GrabeL Philippines

GrabeL is an iteration of the Filipino word, GRABE, which is often used to express a strong emotion of surprise or disbelief. It can be translated to English as “wow”, “amazing” or “unbelievable.” Used in a ride context, grabe is also used to describe extreme or amazing ride situations or conditions.

GrabeL is a gravel cycling series that will take participants through lush landscapes and breathtaking scenery, leaving everyone in awe of what each host venue has to offer.

We want everyone to leave with one word in mind–GRABE!

Event details and schedule

FAQ’s. Is GrabeL a race?

GrabeL is not a race. It is an adventure ride for all to enjoy. There are no podium spots because we want you to enjoy the ride and soak in what each location has to offer. However, for safety reasons, there is a cut-off time of 6 hours. At this point, a sweeper vehicle will pick up all remaining riders on the course to bring them back to the finish line.

If it isn’t a race, what is it?

We created GrabeL to be an adventure ride for cyclists and explorers. If your goal is to set a course record, a KOM, or to race against others, we won’t stop you. You can definitely go for it. Just don’t forget to stop and smell the roses, and the trees, and the rice fields, and fresh sea breeze, you get the picture. :)

Schedule March 1, 2024 Friday

CHECK-IN, BIKE CHECK, KIT CLAIMING

9 a.m. to 6 p.m. Kit releasing, The Hotel Elizabeth Resort

6:00 p.m. Ride Briefing, The Hotel Elizabeth Resort

7:00 p.m. Welcome Dinner hosted by the Provincial Government of Palawan, The Hotel Elizabeth Resort

*Bike mechanics available at The Hotel Elizabeth Resort for bike assembly and tune-ups from 9 am to 6 pm

March 2, 2024 Saturday

RIDE DAY 1: SAN VICENTE NORTH

5:00 a.m. Rider Assembly, The Hotel Elizabeth Resort

5:30 a.m. Final Ride Briefing

6:00 a.m. MASS START

12 nn- 2 p.m. Lunch packs served at Race Central

2:00 p.m. CUT-OFF

7:00 p.m. Buffet Dinner

*Bike mechanics available at start area from 6:00 a.m. to gun start and 5pm to 8pm only. Roving mechanics on course from 6 am to 2 pm only.

March 3, 2024 Sunday

RIDE DAY 2, SAN VINCENTE SOUTH

5:00 a.m. Rider Assembly, The Hotel Elizabeth Resort

5:30 a.m. Final Ride Briefing

6:00 a.m. MASS START

12 nn- 2 p.m. Lunch packs served at Race Central

2:00 p.m. CUT-OFF

5:00 p.m. POST-EVENT PARTY

7:00 p.m. Buffet Dinner and Post-Ride Party

*Bike mechanics available at start area from 6:00 a.m. to gun start and 5pm to 8pm only. Roving mechanics on course from 6 am to 2 pm only.

What kind of bikes are allowed?

The following bikes are allowed:

Gravel bike (minimum 35c tire width)

Mountain bike

E-bike (not eligible for fastest time)

NOTE: Road bikes or any bike with slick tires are not allowed.

How old should I be to join?

GrabeL is open to participants 19 years old and above. Due to the distances involved, minors are not allowed even if supervised by an adult.

How long is the ride?

GrabeL San Vicente is a 2-day ride with a total ride distance of 128 kilometers and close to 1,700 meters of elevation gain.

Day 1: 53 kilometers, 747 meters elevation gain

Day 2: 75 kilometers,900 meters elevation gain

Can I choose which day to ride or should I do both to finish?

Participants must complete both rides in order to be classified as a ride finisher. Only those who complete both days will receive the GrabeL medal.

Is my airfare and hotel included in the registration fee?

No it does not. Your P8,000.00 registration fee covers the costs for two days of riding with medical and mechanical assistance plus a ride kit that includes the following:

Finisher’s Medal

Castelli Trail T-shirt

Race Numbers

Race Bag

Discount vouchers on select JBMultisport brands

Voucher for special Land transfer from Puerto Princesa to San Vicente and back

Bike assembly/disassembly at race venue

Packed lunch for 2 days

Buffet dinner for 2 days

Post event party

Count me in! How do I sign up?

Just fill up the form in the registration page, pay through any of the payment methods provided, send us the proof of payment and wait for a confirmation from the Event Secretariat!

Where is this paradise? How do I get to San Vicente?

San Vicente is located on the west coast of Palawan, Philippines. Several airlines (Philippine Airlines, Air Asia and Cebu Pacific) offer daily flights from Manila to the provincial capital, Puerto Princesa. From here, there is a 3 hour land transfer to San Vicente (via rented vans).

Sunlight Air offers direct flights from Manila to San Vicente on Thursdays and Sundays. Another option is Air Swift, which offers daily flights from Manila to El Nido, which is a 2-hour drive away from San Vicente. Do note, however, that both airlines use smaller planes so cargo space for bikes is limited and has to be arranged beforehand.

We can help book land transfers to and from Puerto Princesa for those who choose this option.

Where do I stay in San Vicente?

We have several hotel partners for Grabel San Vicente, please book directly by providing your Grabel code. Links to their booking sites will be sent to you in your confirmation email.

The Hotel Elizabeth Resort

Club Agutaya

Bai Bai

Lazuli Resort