Now in its 6th year, DirtyClean Challenges are authentic, stunning and tough gran fondo type races. Participants compete on time segments, on open roads, and races are supported en route with drinks, food, and tools. We have a loyal following of riders who join each year, not just to complete but to be social, make new friends and have a great weekend centred around cycling.

ROAD – Next CLEAN – October 22, 2025

Clean Challenges are Gran Fondo type challenges done on open roads on road bikes. Stunningly Tough! Clean challenges are well supported and are segment based.

CLEAN
2025-10-25

Next up – Northern Delights
180km of great road!

Info & Sign Up

Q&A 2025

We have made quite a few changes for 2025. Best you read:

> What is the difference between a DC Challenge and a normal race! = the key difference is that the challenges are not timed from start to finish. We have 4 to 8 segments which are timed, not including downhills. This enables the events to be safer and also more social. You also need to record your ride with a GPS and upload it to Strava.

> How hard is a DirtyClean? = you should be able to ride for 3h to 5h over hills. You should be confident in descending hills. Don’t do a DirtyClean if you are not good with your brakes. Come to one of our learning weekends for that.

> What are road conditions like? = the same as what you would encounter cycling around Shanghai or Hangzhou or anywhere else. Mostly good condition tarmac and concrete roads. In some small places, you might encounter minor road cracks, rocks or issues. We minimise these and try and get the government to clean the roads before an event.

> How steep does it get? = Please check the route files. We will warn you if they are steep. Some are!

> What tires do you suggest? = given modern day wheels and tires, we would suggest 32’s and nothing less than 28s. Tubless or proper innertubes, no rubbish TPU please.

> What gears do you suggest? = standard road bike or gravel gearing. We would suggest 1to1 gear ratio but many strong riders enjoy their time on a normal compact or standard road bike ratios.

> What happens if rain is forecast or there is heavy rain at the start? = we will check the forecast on Thursday PM before the race. If heavy rain for most of the delay is forecasted, we will delay or cancel the event. If very light showers are forecasted or near the time of the start, we will go ahead, probably on a different “backup rain course”.

> What happens if it has been raining a lot recently? = it can be sunny but water still rushes off the mountains down the roads, making them unsafe. We will switch the course to a “backup rain course”.

> Do I need to fix my own punctures? = yes or have your partner do it for you. Bring at least one spare inner tube, better two.

> What support is provided? = normally, someone can help with minor things the night before the event, but make sure your bike is well serviced before with fresh brakes and tires (good practice for any race). = we have one or two support vans. They have pumps, first aid and basic tools. They provide hot coffee, drinks and carb snacks. Its best to bring a gel or two in case. You should not be more than 20km away from a shop. In case of an issue, we can call in local vans to take you and your bike back (cost depending on where you are).

Accommodation

If you are unable to find rooms on our booking site please contact our service account and they will help you find somewhere to stay in other local nonjiale and hotels.

The DC events start and finish in a remote village that has easy motorway and high-speed train access. Stay at Wildhomestay or we can help organise rooms in other local hotels or turn up for the event on the day. A BBQ and fun awards ceremony is organised on the night of the event with a free flow of beer, lots of prizes and bonfire banter. Authentic local fondo’s not to be missed!

In Village Accommodation

Book a room in a Wildhomestay house

or one of our Yingchuan village partner houses a few hundred meters from the start and finish of the races.

Close by Accommodation

We have arranged a few local hotels 5 to 7km from the race start with prices between 300 RMB and 600 RMB a night per room.

See race detail pages for links and more info.

Categories and Supporters

Each race has various timed segments on which participants gain points on. These are added up for the overall winner categories in top 3 Female / Male and various other fun categories. Many thanks to our supporters who very generously provide prizes.