Six routes. Six dates. Play cycling.

Welcome to the Odenwald Series, a free gravel series around Heidelberg, set in the forests of the Odenwald.

The series started in 2023 as a simple idea. Create beautiful gravel routes, pick a few dates, and invite people to show up and ride. No entry fees, no registration, no event setup. Just good roads, good climbs, and good company. In 2024 the series grew with more group rides and more familiar faces. In 2025 it became a bit quieter, with a single highlighted group ride while new routes were being scouted. In 2026 we are back to the original format with six ride dates spread across the year.

The sporting idea behind the series is what we call “play cycling”. Think of it like a street game on gravel bikes. We meet at the start, roll out together, and then the day plays out on the road. We can ride properly, work together in small groups, chase, attack, or ride steady. It can be sporty, but it stays open and friendly.

To make it easier for more people to join, most routes come in three options. Full Day is the complete route. Half Day is a shorter ride with the same spirit. Taster is the easiest way in. Pick what suits you, join for the full route or just a section, and enjoy the Odenwald at your own level.

You will find all routes, GPX files, and start details on this website.