Andreas’ Gravel Trans Jura

1. February 2026
Are you ready for a sporting challenge? How about taking part in the Gravel Trans Jura 2026? In our series “Gravel Trans Jura Stories,” former participants reveal how they experienced this special crossing of the Jura Mountains. Today, Andreas (42) from Ins, who completed the GTJ in 2024 and 2025, tells his story.
Andreas, how long have you been riding a gravel bike and what fascinates you about gravel riding?
I bought my first gravel bike about nine years ago, after struggling with mountain bikes for years and never really warming to straight handlebars. For me, gravel biking means getting away from everyday life and back to myself. I like being close to nature, the wind, the cold, the wet, the dirt. Compared to road cycling, where I’m more concerned with performance and speed, gravel is pure fun for me.
What made you decide to sign up for the Gravel Trans Jura?

I was in a difficult situation at home. The Gravel Trans Jura was like a little ray of hope for me. A planned route by people with heart, not too far away. A few days for me to take a deep breath and recharge my batteries.

How did you prepare for it?

I rode a few more meters of elevation. Otherwise, I counted on my body to adapt to the task along the way. I placed special emphasis on my equipment. Puncture-proof tires, light gears, no experiments. Only familiar material.

And who was with you at the start?

Nobody… but that changed completely a few hours later. The nasty weather quickly pushed me to my mental limits, and I would have given up on the first day if I hadn’t suddenly found myself in the midst of a “suffering society” of six people. From then on, we rode the entire route together, and in a short time, a really special friendship developed.

If you had to choose one moment/place from your Gravel Trans Jura, which one…

… moved you the most emotionally?

When one participant told me his life story, how he had to fight his way out of a religious community and lost his loved ones in the process. That really touched me!

… pushed you to your physical limits?

I can’t remember ever really reaching my physical limits anywhere.

… impressed you most in terms of scenery?

During the first event, the weather was so bad most of the time that I remember struggling to stay warm and dry more than I remember the scenery. The second event showed us a few of the Jura’s gems! And I’m convinced that the whole route will completely overwhelm us when the weather is nice!

… touched you the most in terms of interpersonal relationships?

That it was possible to bond so closely with strangers within a few days that there were tears when we said goodbye.

What advice would you give to someone participating in the GTJ for the first time in 2026?
  • Install a really light gear ratio on your bike!
  • Fit new brake pads just before the GTJ and take spare pads for the front and rear with you.
  • Pay attention to the weight of your luggage. Every extra kilo is felt heavily on the numerous climbs.
  • Pack good rain gear, even if the weather forecast looks good. The Jura doesn’t always stick to it 😉.
Will you be back?

Yes! The connection between the organizers and participants is unique to this event. You feel like part of the GTJ family.