Unsupported Gravel Racing in the Bavarian Alps - A Report by Tobi

COWLANDS 2025

THE MISSION

RIDE FAST - BUT NOT MISS A SINGLE VIEW

After completing the 700 km road course at Cowlands last year, I was keen to take on the new 2025 route and push my limits once again.

This time: 540 km of finest gravel through Bavaria’s Karwendel mountains. 

We wanted to keep up the pace—yet stay in the daylight as much as possible to soak in the full magic of the Karwendel range. That meant fewer breaks, more flow, and full commitment from sunrise to sunset.

OUR RIDERS

Tobi Reischle

Tobias Reischle

Product Manager Bikepacking at EVOC

Tobi, Product Manager for Bikepacking at EVOC, took to the pedals himself at Cowlands – testing our latest developments on real trails. Close to the needs, directly on the bike.

Max Schumann

Max Schumann

Brand Ambassador EVOC

As EVOC Brand Ambassador, Max Schumann was there at Cowlands – with new gear that had to deliver exactly what it was built for.

THE ROUTE

540 KM OF FINEST GRAVEL

THE GEAR

TESTING WHERE IT HURTS

It quickly became clear that Gabriel, who scouted the route, had taken part in a Nelson Trees race before. A brutal 25% ramp up to Plumsjoch with 600 vertical meters forced me to push my bike the entire way. In comparison, the overgrown moor section almost felt like fun.

My frustration levels were thoroughly tested - but so was the new Bike Packing Setup. But maybe that’s exactly what it’s for.

EVERYONE RIDES THEIR OWN RACE, AT THEIR OWN PACE.

TWO DAYS. EIGHT HOURS.

THE WEATHER

AN EPIC FINISH

The weather? Not quite as sunny as the two perfect weeks leading up to the event. Dark clouds loomed over Munich at the start – but somehow, we dodged every shower. Until the very end: just 2 km before the finish, a thunderstorm rolled in. The skies opened up. Time for rain gear. Time for the ultimate gear test. 

We crossed the finish line soaking wet and surrounded by lightning, but with big smiles on our faces. After two days and just under 8 hours, we made it back to Munich.

But that’s the beauty of these events: everyone rides their own race, at their own pace. It’s always an adventure. And this one unfolded right on Munich’s doorstep.

TIRED & HAPPY

GET THE GEAR

Tested and approved by the team. For ultra races, weekend trips, or are you going to be at Cowlands next year?

#Colour_carbon grey
SEAT PACK BOA WP 8 Sale price140,00 €
#Colour_carbon grey
FRAME PACK WP Sale priceFrom 80,00 €
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TOP TUBE PACK WP Sale price40,00 €
#Colour_carbon grey#Colour_steel
SEAT PACK BOA WP 8 Sale price140,00 €
#Colour_carbon grey#Colour_steel
FRAME PACK WP Sale price80,00 €
#Colour_carbon grey#Colour_steel
TOP TUBE PACK WP Sale price40,00 €