99% Gravel – Dust, riding joy and SEK 50,000 for Barnens Hjälp

An initiative combining pleasure with purpose

At the same time, they wanted the day to contribute to something more than simply an enjoyable day of gravel riding. Participants pay an entry fee, with all the money going to Barnens Hjälp (Childrens Help). This year, the event raised no less than SEK 50,000. Since it began, approximately SEK 250,000 has been raised in total.

It is a combination that is difficult not to appreciate: a full day on the motorcycle, fantastic roads, new friendships and a tangible contribution to children in need of support.

Riders from across the country

The popularity of 99% Gravel is clearly reflected in its participants. Many return year after year, while others are taking part for the first time.

Riders travel to Nora from well beyond the surrounding area. I met participants from Jönköping, Stockholm, Köping and Västerås, among other places. I had travelled up from Gothenburg myself to take part.

More than 60 motorcycles participated this year. The organisers were assisted by volunteer ride leaders and sweep riders, who gave their time without payment.

Six groups for different speeds

The participants were divided into six groups. Group one was intended for the faster riders, while the final group maintained a more relaxed pace and was also suitable for beginners.

The idea is that everyone should be able to participate, regardless of their experience or preferred speed.

After approximately 50 kilometres, riders have the opportunity to change groups. Anyone who finds the pace too fast can move to a slower group, while those who feel it is too slow can switch to a faster one.

There should be no pressure to maintain a pace that does not feel comfortable. Nobody should have to chase riders who are going faster, and nobody should feel that they constantly have to hold back.

Start and finish in Nora’s main square

The day begins in Nora’s main square, where everyone gathers before setting off. From there, the groups head out one by one onto the roads surrounding the town.

The same location also serves as the finish in the afternoon, although the groups return at different times depending on their pace, the number of stops and whatever may have happened along the way.

For those who wish to continue, the evening carries on with an after-bike gathering at Nora Stadshotell. Some choose to stay overnight, while others head home after the day’s riding. Before that, however, many hours of gravel riding await.

More than 300 kilometres on varied roads

The route covers slightly more than 150 kilometres before lunch, followed by roughly the same distance afterwards. In total, that means more than 300 kilometres of riding.

Fredrik and Mikael know the area inside out, and it shows in their choice of roads. The route combines fast, flowing gravel roads with narrower forest tracks and more technical sections. In places, the surface is rocky, sometimes sandy and occasionally a little more challenging.

One moment, the motorcycle is flowing along wide gravel roads through the countryside. The next, we turn onto a smaller forest track that demands greater concentration. Some sections are technical, but whenever anyone needs assistance, the group is there. Riders wait for one another and lend a hand.

In other words, it offers a bit of everything, but above all, it is tremendous fun to ride.

A puncture after just 25 kilometres

On a day like this, almost anything can happen. In my group, the first puncture of the day occurred after only around 25 kilometres. It resulted in a short stop at the roadside, but there was no real drama. A few people brought out their tools and worked together to repair it.

By lunchtime, several more punctures had occurred across the different groups. I do not know how many there were in total by the end of the day, but I would confidently guess there were at least a couple more.

Lunch along the route

Lunch is eaten somewhere along the route, with everyone bringing whatever they would like to eat. The lunch stop also provides an opportunity to chat with the other participants, compare experiences from the day and hear what has happened in the different groups.

From lightweight enduro bikes to large adventure motorcycles

The motorcycles taking part are almost as varied as the roads themselves.

There are large adventure motorcycles, including the Honda Africa Twin and Yamaha Ténéré 700, as well as smaller and lighter machines such as the KTM 690, Husqvarna 701 and Husaberg 450.

The majority may lean towards the smaller end of the scale, but there is no single type of motorcycle required to take part. What matters is that the bike is suitable for the terrain and that the rider selects a group with an appropriate pace.

Beautiful, dry and extremely dusty

The weather was kind to us that weekend. It made the roads easily accessible, but conditions were also dry and dusty. The clouds of dust were perhaps the biggest challenge of the day.

It was important to maintain a good distance from the motorcycle ahead. Otherwise, both the road and the rider in front disappeared into a brown cloud. When the groups eventually roll back into Nora’s main square, it is a collection of very dusty motorcyclists that returns.

But they are also happy, tired and extremely satisfied.

Plenty of riding and no unnecessary complications

Perhaps it is the simplicity that makes 99% Gravel so popular.

The event is well organised without feeling rigid. The groups are tailored to different ability levels. The ride leaders know the roads, the participants help one another and, above all, the day includes a great deal of riding.

Some are taking part for the first time, but many return year after year. It is not difficult to understand why.

There are excellent roads, beautiful scenery, varied riding and a strong sense of community. At the same time, every participant helps to raise money for Barnens Hjälp.