Grinduro Scotland isn’t just another gravel event—it’s a celebration of everything that makes gravel riding special: unpredictability, camaraderie, breathtaking terrain, and a deep sense of personal challenge. And few riders embodied that spirit more vividly than the legendary Martyn Ashton, who took on the 100km Grinduro loop aboard his Bowhead RX, with a little help from his GMBN teammate Rich Payne—and a pair of Reynolds G700 wheels.
In what became one of the most memorable and inspiring rides ever captured on GMBN, Martyn’s attempt at his longest off-road ride to date wasn’t just about distance—it was about resilience, adaptation, and the incredible performance of bike technology that makes big dreams possible.

Reynolds G700: Built for the Journey
Facing 100km of rugged Scottish terrain, unpredictable weather, brutal climbs, and battery anxiety on his adaptive handcycle, Martyn needed a wheelset that could take a beating while delivering on weight, compliance, and handling. The Reynolds G700 answered that call.
Designed with Reynolds’ proprietary CR6 carbon layup and IDM (Impact Dispersion Matrix) technology, the G700 wheels provided the perfect platform for this truly epic ride. Paired with Vittoria Airliner inserts and Terreno T70 tires (700x45c), the setup delivered grip, comfort, and control over every surface—from fast-rolling gravel to brutal singletrack and water-logged bogs.
The 25mm internal width handled big-volume tires with ease, while the ultra-low rim profile allowed for exceptional vertical compliance—something Martyn praised throughout the ride, especially during long technical climbs and high-speed descents.

The Grinduro Gauntlet
Over the course of 73+ kilometers, 1,000 meters of climbing, and more than seven hours on course, Martyn faced it all: near-battery failure, punishing climbs, freezing rain, sketchy descents, and that classic mid-race existential dread we all know too well.
But even in the lowest moments—like trudging up steep hills with his power assist in “eco” and just 1km of range left—Martyn kept going, thanks in part to the reliability and resilience of the equipment beneath him. From deep mud and stream crossings to white-knuckle descents topping 60 km/h, his Reynolds G700 wheels never flinched.
“I’m just stunned by these bikes sometimes. Because a person in my situation… this is not trivial. It’s really incredible. I’m very grateful.” – Martyn Ashton, Grinduro Scotland

A Win Beyond the Finish Line
For Martyn, the ride was more than a test of fitness. It was a personal milestone. Inspired by legends like Christian Bagg and their feats at Leadville, Martyn set out to prove to himself—and others—that these kinds of endurance events are within reach. And with the right support, mindset, and gear, they absolutely are.
“Why am I doing this race? Because I admire people who’ve done things I never thought I could. And maybe this is the first step towards one of those dreams.” – Martyn Ashton

Performance That Matters
At Reynolds, we’re proud to support riders like Martyn—athletes who push boundaries, redefine what’s possible, and demand the best from their gear. The G700 isn’t just a wheelset designed for gravel—it’s a wheelset built to endure the real, raw, and often unpredictable experiences that define gravel riding.
From epic challenges to everyday escapes, the Reynolds G Series is built for gravel—whatever that means to you.

Watch the Full Video
To witness the full story—including battery drama, rain-soaked trails, and massive smiles—watch the full GMBN episode featuring Martyn Ashton’s Grinduro Scotland adventure