Interview: Max Riese

Interview: Max Riese on Adventure Cycling, Environmental Awareness, and the Future of Tire Pressure Technology

 

In the fast-evolving world of gravel and adventure cycling, few figures embody the spirit of exploration, athleticism and environmental awareness like Max Riese. Riding with an eye on the state of the terrain beyond the front wheel isn't an idea that occurs to most endurance cyclists but as the driving force behind GravGrav.cc, Max has pioneered new ways to connect cyclists with the landscapes they traverse — blending passion, environmental consciousness, and storytelling into every ride.

Photo by Lisa Winkler

It's a journey we're pleased to say we're now part of, a partnership that will see Max riding Gravaa wheels wherever he roams this year, from the race course to further afield, beyond the lines of the last ride.

To get up to speed with Max and introduce him to the Gravaa community, we recently caught up through Zoom, where we spoke about his latest projects blending science and tourism across Europe and how emerging technologies like Gravaa's dynamic tyre pressure system could redefine performance, comfort, and adventure for cyclists worldwide.

One of Max's proudest achievements is the "Lynx Trail," a dedicated bikepacking route and initiative that twists and turns through Slovenia and Croatia, from the DINA Pivka Center of Large Carnivores to the Adriatic Sea into the vibrant city of Rijeka. The project was developed in partnership with LIFE Lynx and i-ris.cc and notably, the biologist Žan Kuralt, with assistance from artist Chiara Terraneo, with the funds raised going towards the work of LIFE Lynx, whose conservation projects focus on large carnivores like lynx, bears, and wolves. Instead of a simple send-and-forget donation, GravGrav initiated a project that revitalized forgotten villages and connected travelers to endangered ecosystems. "It wasn't just about riding — it was about creating something lasting that uplifts communities and preserves landscapes," he says.

Photo by Lisa Winkler

Following that success, Max embarked on "WOSSA," a European-funded initiative educating cyclists about water circulation in the Alps. By weaving scientific facts into immersive rides, participants gain a deeper understanding of glacial melt, river systems, and the future of Europe's water sources. "We don't give opinions. We provide facts. It's about sparking awareness through experience," he notes. Max's cycling spin on the project was to reinterpret the function of cycling Brevet cards, with riders on the route participating in ten small challenges, each teaching a critical environmental detail and awarding a card in turn. "Like, for example, putting a black and a white object in the sun and then comparing the temperature and noting that the black one is hotter," he says. "That one experiment explains in simple terms why glaciers are melting faster: a huge white space will reflect so much of the sun that little of the heat it imparts will be saved. But the more a glacier melts, the more the black rock surfaces, which heats faster and faster again, accelerating the glacier's demise. The correct word might not be exponential, but it's the same sensibility."

Max's enthusiasm for innovation of all kinds naturally led him to Gravaa, where he sees profound potential in real-time tire pressure adjustments. "From a performance perspective in races, it could make a huge difference. Ordinarily, you wouldn't stop to adjust pressure mid-race, but you would if you could adjust on the fly from the handlebars," he grins.

Photo by Lisa Winkler

For racers and everyday cyclists alike, the ability to optimize tire pressure on variable terrain could be revolutionary. As Max notes, wider tires and lower pressures, once considered radical, are now the norm. Dynamic systems like Gravaa could become the next frontier, bridging the gap between road efficiency and off-road comfort. "You don’t ride on the same terrain the whole time and there is no right pressure for your entire ride. But there is the right pressure for different sections of the ride."

Max's own career arc mirrors the professionalization of adventure cycling. Training two hours daily, monitoring nutrition meticulously, and competing at the highest levels, he reflects on how far the sport has come since his early Silk Road Mountain Race days. "In 2019, I went top 20. Today, that performance wouldn't even make the top 50. The field is faster, smarter, more professional." Yet, he says, the community spirit endures. Unlike traditional road races, ultra-endurance cycling fosters camaraderie even among fierce competitors. "We smile at each other when we pass. It's friendly competition. It's still about the love of riding."

Photo by David Robinson

Max's upcoming races include Girona's The Traka. Following his Iberian outing, he'll take on the legendary Tour Divide in the US. Later in the year, he’ll debut a Gravaa setup when he attempts to ride the whole FRTHR series, including Perseverance in the Pyrenees, East in England, ELEMENTS in Scotland.

As our conversation draws to a close, we ask Max if he sees his future as a continuous evolution: more projects connecting cycling with education, conservation, and cultural heritage. "I hope so," he says. "Through Grav Grav, we're building a portfolio where you can explore Europe's landscapes by bike, and learn something meaningful along the way."

Photo by David Robinson

As innovation and environmental consciousness increasingly intersect in cycling, figures like Max Riese aren't just riding new paths — they're helping build them.

Stay tuned for part two of our conversation later this year, when Max reports back after racing with Gravaa's system in the field. Adventure, technology, and insight await.