Bikepacking – tips and tricks

The climbs in the Jura are often very steep. Without the right gearing, the 11,000 meters of elevation gain can become a torturous ride. To make the climbs a pleasure for you, we recommend the following gear ratios:

1x:
Front: 40 or lower
Rear: MTB cassette

2x:
Front: At least 50/34
Rear: At least 11-34

The route of the Gravel Trans Jura is varied and challenging. The surface changes constantly. The Jura rock is sharp and has many sharp edges. In terms of puncture safety but also comfort, we recommend:
Tires at least 40 mm wide, with tread (no slicks)

We cannot answer this question.

The fact is: a gravel bike is lighter, more agile and rolls better. However, in technical passages and on rough gravel roads, more riding feel is required. The MTB offers more comfort, but is heavier, less easy to push/carry and rolls less well.

Ultimately, you have to decide for yourself which is better for you.

Pay close attention to what you pack and what you don’t pack. Because you have to carry every extra kilogram in your bike bags over the 400 kilometers yourself. Let go of thoughts of luxury a little and make the climbs a little easier for yourself.

You are perfectly equipped with the bikepacking material from our partner ORTLIEB, where you receive a 15% discount as a participant of the Gravel Trans Jura Individual.

To ensure that your Jura adventure can continue without any problems in the event of a breakdown, you need to be well equipped. We recommend that you have the following items with you:

• 1x replacement inner tube
• 1x replacement brake pads
• 1x hand pump
• 2x cartridges
• Multitool, incl. chain rivet extractor
• Classic repair kit for inner tube
• 1x small bottle of sealant (for tubeless)
• 1x various tire plugs (for tubeless)
• 1x replacement valve, incl. valve tool (for tubeless)
• 1x replacement derailleur hanger
• 3x cable ties
• Tape or small piece of cardboard for large sidecuts
• 1x small bottle of chain oil
• 1x small cloth rag

In the event of a major defect, you will find all the bike stores that can help you along the route on our roadmap in the event app.

Order your repair/patching materials from our partner ST Cycling and benefit from a 12% discount as a participant in the Gravel Trans Jura Individual.

Don’t take on too much. The route is a real challenge. Regardless of whether you want to ride the GTJ in three, four, five or six days. During our countless rides along the entire route, we actually always underestimated the distance, the elevation gain and the surface.

If you want to stay overnight in a hotel/hostel and book it in advance, it’s better to plan an extra day, or fewer meters in altitude and fewer kilometers per day. You will be able to enjoy the Jura more this way.

Optimal preparation is the key to success. Test your equipment. Bike, clothes, bags and everything that goes with it.

It’s best to plan another bikepacking trip of 2 to 3 days. This will give you enough lead time to make any necessary adjustments.

Your body is your engine. If it has too little “energy”, it will be difficult to complete the GTJ successfully. Therefore: Eat and drink enough on all stages of the day. Think about what, how much and how often you want to eat. You can find all the restaurants and stores on our roadmap in the event app. Be aware that the route takes you through the most beautiful and wildest regions of the Jura. There are not fountains with drinking water everywhere.

Order your sports nutrition from our partner Peak Punk and benefit from a 25% discount as a participant in the Gravel Trans Jura Individual.

We recommend that all participants take the following items with them on the trip.

• power bank
• Emergency first-aid kit, incl. emergency blanket
• Cash in Swiss francs CHF

Finally, not a tip, but an appeal!

The Gravel Trans Jura is a project that was born out of a love of bikepacking, gravel biking, nature and the beauty of the Jura. Do your part to ensure that nature remains as untouched and clean as you find it. Carry your waste with you and only dispose of it in designated areas.