800 km by gravel bike from Vienna to Berlin, on the trail of history
The self-supported ride through Austria, Czechia and Germany revives the forgotten cycling classic, the Vienna–Berlin long-distance ride.
The long-distance ride is a pioneering event of long-distance cycling. First held in 1893, before the age of asphalt, it was a gravel event avant la lettre. The Supergrevet Vienna–Berlin carries on this pioneering passion — original long-distance cycling.
In 1893 the participants of the Vienna–Berlin long-distance ride covered 582.5 kilometres. This event became a landmark moment in German and Austrian road racing before the First World War. The race arose in response to a long-distance horse ride from Berlin to Vienna in 1892, to demonstrate the superiority of the bicycle over the horse. After an intense contest and adverse weather, the course ended in 1893 in Berlin, where the victorious Josef Fischer received a triumphant welcome. This race had a profound influence on the development of cycling in the German-speaking world. It helped popularise everyday cycling, led to a significant rise in bicycle production, marked the breakthrough of the pneumatic tyre, and paved the way for road cycling in the German-speaking countries.
On gravel paths along the original checkpoints
We reconstructed the original route from historical documents and follow it on gravel paths, as far as possible along the original checkpoints. While large parts of the original route have since given way to motorways and main roads, the flair of the original event is best recaptured on the gravel paths. After all, even in 1893 people still rode on unpaved roads.
You set the pace
Whether you want to break Josef Fischer’s record time down in the drops or simply enjoy the landscape and the people in a relaxed way — the Supergrevet gives you every option. You are your own route director. Experience the variety and challenges of the course at your own pace and choose your individual speed for an unforgettable day on the bike.
We recommend starting as early as possible to make the most of daylight and to avoid being caught out in the dark if something unexpected happens. Depending on your level of exertion and the stage length, keep an eye on your mental alertness and concentration.
Take a (food) break in good time. On long rides, eat continuously before you get hungry, and drink before you get thirsty.
Become part of cycling history
Gravel cycling is not just the latest fashion from the USA — it actually has a history more than a hundred years old. That includes, in particular, the largely forgotten Vienna–Berlin long-distance ride. Our Supergrevet is therefore not just another arbitrary gravel loop through the local fields and meadows, but a cycling classic around which many legends have grown. The long-distance ride between the two imperial capitals, Vienna and Berlin, proved for the first time the superiority of the bicycle over the horse and triggered a cycling boom in Austria and Germany at the time.
