Ultra-distance cycling has a habit of looking like one kind of rider. We would rather it didn't. MONUMENTAL is built so that a first-time bikepacker, a FLINTA rider heading out alone at night and a seasoned Grand Tour finisher can all be at the same campsite and all belong there.
A share of every route is held for FLINTA riders and people of colour, and those places stay open until the very last minute — even when the rest of the event is full.
A reduced entry fee for FLINTA riders, because cost is one of the first barriers to a four-day event.
Riders can hide their live dot on the public tracker at any time. Several riders told us this is what made riding through the night feel safe. See how Follow My Challenge's privacy feature works →
It is not a race. Nobody is timed out, nobody is swept up, and the Grand Tour has no cut-off at all — you ride your own event.
We do not accept intimidation, harassment or disrespect towards any rider, on the road or at camp. Women in particular still face this far too often on a bike, and an event where that has no place is something we actively build for, not something we assume happens on its own.
“I loved meeting all those cool FLINTA people along the way. And good that you left the booking open for FLINTA and POCs until the very last minute. In general everyone I met on the track was very kind and supportive. You gathered a wonderful community there.”
“It was great to have a FLINTA discount — there were more women on the 300 I think than on the 500 and 800, but I'm sure it will change step by step.”
“I think it's very inspiring to see, and I really appreciate your efforts to democratize and diversify our sport.”
We are not finished. Every edition we ask every rider what worked and what didn't, and the answers change the next one. If something about MONUMENTAL keeps you from signing up, tell us: info@monumentalgravel.com.