Rules

Organisation

The Grain is organised by the association Progrès Sport in partnership with scops.

Presentation

The Grain is an 860 km gravel-bikepacking cycling event taking place from 31/05/26 to 05/06/26, linking Düsseldorf to Dijon.

The Grain is not a race but a fully self-supported, non-competitive cycling challenge. It is a challenge against oneself; participants will be able to see their recorded time at the finish.

Participants are entirely autonomous: accommodation, mechanical issues, food, sleep.

No assistance from relatives or friends is allowed. Assistance may only be obtained along the route (bike shops, restaurants, service stations…).

Acceptance of the Rules

Participation in The Grain implies full and unconditional acceptance of these rules as well as any instructions issued by the organiser.

Registrations

Participants register through the Weezevent platform integrated into the thegrain.cc website. Only people registered through this platform may take part in the event.

Registrations are limited to 99 participants.

Only adults at the start date of the event may register.

Registration is personal and nominative; it may be transferred or assigned under specific conditions.

Cancellations

Cancellation by the participant

A cancellation insurance option is offered at the time of registration on the Weezevent platform.

This option must be purchased before confirming the order. Under certain conditions set by the insurer, it allows a refund of the paid registration fees.

If the participant has not taken out cancellation insurance, no refund can be requested from the organiser.

Cancellation of the event

If the event is cancelled, participation fees are fully refunded.

See also the section Exceptional conditions below.

Briefing

Participants must attend the start briefing on the evening of 30/05. If unable to attend, they must watch the live-streamed briefing on scops' social media.

The starter pack and GPS tracker will be handed out during this event.

Route

The route is defined by a GPX track provided by the organiser.

The organiser confirms that the entire track has been reconnoitred.

Participants must follow the provided track and may not take alternative paths.

Temporary detours from the track are permitted, especially within towns to resupply.

If leaving the track, participants must rejoin it exactly where they left it.

Riding in a group is allowed; drafting is also permitted if mutually agreed.

Capabilities

By registering, participants declare that they are physically capable of completing the event, have understood the route and the safety instructions.

They acknowledge that The Grain requires excellent physical condition and proper training.

They acknowledge having the skills necessary for logistical, mechanical, sleep and nutritional autonomy.

Participants declare that they are not aware of any health problems or medical history (especially cardiac) that may appear during the event.

The organiser is not legally required to request a medical certificate; however, participants are strongly advised to consult their doctor, present their project and, if appropriate, undergo a stress test.

Safety Instructions

Participants must comply with road traffic regulations and all official signage. Roads remain open to traffic; compliance is essential.

They must follow the safety instructions given during the briefing or throughout the event.

They acknowledge having read and accepted all clauses of these rules and being aware of the risks related to cycling, including individual or group falls, injuries that may cause partial or total disability, or death.

They understand that they may face difficult weather conditions (rain, cold, heat, storms).

Their safety depends on their ability to adapt to problems encountered.

The organiser cannot be held responsible for accidents during the event.

Participants fully accept the risks involved and waive any claims against the organiser.

Exceptional Conditions

If circumstances require, the organiser may modify the route, start times, cut-off times, location of aid points or any other aspect of the event.

In the event of force majeure — such as extremely adverse weather conditions (with official orders) or any other danger to participants — the organiser may postpone the start, modify the route, modify cut-off times, cancel the event, cancel the event after it has started, or suspend it.

Cancellation before the start

If the event is cancelled due to force majeure, a government decree or a prefectural order, registration fees are refunded.

Cancellation during the event

In case of force majeure, the organiser may stop the event. Participants must follow the organiser's instructions and comply fully. No refunds are possible.

Equipment

The Grain is reserved for gravel bikes (flat bars allowed!), powered only by human force. Electric bikes are prohibited.

Participants are responsible for their equipment and its compliance.

They are responsible for ensuring the proper mechanical functioning of all safety-related components.

Mandatory equipment

Certified helmet, worn with closed chinstrap throughout the event
Front and rear lights
Survival blanket or bivvy
GPS navigation (smartphone or bike GPS) with sufficient battery life (carry extra power if needed)
Mobile phone
High-visibility vest or garment
Minimum water capacity: 1.5 L

Recommended equipment

Pump, two tubes, plugs, repair tools
Multitool
A GPS device
External battery
Windbreaker
Rainwear
Warm clothing
Gloves
Headlamp

This list is not exhaustive.

GPS Trackers

Each participant receives a GPS tracker.

It enables tracking by the organiser and contributes to safety.

Participants must turn on their tracker and follow all instructions regarding its use.

Location services are provided by Solustop; a tracking link will be given and may be shared with relatives.

A deposit may be required; it may be retained in case of loss or damage.

Withdrawal

If withdrawing, the participant must notify the organiser through the provided communication channels.

Participants remain autonomous: they must organise their own return to the start, finish, or another location.

The GPS tracker must be returned as soon as possible, either in person or by post.

Insurance

All participants must have liability insurance.

Progrès Sport has subscribed liability insurance for the duration of the event.

Participants are advised to take out personal accident insurance (such as Personal Accident Cover).

Image Rights

Unless written objection is provided, participants agree to appear in the organiser's media (website, social networks, photos, videos).

According to the French Data Protection Act of 6 January 1978, participants have the right to access and rectify their personal data.

The organiser of The Grain, scops in partnership with the association Progrès Sport, is responsible for processing your personal data in accordance with Regulation (EU) 2016/679.

Data collected

During registration, we collect:

First and last name
Phone number
Date of birth
Email address
City of residence
Information necessary for managing your participation

Purposes of processing

Your data are used to:

Manage your registration and participation (legal basis: contract performance, Art. 6(1)(b) GDPR)
Communicate with you before, during and after the event (legal basis: legitimate interest or contract performance)
Transmit your email address to the official sponsors of The Grain if you explicitly consent (legal basis: consent, Art. 6(1)(a) GDPR)

Sponsors receiving the data

The Grain exists thanks to partners and sponsors. Sharing your email address is optional; it only happens with your explicit consent.

Current sponsor list: Orbea, Shimano, Ciclovation, Baroudeur Cycles, Oquo.

Retention period

Participation-related data: kept for a maximum of 3 years after the event
Data transmitted to sponsors: retained according to their own policies, after your consent

Your rights

Under the GDPR, you have the right to:

Access, rectification, erasure
Withdraw consent at any time
Restriction or objection
Lodge a complaint with a supervisory authority (CNIL, BfDI or the authority of your country of residence)

GDPR Contact: contact@scops.cc