Last Grizzly Gravel Stage Race, Utah, Sept 19-21

BRM 200 Achterhoek

April 11 2026

Doetinchem Netherlands

Unconfirmed

Distances: 200 km

Difficulty: Moderate terrain with rolling short steep hills or moderate, sustained climbs

Rondje Achterhoek goes from the start in a northeasterly direction around Hengelo (G) to the circuit 'De Varsselring' for a local lap. The continuation goes via Barchem to Zwiep, known for the Witte Wieven. Along the Bolksbeek to the first control in Gelselaar (km 55). Via the northernmost tip of the route to the first altimeters on the Needse berg (34 m +NAP).

Via the Bolksbeek and the Berkel, the Twente route is crossed and it continues north of Eibergen eastwards to the second control, the Rekken open-air swimming pool (km 95). After a few brief explorations through the former care landscape the Rekkense Inrichtingen, it goes south - somewhat parallel to the German border. Lovers of cycling long lines on cobbled roads can indulge themselves here, especially if there is a nice south-easterly wind blowing that day.

The hamlets around Winterswijk (including Huppel, Ratum, Kotten and Woold) are visited after which it goes over the Boven-Slinge for some light climbing up to 28 m +NAP. In the historic town of Bredevoort is the third control (km 151).

The remaining altimeters of this license are on the convex fields around Aalten and go up to 35 m+ NAP.

The Twente route is passed again at Harreveld, after which the last 20 km of the brevet follow. After the Slangenburg estate, known for the abbey and the castle, the skyline of Doetinchem becomes visible in clear weather.

The 200 km brevet is a compact ride on an intricate network of secondary roads (and a few meters of cycle path) through characteristic landscapes of the Achterhoek. Many similar intersections, hardly any traffic lights. Cycling is calming, but agricultural traffic requires constant attention.

Velomobiles can handle the route just fine; there is only a point of attention at the Broekstraat (coming from the N825, between km 48 and 49, narrower cycle path, little space on the road)

The starting location is a stone's throw from the Doetinchem train station. There is no possibility to park the car in the immediate vicinity. Participants who come by car are urgently asked to park (paid) on the Varkensweide. This parking lot is easy to reach from the A18 motorway and is about 1.5 km from the starting location.

BRM 200 Bunnik