Bekasi Coastal Gravel 2026 Combines Cycling Race and Environmental Education

Bekasi is not only known as an industrial zone and Jakarta's satellite commuter city. Through the Bekasi Coastal Gravel 2026 event, Bekasi's northern coastal region is now being introduced as a sports tourism destination, offering a distinct experience for sports enthusiasts and nature travellers.

Carrying the theme "From Urban Beats to Coastal Beast", this cycling race held at REVO Mall Bekasi on Saturday 25 July invites participants to explore the coastal area while taking on gravel track challenges, combined with education on the importance of preserving coastal ecosystems.

Budi Yakin, Founder of GX-ID (Gravel & Ultra Cycling Indonesia), confirmed that this activity does not only focus on competition, but also carries a mission to introduce Indonesia's coastal tourism potential to the public.

"Through this cycling adventure, we want to grow coastal ecological literacy while proving that Indonesia's coastlines hold extraordinary sports tourism potential," stated Budi.

Traversing the northern coastal area of Bekasi, participants are presented with a cycling experience different from standard routes. Dirt paths, stretches of sand, coastal sea breezes, and the warm coastal climate are all part of the challenges that must be conquered.

This experience also acts as an engaging method to introduce the real condition of coastal ecosystems to participants, so that this sport does not only provide physical challenges, but also increases environmental awareness.

Organizers are even targeting Bekasi Coastal Gravel 2026 to become the first dedicated coastal gravel cycling event in Asia. This ambition is considered aligned with Indonesia's potential as an archipelagic country with extensive coastlines and massive opportunities to develop coastal-based sports tourism.

Bekasi Coastal Gravel 2026 is an initiative by GX-ID, a community that has been actively developing gravel cycling since 2018 through various outreach programs, educational campaigns, competitions, and community network strengthening activities.

Currently GX-ID has more than 80,000 members spread across 25 cities and regions in Indonesia, making it one of the largest gravel cycling communities in the country.

This year's event presents four categories: the competitive 100+ km Race, 150+ km Gravel Ultra, as well as non-competitive 50+ km and 80+ km Gravel Ride classes.

The 100+ km Race is the flagship main category, covering approximately 116 kilometres with competition classes for men, women, master 50+, and team pairs. Meanwhile, the 150+ km category is intended for participants who wish to test their ultra-endurance capabilities.

A number of national endurance sports figures will also enliven this event, including Chaidir Akbar, Patricia Lisia, as well as several Java Crossing finishers who are well known as long-distance cyclists.

The implementation of Bekasi Coastal Gravel 2026 receives support from the Bekasi City Government through the Department of Tourism and Culture, as part of efforts to develop the regional sports tourism sector.