Markus Stitz
Bikepacking adventures around the globe
Menu
  • About Markus
  • Round The World – Singlespeed
  • Books
  • Films
  • Newsletter
  • Talks, Guided Rides & Events
  • Contact

Pre-order now - Gravel Rides Edinburgh, Fife & The Lothians

Buy it here

Privacy policy

Browse: Home   /   Gravel
Black Friday

Black Friday

November 15, 2022
markusstitz
Bikepacking, Books, Gravel

It’s the time of the year again, when almost every company promotes a Black Friday deal. I have grown to dislike discounting to an extent…

Read Article →
  • YouTube
  • Twitter
  • Instagram
  • Facebook
  • LinkedIn
  • Amazon
  • Flickr

reizkultur

Another amazing @oslodawnpatrol this morning. By f Another amazing @oslodawnpatrol this morning. By far the biggest crowd I have seen in a social ride - good vibes & ☀️. Thanks Oslo!
People often see the finished film or photographs, People often see the finished film or photographs, but rarely everything that happens beforehand.One of the biggest advantages of spending years writing guidebooks and scouting routes across Scotland is that, when a creative agency gets in touch with a brief, I can often suggest the right location straight away.Finding the location, often by bike, is only the beginning. The real work is bringing everything together: checking access, finding accommodation nearby, organising cafés and restaurants for the crew, understanding the light, the weather, and making sure the whole production runs smoothly.It was a pleasure to support this shoot at Loch Callater, first by scouting the location and then as the drone pilot on the day. We were also lucky to base ourselves at Gulabin Lodge in Spittal of Glenshee - the perfect place to recharge after a full day in the hills (and also base for my Cateran Dirt Dash event).It’s always satisfying when local knowledge helps bring a production together while supporting brilliant local businesses along the way - and those mountains ….
Friday morning by Ember bus with my gravel bike to Friday morning by Ember bus with my gravel bike to Kinross, mapping the second part of a route for a new book (still very much at the idea stage).These photos capture why I often champion places that perhaps aren’t yet well known for cycling. They also show just how beautiful Scotland can be in the right light. It was a crisp morning, and the 4:48am start was definitely worth it.I’ll finalise the route soon. In the meantime, if you’re looking for inspiration, there are loads of routes on the @welcometofife Komoot profile (just search for “Welcome to Fife”).The idea behind the new book is not only to inspire you with great routes, but also to tell the stories behind them. Much of this one is shaped by Fife’s rich mining heritage, celebrated through the incredible murals in Cowdenbeath, and by the landscapes that have evolved from that history.
Yesterday I scouted the route for this year’s Duno Yesterday I scouted the route for this year’s Dunoon Dirt Dash. This will be the 7th edition of the event - so finding new paths is becoming a bit more difficult, but doable. These are images from the route for day of the event, taking riders from Dunoon to the west side of Loch Eck, then along the beautiful coast into Hell’s Glen, and then almost entirely on gravel to the camp site at Carrick Castle. It’s been a joy riding on Scotland’s West Coast - back here on 26/27 September with loads of likeminded souls.
Two Dawn Patrols - a week apart - that could not b Two Dawn Patrols - a week apart - that could not be more different. From the dusty golden trails last week to a soggy, misty ride this morning. But that’s what I love about Edinburgh - at some stage the weather will change. The people though, will always be great company. This route was the inspiration for my last book - and today I mapped the first two routes for another book project. If you want to join us -Wed 5.40am at Cairngorms Coffee - ca 1.5h cycling, then coffee.
I am almost finished with curating a komoot profil I am almost finished with curating a komoot profile for @welcometofife - there are almost 70 routes on the - and I’m adding a few more - researched & ridden with the same level of details as my latest book - Gravel Rides Edinburgh, Fife & the Lothians. The images are from exploring the beautiful Blaiadam  Forest. #gravel heaven
One bike - many possibilities. With the help of th One bike - many possibilities. With the help of the Spokes Cargo Bike Grant I purchased the Tern Orox two years ago - and the bike has been a great companion to get jobs done without a car. Flick through the images to find out more.The grant supports cargo bike purchases from small organisations & sole traders - check out the Spokes Lothian website for details.Trail building vehicle at BalloTransporting a palette - after shipping 500 books.Delivering Gravel Rides Edinburgh, Fife and the Lothians by bike - 150 orders in one weekend.Supporting a photoshoot with Mark Beaumont for Move Pre-Workout.Event vehicle at the Dunoon Dirt DashCarrying snacks for 70 riders at the Cateran Dirt DashGuiding support vehicle - using the Inner Forth Bike BusMore trail buildingScouting routes in the Cateran EcomuseumAnd scouting routes in East Lothian (and lunching at the German bakery)Scouting in West LothianAnd cycling to the Fort William Mountain Festival with all books for saleScouting routes for Gravel Rides CairngormsAnd more trail buildingAnd social rides at the Islay Book Festival.
The last two days of our bikepacking trip in Norwa The last two days of our bikepacking trip in Norway were all about following our curiosity. We detoured from Matthew’s National Gravel Route 1, rejoined it, then headed off again – riding from Dovre National Park to Rondane National Park, through Grimsdalen and Gudbrandsdalen to Vinstra, before crossing the mountains on @mjolkevegen to Ruten.That’s the magic of having route suggestions rather than fixed itineraries, combined with Norway’s fantastic right of responsible access like in Scotland. Once we were out riding, there was always scope to make the journey our own.Thanks @cyclenorway for the inspiration – we’ll be back very soon.
My Ogre carried me 34,000 kilometres around the wo My Ogre carried me 34,000 kilometres around the world. Almost 10 years later, its successor is now in the planning.It’ll be a rigid mountain bike, handmade in Scotland by Steven Shand of @willowbike and built for two very exciting projects this October - and more adventures afterwards.I’m looking forward to sharing more as the bike takes shape - watch this space!
Is it even possible not to fall in love with #bike Is it even possible not to fall in love with #bikepacking in 🇳🇴?These are a few moments from cycling @cyclenorway’s National Gravel Route 1 - through quiet forests, dramatic mountain landscapes and beautiful national parks. The kind of journey that reminds me why I love travelling by bike - and a journey best shared - my brother was a fab travel companion. #gravel
Bikes - great company and amazing morning light. A Bikes - great company and amazing morning light. All of this for free - the only thing the @edinburghdawnpatrol will cost you is a smile. Join us - 5.40am on Tue & Thu at St Andrew Sq, or Wed at Cairngorms Coffee for the gravel shredders. Summer in Edinburgh is a wonderful time to get on your bike early! Tag a friend in the comments to spread the 🚲💚
From beautiful beaches to abandoned mines, Fife ha From beautiful beaches to abandoned mines, Fife has an incredible mix of routes for gravel, road, mountain and all-road bikes.I’ve been working with @welcometofife to bring them all together in one place, making it easier than ever to plan your next adventure. Six of these routes also feature in my Gravel Rides Edinburgh, Fife & the Lothians guidebook, and to help inspire your summer riding I’m offering free UK postage on all book orders throughout July.There are now 60 routes to choose from on Komoot, with everything from short spins to full-day adventures. And if you’re travelling from Edinburgh, the free Inner Forth Bike Bus runs every Sunday, dropping you at Newmills, Charlestown and Kincardine - perfect starting points for exploring Devilla Forest, the Fife Coastal Path and the spectacular shoreline.Routes: komoot.com/user/welcometofifeBooks: markusstitz.com/booksWhere will you ride first?
While I love riding solo, some adventures are made While I love riding solo, some adventures are made special by the people you share them with. That was certainly true of this year’s Gralloch Ultra, and I’m delighted that you’re among the first to watch my latest documentary about the race (on YouTube - link in bio).Over 323 kilometres, the route winds through the wild heart of Galloway, crossing vast forests, quiet lochs and seemingly endless gravel roads. It’s a journey that tests body and mind, but also reveals the generosity, humour and determination that define the ultra-distance community.Alongside the UCI Gravel Race on the same weekend, the Gralloch Ultra reveals a different side of gravel cycling. It isn’t just about racing; it’s about adventure, discovery, resilience and the simple joy of exploring remarkable landscapes together.The film follows riders including Jenny Tough, Josh Reid, Gavin Cooper and Liz Stafford, each bringing their own story to the trails of Galloway. They are just some of the people who make the ultra-distance cycling community such a special group to be part of. I hope you enjoy watching the film as much as I enjoyed telling their story, and that it inspires your own next adventure.Excited what 2027 has in store, enjoy watching the film.#gravel
4 days #bikepacking with my brother from Trondheim 4 days #bikepacking with my brother from Trondheim to Ruten. Breathtaking views, amazing riding & stunning views from the places we choose to rest for the night. And all of this with easy logistics, chapeau #Norway.
Super excited to launch a brand new film next Tues Super excited to launch a brand new film next Tuesday at 7pm BST, documenting the inaugural Gralloch Ultra.Featuring Jenny Tough, Josh Reid, Gavin Cooper, Liz Stafford and many more, the film takes you on a wild ride through the stunning landscapes of Galloway Forest Park. From fast gravel roads to remote forest tracks, it captures not only the challenge of the event, but also the spirit of the riders who took it on.The film premieres on both my YouTube channel and The Gralloch’s YouTube channel.See you on Tuesday at 7pm BST!
Sometimes it’s nice not having to plan a route mys Sometimes it’s nice not having to plan a route myself.My brother Matthias is visiting 🇳🇴 and I joined him from Trondheim on the excellent National Gravel Route 1 from @cyclenorway - we packed 2,000m of climbing in, found a great spot to camp & will continue our ride tomorrow. Top work from Matthew! #gravel #norway
While I spent much of my cycling life on solo expe While I spent much of my cycling life on solo expeditions, sharing these incredible places with others has become even more rewarding.Here are a few moments from last week’s journey along Norway’s spectacular Mjølkevegen.It was a privilege to guide the trip and capture these memories through my camera. I’ll be back in September alongside Mark Beaumont for another week of riding through some of Norway’s most breathtaking landscapes.If you love big mountain scenery, great company and the simple joy of exploring by bike, we have just two rooms left on our September trip.Link in bio.#gravel #norway #valdres #cyclingnorway
Edinburgh was hot this week - which demonstrated a Edinburgh was hot this week - which demonstrated another huge benefit of early morning rides: the temperatures are still bearable for cycling. And for once it was gorgeous sitting outside Cairngorm Coffee after the Dawn Patrol, enjoying the sunshine - it felt almost Mediterranean - abd doesn’t happen that often in Scotland!Between Dawn Patrols I also managed to fit in a few early morning book deliveries by bike. I’m now in Norway for two weeks of riding and exploring, but if you order a copy of Gravel Rides Edinburgh, Fife & the Lothians while I’m away, I’ll make sure it reaches you when I’m back - by bike or Royal Mail. Or simply join the Dawn Patrol - 5.40am at St Andrew Sq on Tue & Thu, and Cairngorms Coffee on Wed for the gravel ride. Link for books in my bio - check out @edinburghdawnpatrol for more.
Weekend inspiration 🚴☀️ Looking for a bike ride t Weekend inspiration 🚴☀️Looking for a bike ride this Sunday? Three routes in my new guide book Gravel Rides Edinburgh, Fife & The Lothians are easily accessible using the free Inner Forth Bike Bus, which runs every Sunday from Port Edgar until the end of September. It’s a brilliant way to leave the car behind and explore some of Fife’s best gravel riding. Better still, these routes wind through beautiful woodlands, offering plenty of shade on warm summer days.Check out @innerforth for the timetable, and if you’d like a copy of the book, you’ll find the link in my bio.
Back in 🇳🇴 and looking forward to exploring the st Back in 🇳🇴 and looking forward to exploring the stunning landscapes of Jotunheimen National Park and the Mjølkevegen by bike from Monday with a group of journalists and tour operators. Follow along in my stories over the coming days - or, if you’d like to experience these magical mountains yourself, there are still a few places available to join me and Mark Beaumont from 6–13 September. Details via the link in my bio.#gravel #norway
Follow on Instagram

Here’s inspiration for your next cycle https://www.komoot.com/user/welcometofife
The Kingdom of Cycling - Fife #gravel
The Gralloch Ultra is a 323km gravel endurance race through Galloway Forest Park in southern Scotland. This documentary follows riders including Jenny Tough, Josh Reid, Gavin Cooper and Liz Stafford through the inaugural event.The film captures both the physical toll of the distance and the camaraderie that defines ultra-distance riding, as riders take on the demanding route through forests, lochs and high passes. The Gralloch returns for 2027, taking place from 14–16 May. More information can be found at https://www.grallochgravel.com/ultra. The film is supported by Maxxis, Genesis and Restrap.
The Gralloch Ultra 2026 | 323km Gravel Race in Scotland
A new film from Bikepacking Scotland captures the endurance, atmosphere and wild beauty of The Gralloch Ultra, a 323km gravel race through the Galloway Forest Park in southwest Scotland.
Teaser Gralloch Ultra - Film launching at 7pm 14 July #cycling #gravel #ultra
Check out bikepackingscotland.com/books for more infos.
Stories from trails in my new Gravel Rides Edinburgh book #gravel
My new book is now available to buy - and you can order your signed copy directly from me here: https://forms.gle/pZFkCBDDDsb1PQRW9
Are you already planning your Tour de France stay in Edinburgh? I have an idea for you! #gravel
Route 6 from Gravel Rides Edinburgh, Fife & the Lothians https://bikepackingscotland.com/books/
What does Fife #gravel look like? Watch this to find out.
Join me on Tue & Thu in Edinburgh at 5.40am at St Andrew Sq to join in.
Another happy #edinburghdawnpatrol - cycle communities are special
Join me at Gamma in Edinburgh for the launch, or come on a Dawn Patrol each Wed at 5.40am. Or get the book for much more infos! Talk: https://www.entrycentral.com/gravelridesedinburgh Dawn Patrol: https://www.instagram.com/edinburghdawnpatrol/ Books: https://forms.gle/t19giDZPJowKvqKb7
2 weeks until launch - But you don't have to wait, order your copy to ride #gravel in #edinburgh
They are not races - the Dirt Dashes are 2-day bikepacking events where you can explore without being rushed.https://dirtdash.cc/
What are the Dirt Dashes? Let me explain #gravel #bikepacking
Subscribe

Copyright © 2026

Powered by Oxygen Theme.