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Experiencing a hot lap around the Nürburgring Nordschleife is intense in a car, but doing it on a bicycle is even more challenging. With over 12 miles of track and significant elevation changes, it would take a lot of persuasion for me to even attempt it. Yet, each year, thousands of cyclists come together to take part not just in one lap, but in a continuous 24-hour endurance race.
This 24-hour cycling event is part of Germany’s “Rad am Ring,” a prominent cycling festival in Europe. (Think of it as Gridlife for MAMILs.) The festival includes various races and group rides on both public roads and closed tracks, showcasing multiple cycling disciplines. The highlight of the event is the 24-hour ‘Ring race, which epitomizes the challenge even of completing a single lap.
The race connects the Grand Prix circuit and the Nordschleife, resulting in a total course length of 16.2 miles. Participants must navigate 92 corners and deal with a total elevation gain of 1,837 feet. Some sections reach steep grades of up to 17 percent, making it difficult for both truckers and cyclists alike. However, the downhill parts allow riders to achieve speeds over 60 mph, utilizing only their leg power. On average, riders complete a lap at around 20 mph, with each lap taking about 50 minutes to finish.
If you think this race sounds impossible, you’re not alone; many who enter feel the same way. Rad am Ring accommodates teams of two, four, or even eight riders, categorized into professional and amateur divisions. Approximately 5,500 people participate each year, with some traveling from as far away as Japan, as seen in the video above. If you’re interested in testing your pedal power, you might want to start preparing for next summer’s race—and why not include an e-bike battery in your frame for a little extra boost? Everyone loves a good motorsport tale of bending the rules.
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