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Sustainability in cycling events is more important than ever. As gravel cycling continues to grow, so does our responsibility to ensure that our events leave a minimal impact on the environment. At The Gralloch, we take this commitment seriously, implementing a range of initiatives designed to reduce waste, promote responsible resource use, and work in harmony with our stunning natural surroundings in Galloway.
Sustainable Initiatives at The Gralloch
One of the biggest challenges in event management is reducing waste while maintaining a world-class experience for participants. At The Gralloch, we’re tackling this head-on with several key initiatives:
- Reusable Signage – Instead of single-use signage that ends up in landfill, we’ve invested in durable, reusable signs that can be deployed year after year, significantly cutting down on event waste.
- Reducing Plastic Waste at Feed Zones – Hydration is crucial in endurance events, but disposable plastic bottles are not the answer. We’ve increased the use of IBCs/Water bowsers at our Feed Zones, allowing riders to refill their bottles and drastically cutting down plastic consumption.
- Reducing Electricity Consumption – We are actively working to reduce electricity use at the event, implementing more efficient generators to lower overall emissions and reduce our carbon footprint.
- Collaborating with Forestry on Route Design – Our race routes are planned in close consultation with forestry and environmental experts to ensure we avoid sensitive wildlife habitats and minimise disruption to local ecosystems.
We are continually exploring new ways to make The Gralloch even more sustainable and will keep you updated on our ongoing initiatives as we implement them.
Partnering with Like-Minded Brands
Sustainability isn’t just about what we do as organisers – it’s about who we work with. That’s why we’ve built strong partnerships with brands that share our values:
- One Good Thing (OGT) – Nutrition is key for gravel riders, but the waste from individually wrapped bars isn’t. That’s why we’ve teamed up with One Good Thing, whose wrapper-free oat bars provide high-performance fuel without the plastic waste.
- Fenwick’s Bike Cleaning Products – Keeping your bike in top shape shouldn’t come at the expense of the environment. We’re proud to partner with Fenwick’s, whose biodegradable bike cleaning solutions ensure that maintaining your machine is as eco-friendly as possible.
Our other partners also do some great work on the sustainability front, and we look forward to sharing more on their efforts soon.
Supporting Local Communities
Sustainability isn’t just about reducing waste – it’s also about supporting local economies. Wherever possible, The Gralloch sources event products, logistics, and staff from local businesses. By strengthening our local supply chain, we not only reduce our carbon footprint but also contribute to the communities that make this event possible.
A UNESCO Biosphere Event
The Gralloch isn’t just set in a beautiful location; it’s part of a globally significant natural area. The Galloway and Southern Ayrshire UNESCO Biosphere is an internationally recognised designation that celebrates the region’s unique environment, culture, and sustainability efforts. As part of our commitment to the GSA UNESCO Biosphere Sustainable Events Charter, we aim to ensure that our event not only protects the landscape but also contributes to the well-being of local communities and encourages participation in cycling.
A key pillar of this commitment is Encouraging Participation & Wellbeing Through Cycling. The addition of the new Gravel Sportive at The Gralloch is designed to open up opportunities for a broader range of participants, making gravel riding more accessible and inclusive. This initiative supports people of all abilities and age groups in experiencing the physical and mental health benefits of cycling.
Additionally, The Gralloch features free-to-attend kids' cycling activities, inspiring the next generation to lead healthy lives and discover the joy and power of the bicycle. By fostering a love for cycling from a young age, we are ensuring that sustainability is not just about the environment but also about the long-term future of cycling participation.
What’s Next? A New Partnership on the Horizon
Our commitment to sustainability doesn’t stop here. We’re excited to be working on a new partnership with Trash Free Trails, an organisation dedicated to reducing litter and protecting wild places for future generations of riders. More on this soon!
At The Gralloch, we believe that world-class gravel racing and environmental responsibility go hand in hand. Through these initiatives and partnerships, we’re ensuring that our event not only challenges riders but also sets a new standard for sustainable cycling events.
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