Gotland, the Swedish island where Viking era history meets beautiful cycling and a gravel event supported by Sigr and Windbreakers Club.
Gotland is Sweden's paradise island with characterful wilderness, long beaches, and dramatic sea stacks. Its capital, Visby, is a Viking era treasure and a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Gotland has been a cycling favourite since the 70s, when Swedish author Ulf Lundell’s debut novel Jack inspired a wave of cycling holidays to the island. The phrase “cycling in Gotland” became almost a concept of its own, and many people still get a dreamy look in their eyes when the island is mentioned in the same sentence as cycling.
One of the many who fell in love with riding here is Jonas Moberg, one of the four people behind the Windbreakers Cycling Club. Motivated by the lack of events during 2020, the club decided to arrange a Covid 19 adapted gravel ride at the end of August. The Gravel Raid Gotland is limited to forty riders. Sigr had the chance to talk to Jonas.
- Jonas, please tell us more about the Windbreakers Club
"We are four people who run WBC. Everyone has their role, but all of us have a slightly obsessive interest in cycling in all its forms. We started WBC this spring, probably the worst time ever to launch something based on events. But this is what we love."
- What makes cycling in Gotland special, and where is Gotland for those who have never heard of it?
"Gotland is a relatively small island in the middle of the Baltic Sea. You can choose almost any type of cycling except downhill because the island is very flat. It is about 500 km to ride around the whole island. Instead of mountains, you get a headwind that teaches you a lot."
- Your best tip for anyone thinking of coming to Gotland to cycle? Which months are best? And can you ride all disciplines?
"Gotland works well for road, mountain bike, and gravel. I would say May to October or November are the best months. The very best are August and September. Contact us and we can help put a good plan together."
- This weekend you have a Covid 19 adapted event for forty cyclists. Tell us a little about it.
"In normal years our local bike store Bikeoholic and the local cycling club run a gravel race on this weekend in August. It was cancelled this year, so we took the chance to create a smaller weekend with limited spaces. Safe and simple. It will be riding and a very nice hangout before, during, and after. All riders receive a finisher jersey from Sigr."
- What is winter like in Gotland? Can you ride long distances in November to January?
"With the right clothes you can ride all year. Many of us at WBC do exactly that. Gotland might be one of the best places in Sweden if you want to avoid snow. Speaking of cooler weather riding, we are proud to be part of the launch of the new Sigr Gotlandsleden Jacket this August. The Gotlandsleden jackets from Sigr are great for autumn and winter here, partly due to the merino wool lining and partly because they carry the best name." GOTLANDSLEDEN.
Find out more here: explore the collection.
More hints and tips:
General information about cycling in Gotland
https://gotland.com/en/visit/articles-guides/cycling-gotland/
Everything you need to know if planning a visit with a bike
So Happy for you guys! Can’t make it this year. I love Gotland.
Karl
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