Gravel ride connecting the Utrechtse Heuvelrug gravel – 140km extended version

139 km 410 m Hard

Route Description

This extended version builds on the original Utrechtse Heuvelrug route and turns it into a bigger day out on the bike. Starting from the same base loop, this 140 km version adds extra gravel sections around Hilversum and Amerongen, plus an additional loop in between that dives deeper into the forests of the ridge.

The idea behind this route remains the same: connect as many of the best gravel sections of the Utrechtse Heuvelrug as possible into one flowing ride. The extra distance adds more variation and longer stretches through the woods, making it a great option if you want to spend a full day exploring the area.

Compared to the shorter route, this version increases the gravel percentage to around 54%, with most of the surfaces consisting of the fast and smooth forest gravel the Heuvelrug is known for. That means the route remains accessible for many types of bikes, from dedicated gravel setups to sturdy all-road bikes with wider tires.

The additional sections around Hilversum and Amerongen bring you into slightly different parts of the ridge, giving the ride a broader feel and showing just how much riding this area has to offer. Expect long forest lanes, quiet paths and that typical Heuvelrug rhythm of rolling terrain.

If you enjoyed the original route, this extended version is a natural step up — more distance, more gravel, and even more of the Utrechtse Heuvelrug.

Tip: ⁠If you start at Buiten bij de Kuil, stop for a break a café de Proloog. If you start at the Proloog, stop for a break at Buiten bij de Kuil
Tip: ⁠Between Zeist and de Bilt and between Maarn en Overberg are parts of the route with less gravel so the different area's covering the route can be reached. These sections are very reachable when traveling by car to start your ride
Tip: In Amerongen, just before the Amerongse berg, there's a very short section following a MTB trail. This is very doable on a gravelbike, and the only option where it's allowed to ride your bike

Contributor

Timeas Schim van der Loeff

Hi there, I’m Timeas Schim van der Loeff (1991). Sinds I was a little kid, cycling was always connected to adventure. When I was 9 years old riding around the "IJsselmeer", or traveling from the Netherlands to Greece without any know-how when I was 20 and going on cycling holidays with friends. Starting road cycling in 2019 with the 100 Cols Ride (more than 4.000 kilometers and 70.000 meters of positive elevation) made me more ambitious and made me want to improve my level and passion for cycling. Over time this lead to starting my own company Cycling Circles in 2023 from which I create routes for all kinds of cycling events. For example The Ride, Tour for Life, Homesport Events, Ride for the Roses and Duchenne Heroes. I also support and guide cycling events, travels and rides, where I hope to add to the ultimate cycling experience, not only by creating the route, for participants.<br /> <br /> The ultimate experience of cycling for me is riding in the mountains and nature, it doesn’t matter if it’s on or off road. These are places where I can challenge myself physically and mentally. This gives me the feeling of freedom and that I’m alive. It makes me feel small and strong at the same time. Are you joining me on of the events, travels or rides?

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