.

• Make 3% of the route demanding, ensuring riders dig deep at the right moment.

• The toughest section should come when fatigue has already set in, but not so early that it breaks morale.

Strategic Town Spacing: The Illusion of Security

Gravel ultras thrive on a delicate balance of remoteness and reassurance. If towns and resupply points are too close together, the challenge is diminished. If they’re too far apart, riders may break down mentally or struggle to stay safe.

The goal is to create the illusion of security while keeping it just out of reach. This is where the magic happens—riders feel alone but never completely stranded.

🔍 Clarens 500 Example

• The longest gap without a resupply is 100km—far enough to feel remote but manageable with planning.

• The last stretch before the finish feels deceptively close, but exhaustion turns those final kilometers into a battle.

Tip for Route Designers

• Place towns or resupply points far enough apart to force self-sufficiency.

• Create psychological checkpoints—places where riders think they’re almost done, only to realize they still have hours to go.

• Consider water and food access in extreme conditions. A hidden tap or farm stall can be the difference between survival and scratching.

The Night Ride Factor: Questioning Everything in the Dark

In any ultra route over 500km, most riders will end up riding through the night. And that’s where the real test begins.

Riding alone at 2 AM, with nothing but a headlamp and the sound of gravel under your tires, is where doubts creep in. It’s the moment when riders question their decisions, their bodies, and sometimes their sanity. But it’s also where they find their limits—and break through them.

Tip for Route Designers

• Design night sections to be rideable but mentally challenging.

• Avoid overly technical terrain in the dark—it’s about endurance, not survival mode.

• If possible, set up night sections where the only way out is forward (no easy bailouts).

The Psychological Finish Line: The Final Mind Game

A great route doesn’t just end—it plays with perception until the very last moment.

One of the most effective techniques? Make the finish look close, but feel far. Riders should feel like they can almost touch the end, but still have hours of effort ahead.

Clarens 500 Example

• The final loops through the National Parks brings riders so close to Clarens that they can see it in the distance.

• But they still have significant climbing and tough terrain before reaching the actual finish.

This is the final mental battle—a chance for riders to push through exhaustion and prove something to themselves.

Tip for Route Designers

• Don’t make the last 20km easy—this is where the real victory happens.

• Use false summits, hidden turns, or unexpected climbs to keep riders engaged until the very last stretch.

• Let the finish be earned, not given.

Final Thoughts: Designing Routes That Change People

A well-designed gravel ultra isn’t just about distance—it’s about the experience. It should take riders on a journey through solitude, struggle, and self-discovery.

A great route makes people question everything—then come out the other side transformed.

Whether you’re designing a personal adventure or a mass-start event, remember:

✔️ Balance toughness and rideability (3% rule).

✔️ Space towns to create a sense of remoteness—but not too much.

✔️ Use night riding to push riders beyond comfort.

✔️ Design a finish that tests mental resilience.

What you’re building isn’t just a route—it’s a story that unfolds over every kilometer.

So, where will your next ultra take you?