Gravelnomads Privacy Policy

Last updated: 04-12-2025

This privacy policy explains how Gravelnomads (“we”, “us”, “our”) collects, uses, stores and protects personal data when you visit our website www.gravelnomads.com, use our services, or contact us.

We respect your privacy and handle all personal information in accordance with the General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR) and the Dutch GDPR Implementation Act (UAVG).

1. Who We Are

Gravelnomads is a cycling platform based in the Netherlands.
Our mission is to share verified gravel bike routes, video content, gear reviews, and ultra-race stories.

If you have any questions about this privacy policy or your data, please contact us at: privacy@gravelnomads.com.

2. What Data We Collect

We only collect personal data that you voluntarily provide or that is necessary for the operation of our platform.

a) When you visit our website

  • IP address, browser type, operating system
  • Cookie and usage data (see section 6)

b) When you contact us or subscribe

  • Name, email address, and message contents
  • Newsletter subscription preferences

c) When you create an account (future functionality)

  • Name, email, password
  • Saved routes, comments, and contributions

d) When you submit a route or video

  • Your name or display name
  • Route details (title, description, GPX file, video link, photos)
  • Optional social media or Strava/Komoot links

We do not collect sensitive personal data (such as health, race, or biometric data).

3. How We Use Your Data

We use your data only for the purposes for which it was collected:

  • To operate and improve our website and route platform
  • To communicate with you about your submissions, feedback, or inquiries
  • To send newsletters (only if you have opted in)
  • To analyse website usage and improve user experience
  • To feature your submitted routes or content (with your consent)
  • To comply with legal obligations

We do not sell or rent your data to third parties.

4. Legal Basis for Processing

We process your data based on the following legal grounds (Article 6 GDPR):

  • Consent: e.g., when subscribing to a newsletter or submitting a route.
  • Contractual necessity: e.g., when we communicate with you regarding a submission or account.
  • Legitimate interest: e.g., website analytics, platform improvement, and security.

You may withdraw your consent at any time by contacting us.

5. Third Parties and Data Sharing

We only share data when necessary for the functionality of our services, and only with GDPR-compliant processors.

Examples include:

  • Hosting providers (for website and data storage)
  • Email service providers (for newsletters or notifications)
  • Analytics services such as Google Analytics or Plausible (anonymised data)
  • Embedded services like YouTube/Vimeo (for timelapse video display)

If you connect your account with Strava, Komoot, or similar apps, their respective privacy policies apply. We do not have access to your login details for these services.

6. Cookies and Tracking Technologies

Gravelnomads uses cookies to improve the user experience and analyse website traffic.

Types of cookies we may use:

  • Functional cookies: necessary for basic site operation
  • Analytical cookies: anonymised usage tracking (e.g., Google Analytics, Plausible)
  • Preference cookies: remember your settings (e.g., language, region)

You can adjust your browser settings to refuse or delete cookies. Note that some site features may not function properly without them.

7. Data Retention

We store your personal data only as long as necessary for the purpose for which it was collected, or as required by law.

Examples:

  • Contact messages: up to 12 months after resolution
  • Newsletter subscriptions: until you unsubscribe
  • User accounts and route submissions: as long as your account is active

8. Your Rights

Under the GDPR, you have the following rights:

  • Right of access – to know what data we hold about you
  • Right to rectification – to correct inaccurate data
  • Right to erasure (“right to be forgotten”)
  • Right to restriction of processing
  • Right to data portability
  • Right to object to processing based on legitimate interest

You can exercise these rights by emailing us at privacy@gravelnomads.com.
We will respond within one month.

9. Data Security

We take appropriate technical and organisational measures to protect your data against loss, misuse, and unauthorised access.

Examples include:

  • Encrypted data transfer (HTTPS)
  • Secure hosting within the EU
  • Access controls for internal staff and systems

10. Changes to This Policy

We may update this privacy policy from time to time to reflect changes in our services or legal requirements. The latest version will always be available at www.gravelnomads.com/privacy.

11. Contact

If you have any questions, requests, or complaints about this privacy policy, please contact us at: privacy@gravelnomads.com.

If you believe we have not handled your data properly, you also have the right to lodge a complaint with the Dutch Data Protection Authority (Autoriteit Persoonsgegevens) via www.autoriteitpersoonsgegevens.nl.

Summary
Gravelnomads collects minimal personal data, uses it only for platform functionality and communication, and never shares or sells it. Your privacy and trust come first. Always.