11 Stuwmerentocht

The 11 Stuwmerentocht begins and ends at Het Drielandenpunt in Vaals, near border marker number 1. It directs cyclists into the Eifel and Ardennes regions to find reservoirs. This long-distance cycling event, organized by Bram Tankink and the Grenspalenklassieker team, offers both road and gravel options. Gravel cyclists can select from 140, 180, or 210 kilometers. The 140 km route visits seven reservoirs, the 180 km route is the standard distance, and the 210 km “All you can eat” option is for the most dedicated, featuring over 3,000 meters of climbing. All participants must finish by 9:00 p.m., before dark. The gravel course is not marked; riders receive a GPX file beforehand to navigate firm gravel, forest paths, ascents, and some challenging segments. Road cyclists will follow a marked route on quiet asphalt roads. The event commences early with a 7:30 a.m. group departure led by Tankink, preceded by Limburgse vlaai and coffee. Two support stations, medical assistance, and mechanical aid are available during the ride, followed by a hamburger with pasta and a Koerspret beer at the finish. Tankink conceived the idea after observing eleven reservoirs arranged in a circle on a map.