The registration phase is over.
Many thanks to all applicants. We will announce which teams will be taking part on March 7.
A journey into the unknown
With Off Grid, we go back to the roots of bikepacking. Your task as a team of two: Getting from Cologne to a destination, which will only be announced at the start. Within four days.
The only rule: No smartphone, no bike computer, no other digital devices. How you approach it is totally up to you. We'll see you at your destination four days later at the latest.
What you need to bring with you:
The willingness to be offline for four days and to fully commit to this special adventure. Apart from that, you only need a bike of your choice and a few personal items for the tour.
This is what we take care of:
In order for you to fully immerse yourself in the Off Grid experience, we will organize everything around it.
Together with Ortlieb and POC, we will equip you with cycling clothes, bikepacking bags, helmets, and glasses for the four days.
Upon arrive at your destination, a small welcome party including catering awaits you. After a comfortable overnight stay in the Heimplanet camp, you will be transported back to Cologne the next morning after a hearty final breakfast.
Of course, such an epic adventure needs to be documented. Since you will be travelling without any technical equipment, we will provide a content crew to accompany the trip with photos and videos.
For all these services, we charge a ticket price of 249€ per person.
FAQ
The event will take place from May 21st to 25th, 2025. It starts on May 21st in Cologne. On May 24th, we will welcome you at the secret destination – with food and a small welcome party. The next day, you will be brought back to Cologne with your bikes and equipment.
No, Off Grid is not a race. It is an unsupported bikepacking adventure that is not about speed or competition. Rather, it is all about creating as many unique moments and unforgettable memories as possible. We want to actively encourage you to fully immerse yourself in the analogue experience and enjoy your time on the bike to the max.
Participation costs 249 euros per person. In return, you get an all-round carefree package:
- High-quality equipment from Ryzon, Ortlieb and POC
- Welcome party including catering and overnight stay in the Heimplanet camp at the destination
- Final breakfast
- Return transport to Cologne
- Access to all photos and videos
- A small surprise package at the start
Before you can secure a ticket, you as a team have to fill out our application form. Tell us a little about yourself: Who are you? Why do you want to be part of Off Grid? And what are your bikepacking experiences? The application phase ends on Sunday, March 2nd.
On March 7th, we will announce which teams will be taking part. If you get selected, you will receive an email and can then buy your ticket for Off Grid 2025 directly via our shop. Only with this step, your participation becomes binding.
Of course, we will also inform everyone who unfortunately cannot attend this time.
Yes, and that's exactly what makes Off Grid so special! You're completely independent – without digital navigation, without a support team, without a set route. Your cell phones will be sealed before you set off so that you can concentrate completely on the adventure and analog planning. You should only use them in an emergency.
The food and accommodation during the tour are also up to you: Whether you sleep in a tent under the stars, head for a small guesthouse, or come up with something spontaneous – the decision is entirely up to you.
Nevertheless, we keep an eye on you: Thanks to the GPS tracker that each team carries on the tour, we can see where you are at all times. This gives our film and photo crew the opportunity to surprise you along the way and capture a few of your moments.
No, previous experience is not essential – but it will be helpful! If you have pitched a tent, patched a tire, and traveled long distances with luggage before, you will probably find your way around more quickly.
What you should definitely bring with you is curiosity, a thirst for adventure, and the willingness to embark on four days full of unexpected experiences. Because one thing is certain: Not everything will go smoothly. And it is up to you to master all the challenges on your own.
We generally recommend that you take part with a gravel bike. It offers the best balance of speed and flexibility in choosing your route.
But: Since there is no set route, you can of course also participate with your road bike or mountain bike.
No, your smartphones will be properly sealed before takeoff and will remain so – except in absolute emergencies, of course.
This is a central part of the Off Grid experience – because only without digital distractions, you can really get involved in the journey. No messages, no navigation, no scrolling – just you, your bike and your surroundings.
No, participation is only possible as a team of two. We are convinced that great adventures become even more unforgettable when you experience them together.
