10 Tips to make the most out of Rebound

Rebound, a worldwide self-supported gravel event, takes place on May 31 this year. It is the world's biggest gravel event - last year, over 350,000 cyclists covered a total of 4.789.142 miles (= 7.707.377 kilometres)! The goal for 2025 is even higher: 5,000,000 gravel miles worldwide (= over 8 million kilometres)! So, close the front door behind you, hop on your bike and go out to explore gravel roads as a member of a growing community of gravel riders. Are you ready for the Rebound adventure?

What is Rebound?

Rebound is a large-scale gravel event that brings the global gravel community together for a day full of adventure on May 31. Inspired by Unbound, the gravel race that takes place in the United States on the same day, May 31, Rebound challenges every gravel rider around the world to ride as many gravel miles as possible. The concept is simple but powerful: ride a route of your own choosing that covers 15, 25, 50, 100 or 200 miles (24, 40, 80, 160 or 320 km) without a starting ticket or time limit. Every rider experiences his or her own unique adventure and starts (in the spirit of Unbound) at 06:00 a.m. from their own front door. It is all about old-fashioned off-road cycling fun!

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With these 10 tips you will be well prepared for Rebound

1. Carefully plan your route

A carefully thought out route is essential for a successful Rebound ride. Take into consideration the distance, the type of terrain and any suitable spots for a break to ensure that your ride goes smoothly. Designing the best and most enjoyable route is part of the fun! Remember to take wind force and direction into account and to include the best places to take a break; you don't want to run out of water in the middle of the woods with no tap to fill your bottle! Also, remember to be aware of any cycling restrictions: before your ride, use Komoot to check if you are allowed onto your planned paths. Done planning your route? Enter it into your bike navigation computer and you're good to go!

2. Bring plenty of food

Make sure to bring plenty of food and fluids to keep your energy up during your Rebound adventure. Start your day with a proper breakfast before leaving, and then use all the sports nutrition you need! Take time to select the types of sports nutrition you will be needing. It is often a good idea to fill your bottles with sports drinks as a source of your basic carbs. Supplement with energy bars and sports gels. Of course, you can take a break to take in some extra fuel but know that your body will absorb sports nutrition much better than regular food.

Mantel Energy Chew Bar

From 5,79

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3. Ride with friends

Share your Rebound experience with friends and enjoy their company and motivation. It can also be useful to prepare your ride together to make sure you have the best planned route and won't forget any essentials. Laughing, sweating and enjoying your adventure together will make you feel closer and make the ride more fun!

4. Test your bike and gear beforehand

Prevent unpleasant surprises on the road by testing your equipment before you leave. Check your gear on a test ride to make sure everything works properly. Use a specialised bike cleaner to ensure your bike is spotless. Make sure your bikepacking bags are properly attached to your bike and are large enough to carry everything you need. Of course, it is also important that your bike is in top condition for an adventure like Rebound. Do your tyres have a proper tread? Are your chain and brake pads in good condition? Now is the perfect time to check everything and replace a part if necessary!

5. Motivate yourself with a new bike

Have you been dreaming of buying a gravel bike for a long time? Then this it the moment to do it! If you want to challenge yourself and boost your motivation, a new bike will absolutely increase your excitement about participating in Rebound. And if you already have the gravel bike of your dreams, Rebound is the perfect reason for an upgrade, for example by outfitting your bike with new (carbon) gravel wheels.

Elitewheels Drive G45 CS

1.269,-

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6. Be prepared for the weather

Prepare for all weather conditions by choosing the right clothes and kit. Whether it rains or shines, good preparation means you will be comfortable and able to handle anything. Wear layers and bring accessories you can put on and take off if weather conditions change. It can still be quite cold in the morning, so arm and leg warmers are especially useful because you can take them off later in the day. A cycling jacket to protect you from wind and rain is essential to keep your body at the right temperature. And if it's going to be a sunny day, do remember to bring sunscreen lotion!

7. Be prepared for bike trouble during the ride

Bring the necessary tools and spare parts to take care of any bike problems that may occur. A multitool, tyre levers, spare tubes and a bike pump are your best friends on the road. You may also want to bring a CO2 inflator and cartridges, tubeless plugs, a missing link and a spare derailleur hanger if these are applicable.

PRO Minitool Performance

RRP 48,99

37,95

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PRO Micro

RRP 22,99

17,95

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8. Safety first

Needless to say, safety comes first. Make sure you are wearing a cycling helmet and are always alert to avoid any hazards during your ride. Cycle defensively and respect traffic laws to prevent accidents. A bike bell and bike lights are crucial parts of adventures such as Rebound. Bring a small bike lock, so you can safely park your bike during short breaks. And it may be wise to wear cycling glasses to protect your eyes from the sun and splashing gravel.

Garmin Varia RTL515 Rearview Radar

RRP 199,99

139,99

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9. Keep the finish line in mind

Keep your mind on the finish line to stay motivated, even if cycling gets tough. Visualise your goal and use it as fuel to keep going. For extra motivation, plan a nice ending for your route. Rewarding yourself at the end of the day is important, even if your end point is your front door! Prepare or buy a nice meal or treat yourself to a celebratory drink so that you will have something to look forward to and enjoy when you come home, exhausted from the day's adventure. That is also the perfect moment to recall your experiences and to share your Strava route with all your (cycling) friends. Join the Mantel Strava club and share your ride there, too!

10. Have a good time!

Last but not least, don't forget to enjoy the adventure! No matter how many challenges you may have to face during the ride, take the time to enjoy the landscape, the fresh air and the feeling of freedom you get while cycling. Pay attention to the signals your body gives you and rest when you need to so you can keep performing at your best. Don't be afraid of a little suffering - it is part of the game and makes it all the more worthwhile!

With these ten tips from Ed, our colleague and a gravel specialist, you will be well prepared for a fantastic gravel adventure and able to get the most out of your Rebound experience. Have fun and be safe!

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