- Sun 21 Sep 2025
09:00
Age 18 & over
£54-£56
- 85 km gravel riding
Event overview
Riders will tackle a stunning route through some of the most scenic and challenging terrain Scotland has to offer.
With a mix of fast forest roads, river crossings, and highland climbs, this stage is both a celebration and a test of the strongest riders. Expect dramatic scenery, a festival atmosphere, and a final chance to claim GrALBA Series glory!
Whether you're chasing the podium or just riding for the love of the gravel, Thrive Gravel is the perfect way to close out the GrALBA season in style.This final round will roll out from Ballater Town Hall on Sunday at 9am sharp.
Highlights
Scenic splendour
Immerse yourself in the natural beauty Aberdeenshire's untamed landscapes.
Inclusive atmosphere
Open to all levels, from competitors to sportive riders.
Community vibes
Celebrate your achievements with fellow riders at the buzzing event village with full festival vibes back in Ballater as part of Scotland's largest MTB and cycling festival!
Pasta party
Kick off the weekend right with the Pasta Party on Saturday – included with your ride entry! Meet your fellow riders, fuel up with some hearty carbs, and get all the essential info you need during the official race briefing.
Don’t miss it – sign up now and be part of something epic!
Event photos
Event community
Mary J.
Event details
- Average fitness
- Event village
- Newcomers
- Free parking
- Paid parking
- Rural
- Toilets
Event HQ
Ballater Town Hall
Station Square
Ballater
Aberdeenshire
AB35 5QB
UK
- Hilly
- Wave start
Overview
A meticulously designed route showcasing rugged trails, highland scenes, and forested hills, perfect for gravel enthusiasts.
The ride takes in a long 85km ride through big highland scenes. This unique format of ride offers exhilarating bunch racing across some truly spectacular landscapes.
3 ride options
Challenge
The GrALBA Official ride option for those seeking series points.
Explore
Offers the same route as the Challenge option but is in a sportive format.
Discover Gravel
A shorter gravel ride option, offering the perfect intro to gravel for newcomers.
- Age 18 & over
- Entries open
- Enter online
Entry fees
Entry fee
£54.00
Entry fee
£56.00
'Connecting people with the outdoors, through inclusive events in epic locations'
Outsider Events is an Edinburgh-based events company, creating events and outdoor experiences that they'd like to attend themselves.
Focusing primarily on cycling and trail running events, they strongly believe there's so much more to an event than pinning on a number, giving it hell for leather (though there are definitely times for this) and heading home.
They aim to look beyond the finish line and incorporate an innovative approach to event management that includes not only the racer, but spectators, friends and family too.