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Presented byPas Normal Studios — International Cycling Club

Gear · Fuel · Travel

Rider Guide

Kit, navigation, nutrition, tires, and the bike itself — presented by the brands behind the granary loop.

Plus travel and stay details for getting to Nueva Ecija, together with the local tourism board.

Travel · Logistics

Getting there

Welcome to the Philippines! As you prepare to experience the gravel racing capital of the country, immerse yourself in a land known for its breathtaking tropical islands, pristine beaches, and the world-renowned warmth and hospitality of our people.

By air

Aerial view of Clark with its stadium and Mount Arayat behind

Fly into Clark

Recommended · ~1 hr to the venue

When planning your journey to Gravel Grain in Nueva Ecija, we highly recommend flying into Clark International Airport, which serves as an excellent gateway and is just a convenient one-hour drive from the event venue and official hotels.

Underside of a long-haul airliner against a cloudy sky

Stopovers

UAE · Singapore · Taiwan

Ideal stopover countries include the UAE for Dubai or Abu Dhabi for people coming from Europe, and Singapore and Taiwan for those from around the Asia-Pacific region, allowing you to choose airlines that fly directly into Clark. If you are traveling from the Americas, you can fly into Taiwan and connect to a flight into Clark.

Manila city skyline under a blue sky

Or fly into Manila

Alternative · ~2.5 hrs by road

Alternatively, you may fly into Ninoy Aquino International Airport in Manila, though it involves an approximately two-and-a-half-hour drive to reach the heart of the action.

On the ground

Airport shuttle bus parked at a terminal kerb

Airport Shuttle

From either airport · for a fee

For added convenience, we offer a dedicated shuttle service to pick you up from either airport and bring you directly to your hotel for a fee.

Cars and a yellow taxi in Metro Manila traffic

By Car

NLEX → SCTEX → Cabanatuan

From Metro Manila, take NLEX northbound, then SCTEX toward Tarlac. Follow the roads toward Nueva Ecija and Cabanatuan, and check the designated start point before your final approach.

Provincial bus among cars on a Metro Manila highway

By Bus

From Cubao or Pasay

Direct buses to Cabanatuan City leave from major Metro Manila terminals, including Cubao and Pasay. From Cabanatuan, local transport reaches nearby towns and the start.

Speed Kit

Seven decisions before the start line.

Everything a long day across the granary asks of you — the bike, the drivetrain, the tires, the fuel, the navigation, and what you wear. Presented by Pas Normal Studios, whose Escapism collection was developed with PAS Racing for exactly this kind of racing.

Seven decisions before the start line

Long, exposed racing in tropical heat across the granary. Each category below opens a page of what we would ride, with links out to the retailers.

In partnership with the Nueva Ecija Tourism Board

Getting settled in

We're working with the Local Tourism Board of Nueva Ecija to make sure getting here, staying here, and finding good food after the ride is easy.

Multi-storey hotel framed by tropical trees in Cabanatuan City

Where to Stay

Cabanatuan City is the most practical base. It has the province's most hotels, with food and groceries close by.

  • Microtel by Wyndham
  • Harvest Hotel
  • The Quarters by Rosey
  • Rosey Hotel

Confirm bike storage when you book

Plate of Cabanatuan-style longganisa with rice and calamansi beside a rice field

Local Eats

Nueva Ecija is known for Batutay, Cabanatuan-style longganisa, and carabao-milk treats. Save them for after the finish.

  • Vicenticos
  • Theo's Diner
  • Leek's Restaurant
  • Pocholo's

Pre-race: eat what you know

Aerial view of riders on a dusty gravel road between dry rice fields

Weather & Season

December is cooler and drier, not cold.

Average
25°
Lows
21–22°
Highs
29°
  • Cool starts
  • Dust or mud
  • Mixed surfaces
  • Little shade

Pack for dust and mud

Tropical island ringed by white sand and turquoise water

Racecation

After conquering the Gravel Grain, why not extend your stay and turn your event into a true 'racecation'? From Clark International Airport, you can easily catch a flight to some of the Philippines' most spectacular islands and pristine beaches.

Clark · Islands · Beaches

How to pack for a gravel race

You won't need cold-weather gear. Pack for a cool start, a warm and humid ride, and a course that can turn from dust to mud.

Clothing

  • Lightweight jersey and bib shorts
  • Arm warmers for the early start
  • Light windbreaker or rain shell
  • Gloves and a buff
  • Spare socks
  • Clear or low-light lenses

Bike & repair kit

  • At least 2 spare tubes
  • Tire levers, mini pump or CO₂
  • Tubeless plugs if running tubeless
  • Multi-tool and quick link
  • Tire boot and chain lube
  • First aid, power bank, lights

Hydration & nutrition

  • Water for the stretch between feed zones
  • Electrolyte drink or tablets
  • Gels and bars
  • Easy-to-eat carbs
  • A small emergency snack
  • Plan it before the start

After the race

  • Change of clothes and dry socks
  • Towel and slippers
  • Toiletries, phone and power bank
  • Recovery food or drink
  • Plastic bags for muddy kit
  • Basic bike-cleaning supplies

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