Stoneman Arduenna GOLD; Report & Video

If you’re not yet familiar with the Stoneman, keep reading as you might find yourself eager to embark on this journey after reading my experience with the Stoneman Arduenna. This challenging mountain biking adventure can be completed in one, two, or three days. Upon completion, depending on the duration of your ride, you can claim either the gold, silver, or bronze trophy.

In this article, I’ll explain how it all works and share my firsthand experience of tackling my first Stoneman, which I completed in a single day, earning the coveted Stoneman Arduenna Gold trophy.

Alongside my story, I captured footage of my journey using a GoPro, the results of which you’ll witness in the route video below. So, join me as I recount the highlights and challenges of this unforgettable ride.

Stoneman, how does it work?

Aside from the latest Stoneman in Belgium, you can cycle four other tours in Italy, Switzerland, Austria, and Germany. Each Stoneman presents a challenging marathon ride with extensive distances and altitude gains. Some Stoneman routes also offer road cycling options and even a hiking variant.

The concept of the Stoneman involves purchasing a starter pack. You can choose between a card package (€19/$20,5) or a classic package (€33/$36). With each package, you also receive the most up-to-date GPX file of the route. Although the route is signposted, it’s still handy to have the route available on GPS. The classic package includes some nice extra gadgets such as a Stoneman buff, water bottle, and overview map.

The most crucial aspect is, of course, the Stoneman map with its various checkpoints. During the Stoneman tour, you encounter checkpoints at different locations. These are always large information boards describing the next section of the route. You must “stamp” your Stoneman map using the device attached to the board.

You’ll be listed on the online finishers ‘ list upon completing the ride in one, two, or three days. You can also purchase the Stoneman trophy, featuring the gold (1 day), silver (2 days), or bronze stone (3 days). These stones are carved from a rock in the Ardennes. The trophy is not mandatory, and you can decide whether you want it.

Stoneman Arduenna: My Journey to Gold

2020 was supposed to be the year of my first Stoneman, specifically the one in Germany. Unfortunately, that was not meant to be… Fortunately, another Stoneman had emerged in the meantime, right on my doorstep.

The Stoneman Arduenna, located in the High Fens and Eastern Cantons of Belgium, stretches 176 km (109.36 miles), making it the longest of the five Stoneman routes. With 3400 meters (11200 ft) of elevation gain (which turned out to be quite a bit more in reality), it may seem manageable compared to the other four, but it’s certainly not to be underestimated.

I purchased the classic starter pack and opted for gold, aiming to complete the entire ride in one day, and I embarked on the journey completely solo. Since Malmedy was the most easily and quickly accessible by car, I decided to start my ride there. Another factor influencing that choice was that I would tackle the climb to the highest point in Belgium right at the beginning.

Knowing it would be a long day, I treated each checkpoint as a separate ride. Eight stages of about 20 km (12.4 miles) each or one stage of 176 km – it’s a world of difference!

Malmedy – High Fens

At 6:35 am, I set off from Malmedy. The first checkpoint lay 18 km (11.18 miles) and 480 meters (1575 feet) of elevation gain away at Signal de Botrange, the highest point in Belgium. The route quickly entered the forests after a short start through the city. On the first climb, I had to take a moment to swallow. It was incredibly steep, with a few thick logs as obstacles. Thankfully, this wouldn’t be the trend for the entire stage.

I then followed a descent over typical Ardennes paths with stones and roots. Afterward, you ride alongside a river before climbing towards Botrange. The wide path eventually turned into a single track. The climb wasn’t overly difficult, and I managed to keep a good pace.

Luckily, I was dressed warmly enough because not only did it become very misty, but it also got noticeably colder. After the singletrack, several wide paths led me to the first checkpoint.

High Fens – Büllingen

It was about 9 degrees at the highest point, so I quickly resumed my journey. A few hundred meters after the checkpoint, you can still enjoy a magnificent view from the observation platform. Unfortunately, it was too misty when I passed by.

The next checkpoint was in Bütgenbach, 21.5 km (13.36 miles) and 300 meters (984 feet) of elevation gain further down the road. In this part of the route, I encountered a bit of everything: wide paths, singletracks, fast descents, and some climbs that weren’t too difficult but were covered in roots.

Since the mist was clearing by now, I could also appreciate the surroundings more, which were truly beautiful! At one point, you can see the Reinhardstein Castle in the distance, on your right-hand side.

Of course, there are some connecting roads here and there, but the forests you cycle through are each a gem. Faster than expected, I arrived at the second checkpoint.

Bütgenbach – Herresbach

With 26.5 km (16.5 miles), this was the second-longest stretch to the next checkpoint. The elevation gains didn’t take a toll yet, although after the 360 meters (1181 feet) of elevation gain on this stage, I would surpass the 1000-meter mark.

Following a climb and a challenging singletrack descent, there was a tough root climb, which was quite slippery at the start due to occasional rain in the past few days. However, I ascended relatively smoothly; my legs felt good, and everything was going better than expected.

The route continued via playful singletracks along meadows and forests, alternating with wide paths that undulated up and down.

At the checkpoint in Herresbach, there is a picnic bench and even a covered resting area where you can enjoy a beautiful view

Etappe / checkpoint 3: 26,22km – 453hm – 1u23 – 18,8 km/u
Totaal: 65,63km – 1348hm – 3u32

Herresbach – Maspelt

With 31.4 km (19.5 miles) and 670 meters (2198 feet) of elevation gain, this was the day’s longest stage. Would this be the toughest section of the route? On paper, it certainly seemed so. The first tough climbing would soon follow. The stretch up to Schönberg seemed like an endless succession of steep ascents, thankfully mostly on asphalt.

After the steep sections, I was rewarded with fast descents, often on singletracks. However, as I experienced firsthand in this section, not all singletracks were downhill. This climb was undoubtedly one of the toughest of the entire route.

After this ordeal, you are rewarded with a beautiful view and a descent on a wide path. Further along, you descend further via a winding and steep singletrack.

It’s not just about endurance but also about enjoyment. A few more challenging climbs and smooth singletracks later, I finally arrived at the checkpoint in Maspelt, where you could once again enjoy a well-deserved break under cover.

By this point, I had covered 96.5 km (59.96 miles). The distances were approximately correct, but the elevation gains started deviating slightly. In my pre-ride research, I found this was true for most Stoneman riders. With 2135 meters (7004 ft) of elevation gain under my belt, after the grueling stretch to Maspelt, I was still feeling relatively good and wasn’t yet at my limit.

Maspelt – Ouren

I had planned to take a longer break only at the checkpoint in Ouren, the most southern point of the route, because by then I would be well over halfway through the ride.

The route to Ouren was relatively short at 18.5 km (11.5 miles) and would only include 230 meters (754 feet) of elevation gain, the perfect opportunity to recover from the previous stage. The road to Ouren mostly followed wide paths along the river, alternating between descending and ascending without becoming particularly steep.

Part of this stage crosses into Germany. A few singletrack sections lead you further towards the George-Wagner bridge, where the Ouren checkpoint is located.

Time for a well-deserved break. Unfortunately, there were no seating options at this checkpoint, but the sun had already come out, making it pleasant to relax here.

Ouren – Grüfflingen

With only three checkpoints to go, the end was almost in sight. However, the information board in Ouren immediately brought me back to earth. The awards are only given out at the finish line. While the next stage was a short 18 km (11.18 miles), it included 550 meters (1804 feet) of elevation gain, making it quite challenging, and I certainly felt it!

I had expected the climbs in this part of the route to be steep. It might not seem so bad if you were to start the Stoneman here. However, with 115 km (71.46 miles) and 2400 meters (7874 feet) of elevation gain already in my legs, this section was no longer a walk in the park.

After some beautiful passages, a long, steep singletrack descent towards the castle ruins of Reuland followed. Eventually, I reached the sixth checkpoint via wide paths.

Grüfflingen – Born

After a smooth descent, the first part of this stage presents you with several challenging climbs. With 19.5 km (12.1 miles) and 420 meters (1378 feet) of elevation gain, this section is also quite demanding, especially towards the end of your journey.

Following a technical descent, you reach Neidingen, and from here, the route leads towards Sankt Vith, where a sudden passage through the local bike park awaits. The climb here was tough once again, a real struggle. Fortunately, you follow the bike park’s blue (easy) route. However, descending is done via the red route, which may not suit everyone. Perhaps providing an alternative or chicken run would have been wiser and safer.

Eventually, you reach the checkpoint in Born via wide paths and occasional singletracks.

Born – Malmedy

At the checkpoint in Born, I quickly consumed some last sugars to prepare myself for the ride towards the finish line in Malmedy. The best part of the journey was behind me, but giving up was certainly not in my vocabulary. Character, perseverance, and the increasing adrenaline rush as I neared the end smoothly guided me through the last 23.3 km (14,29 miles) and 390 meters (1280 feet) of elevation gain.

This stage mainly descends towards Malmedy, although I still encountered some challenging climbs. The two super-technical descents, littered with roots and rocks, demanded a lot of concentration after nearly 165 km (102,5 miles). Similarly to the difficult descent in Sankt Vith, one could debate whether these should be included.

There were a few more quick descents before suddenly facing another steep root climb, which was relatively easy to handle. The forests here, once again, were impressively beautiful.

After some less smooth sections, I eventually found myself back in civilization and could coast towards the center of Malmedy. The checkpoint at the cathedral marked the finish line for me. Completing the Stoneman Arduenna in one day was quite an achievement, WOW!

Etappe / checkpoint 8: 22,95 km – 437 hm – 1u23 – 16,4 km/u

With 176 kilometers (109.36 miles) and 4001 meters (13123.36 feet) of elevation gain on the clock, I reached the point where I had started 12 hours earlier. I spent 10 hours and 6 minutes cycling the entire route. The thought of giving up never crossed my mind, although there were moments when it was seriously tough.

Because I aimed to complete it in one day, I couldn’t fully enjoy the surroundings, but it was worth it. It was super fun to mountain bike in this area, which was new.

I planned to pick up the well-deserved trophy with the golden stone the next day. I want to share with you how it all works and what I liked and disliked about this adventure.

Boost for tourism

The Stoneman is intended to boost tourism in the region. If you’re a foreigner looking to embark on this journey, whether completed in one, two, or three days, you’ll naturally need one or more places to stay. And, as with other Stoneman tours, it seems to be well organized here, too.

Various hotels participate as partner hotels, benefiting from the influx of visitors. You can reserve and collect your starter pack at these participating hotels if you’re staying there. Through your hotel, you’ll be included in the finisher list after completing the ride and receive the trophy if you desire.

If you’re not staying overnight, I think the arrangements are less favorable. All partner hotels were fully booked since I rode the Stoneman in late August. If you’re not staying in a hotel, you can collect your starter pack at the Maison du Tourisme. I live about 1 hour and 15 minutes from Malmedy, so it wasn’t too inconvenient. However, since I didn’t return to Malmedy until around 6:45 pm after my ride, the tourism office was closed, so I could only pick up my trophy the next day.

To cut a long story short, I had to drive back and forth to Malmedy three times (to collect the package, ride the route, and pick up the trophy). It might have been easier to opt for a digital starter pack. However, I’m not always confident in the reliability of technology in wooded areas, so I decided to purchase a classic package instead.

To officially validate your ride and receive the trophy, you must present your punched card and provide your name, start date, departure, and arrival times. If you haven’t added a trophy to your package yet, you can still do so after your ride. I opted for the complete Stoneman experience with the classic starter pack and the trophy with the golden stone.

Stoneman Arduenna: the route

What to expect from the Stoneman route?

Any cyclist with some common sense knows that on a 176km ride, you shouldn’t expect 176km of singletrack or technical trails. If you do, then this journey is not for you.

The route combines wide field paths, forest trails, singletracks, and asphalt. You can compare this route to most signposted routes in the Ardennes. There’s certainly a challenge to be found. The route is never truly flat, except for a few sections in between. So, it’s mostly uphill and downhill.

I completed the route with my hardtail mountain bike, which went well. A full suspension bike will, of course, provide you with more comfort, but in my opinion, it’s not necessary and might even cost you extra time on the smoother sections.

Is the Stoneman Arduenna suitable for everyone?

That’s the beauty of the Stoneman – anyone can participate, and you decide how many days you want to complete it.

Gold, of course, isn’t within everyone’s reach. I don’t want to boast, but to tackle this challenge in one day, you must be in very good shape. It’s probably possible to do it even faster than me, but 10 hours of mountain biking is quite long. I can also imagine that many bikers don’t want to do that, and I fully respect that.

Silver and bronze are doable for anyone with mountain biking experience. You can choose between two or three days depending on your physical level.

What I did find challenging were some rather extreme descents that required quite a bit of skill, technique, and courage. I wouldn’t want to see the average tourist with a rented mountain bike tackling those. Hopefully, everyone takes their limits into account so that no accidents happen.

Aside from the above, the route is beautiful, tough, and challenging.

Update 2024: The route may have been slightly adjusted in some places, and the “dangerous” sections may have been removed. I heard this somewhere, so I can’t say for sure if it’s the case. In 2024, I’ll be riding the Stoneman again and can confirm. To be continued.

The entire 176km route is fully signposted. If you purchase a starter pack, you also receive the GPX file of the route. I sometimes wondered during the ride if you could navigate the route without GPS, and I have to admit that, at the time I rode it, it was possible. However, I recommend putting the route on your GPS, even if it’s just a backup.

The arrows were all there, although sometimes a bit late. After a turn, there was often another arrow to confirm that you were still on the right track. I hope that in the future, too many arrows won’t “disappear” or get stolen by disgruntled people because it seems like quite a task to mark a 176km mountain bike route with arrows and periodically check them.

Would I ride the Stoneman Arduenna again?

During the ride, I sometimes thought, “Never again,” but that thought quickly vanished. By the way, if you complete a Stoneman multiple times, you become part of the Stoneman Heroes, a slightly more select group than the regular finishers.

I will ride it again, but whether I’ll do it in one day remains to be seen. Spreading the ride over multiple days would make it more relaxed and allow me to enjoy the surroundings more. As a Belgian, I’m fortunate that such a route is practically in my backyard, which makes it easier to ride multiple times.

Ride this Stoneman in one day again?

The feeling you get when you complete a ride like this in one day is indescribable. It had never been tougher for me. As I write this article several days later, I’m still savoring the experience. I could still savor it because I wasn’t completely worn out or exhausted.

Although the preparations and training for the Stoneman in Germany had been somewhat disrupted, I still managed to prepare relatively well for this ride. If you’re feeling tempted by a Stoneman adventure, you’ll probably want to know how to prepare for such a ride and complete it without any problems.

When is the best time to ride this Stoneman?

Since we are in Belgium, particularly in the higher regions of the Ardennes, the weather can be somewhat unpredictable. When booking accommodation or planning your trip, you must be prepared to ride the route in whatever conditions prevail.

Having completed the ride in one day, I had the flexibility to choose the conditions in which I would ride. There had been a recent heatwave, and I suspected that the route would be in its best condition at that time. I closely monitored the weather forecast and was fortunate to have been able to ride.

While there had been some rain in certain areas, thanks to the preceding heatwave, the terrain remained mostly dry and rideable. There were some wet and muddy sections, as is typical in the Ardennes, and a few root descents were slippery, but with a bit of caution, this wasn’t a major issue.

In my opinion, it’s best to ride this route in dry conditions. Wet and muddy conditions will only make it more challenging and hazardous. With 176km and 4000 meters of elevation gain, you’d ideally want smooth riding conditions. If you encounter poor weather when you’ve already made arrangements, consider opting for the silver or bronze option or perhaps postponing your trip if feasible. Ultimately, everyone decides for themselves what they are comfortable with.

Physical condition

In my preparations, I exercised about 5 to 6 days a week. Of course, not always on the bike because like most athletes, I also have a job. A good physical condition is a must to deliver such performances. I alternate mountain biking with jogging and fitness training.

What you need to have in your legs is the distance and quite a few elevation gains.

My longest distance before I did this ride was about 165km, which was almost entirely flat. Except for this year, I usually regularly gain elevation in the Ardennes. Due to the lockdowns, I couldn’t do it as often this year. Eventually, after the restrictions eased, I still managed to do a dress rehearsal in Houffalize and Theux. So make sure you already have some elevation gain in your legs.

The last 30 to 40 km and the associated elevation gain of a ride like the Stoneman Arduenna are often ridden on pure willpower. For this, your mental game needs to be completely on point.

That’s why it always seems to me the best option is to split a marathon ride like this into stages (which is easy to do with the checkpoints) instead of counting down from 176km. Once you’re past halfway and you’re still feeling good mentally, it almost goes on autopilot until the finish line.

Nutrition

To sustain 10 hours of pedaling, you need an enormous amount of energy. Along the way, you must continuously replenish this energy to avoid bonking or hitting the wall (figuratively speaking) on a ride like this.

Stopping at a café or brasserie for a break is an option, but it costs a lot of time. Partly because I am vegan, I brought all my food and drink with me. This way, I didn’t lose any time and could schedule my breaks.

My CamelBak was filled with the following sports nutrition and extras:

• 4 liters of sports drink
• Energy gels
• Energy bars
• Two cookies
• ½ bag of sugar-rich candies
• One small can of cola (15cl)
• One pot of oatmeal with plant-based Greek yogurt

During my ride, I had expected to come across water supplies at certain checkpoints. Either I didn’t look around well, or they weren’t there. My drink supply was completely depleted about ten kilometers before the end, but I managed to make it.

The most important thing during such a ride is to keep eating, even if you’re not hungry. If you start feeling hungry, you might already be too late, which could affect your performance.

Consuming about 60 to 90 grams of carbohydrates per hour should suffice. Your body can’t process more carbohydrates in an hour, so there’s no need to intake excess carbs. Carrying a full meal while biking is impractical, so bars and gels are a good alternative.

With these tips and a large dose of perseverance, you too can achieve such a feat. Remember that you can train for it if you’re not physically and mentally ready yet. Once you have a goal in mind, everything becomes much easier.

Final Thoughts

Although completing this ride in one day was quite a feat, in hindsight, I would do it all over again. In 2023, I had planned to do it, but it didn’t happen. However, this year (2024), nothing will stop me from finally riding it again, four years after the first time, and of course, I’ll do it in one day again!

I can only recommend this Stoneman. The scenery is beautiful, and the paths and trails are superb! Even as a foreigner, it’s worth visiting the stunning East Cantons of Belgium and giving your best on the mountain bike.

Have you ridden the Stoneman Arduenna or another Stoneman route, or are you planning to? Let me know in a comment below.