Conquering Gravel in the Philippines
Gravelton is quickly becoming the “Carrera” of the Southeast Asian gravel scene, and this year we had the opportunity to be there and experience its magic firsthand. Not only did we bring our presence to Gravelton Village with a booth, but our founders traveled from Spain to discover the local cycling culture and participate in the race themselves.
A weekend of community and celebration
Located in Clark, just a few hours north of Manila, Gravelton brought together more than 700 cyclists from all over Asia. For two days, the atmosphere was filled with the unmistakable warmth of Filipino hospitality and the shared excitement of a cycling community in full growth.
Saturday began with a social ride through rural roads, followed by a day at the fair where conversations flowed as easily as laughter. Cyclists shared stories, discovered new products, and reconnected with familiar faces.
Throughout the day, we could see what makes the gravel culture in the Philippines unique: there is no rush or pressure, only joy and curiosity to ride together. From local cyclists to visitors from neighboring countries, everyone shared the same spirit: enjoying the journey.
Race day under the rain
Sunday dawned with a change of tone. The sky turned gray and soon it began to rain heavily. But what could have been an obstacle became part of the experience. The rain turned the 120-kilometer course into a true test of endurance and camaraderie, making every kilometer a mix of challenge and celebration.
The cyclists rode through small towns, muddy roads, and rural paths lined with palm trees and rice fields. It was tough, chaotic… and absolutely unforgettable.
For our team, there was no better way to understand the local gravel spirit than to ride shoulder to shoulder with the community. The shared smiles, laughter, and mud-covered faces said it all. That is the heart of Gravelton.
More than a race
At Gobik we believe in being part of the story, not watching from afar. What we found in Clark reminded us why we ride: for the people, the shared effort, and the stories created along the way.
The gravel scene in the Philippines is growing, and its energy is contagious. We are proud to grow alongside it, inspired by the cyclists who make every kilometer count.
Gravelton is not just a race. It is an expanding movement that values not only the country, but the entire region, while we do what we are most passionate about. And we are proud to have shared a small part of that journey.
