Gravel riding is experiencing a real moment in the world of cycling. It is opening the door to new experiences and creating a space in which more riders can participate and enjoy themselves. But what exactly is gravel riding?
There is no clear definition of what a gravel ride is. This is part of what makes it so great. Gravel riding encompasses a wide variety of terrain and conditions. Some would call groomed rail trails gravel riding. While others would say that it should include riding that one would more likely associate with mountain biking (not North Shore jumps, but definitely some single track).
An overarching theme is the idea of exploration and getting off the beaten track. Outside of the groomed rail trail, most gravel riding feels more natural and organic than a road ride. Gravel roads are less travelled and tend to follow the natural contours of the land. And best of all, the gravel bike allows you to string together “mixed terrain” rides. Think paved road, double track, single track, gravel road, rail trail—anything and everything. Riding mixed terrain, you can create routes that until now were not accessible on most bikes.
Keep Rolling
Equipment choice will make the most of your gravel riding and exploration. You’ll want wider tires than you think, 40C and maybe even more, to give you some confidence in the bike’s handling and stability over rougher terrain. And make sure with that tire width there is room for some mud clearance against the frame.
Do you need big knobs like on a mountain bike? Probably not. Some of the newer gravel tires with a smooth centre tread and small knobs on the side roll really well. They feel fast on the road and handle the dirt just fine.
One area where gravel riding is having a big impact across disciplines, particularly into road riding, is the idea of using some lower tire pressures. On the road, the mantra used to be that hard tires are fast tires. Recent science is telling us that lower pressure is in fact faster when the surface we are riding on isn’t perfectly smooth. A lower tire pressure also allows the tire to do its job when things get dirty, providing more grip. This is something that mountain bikers have known for a long time.
As a gravel rider, experiment with lowering that tire pressure. Let yourself get used to how a squishier tire feels, and you may find that you can’t ride that harder pressure anymore. The reduction could be as little as 5-10psi, which your tire gauge isn’t accurate enough to read. A digital tire gauge may become your new best friend.
Gear Up
Of course, we can’t forget about gearing when talking about gravel riding. The exploration side of gravel riding does require a wide gear range on your bike—a big enough gear to roll smoothly on the road or smooth gravel, and easy enough to get up some pretty steep terrain. Try riding a double chainring up front and an 11-34 setup on the rear for a wide gear range, allowing you to ride a single bike and use it on the road and gravel.
As you dig into the world of gravel riding keep an open mind. This is a discipline with no clear definition. If you are a roadie, don’t think you’ll tackle your first gravel ride and just rock it. There might be some technical single track and deep sand sections out there on the route. Mountain bikers, with their technical abilities, have an advantage as they jump into gravel riding. For all of you roadies out there, be sure to take some time to learn and practice some technical skills. Proper weight distribution, cornering, and bumping over roots while letting the bike get loose are all skills to work on. Ride within your limits as your skills develop and you’ll keep it fun.
If you aren’t all about going fast on the most aerodynamic bike, then gravel bikes and gravel riding are for you. With a good gravel bike, you can unlock a whole new world of riding.
Off to the Races
Want to cheer on gravel riders at an event, or participate in one yourself? Check out these upcoming cross-Canada events for the balance of 2024.
July 7, 2024
BIG Gravel Grind
Thedford, Ontario
July 12, 2024
Fernie Gravel Grind
Fernie, B.C.
July 13, 2024
Lost Elephant Ultra Race
Cranbrook, B.C.
July 13, 2024
Reggie Ramble Gravel Grinder
Warkworth, Ontario
July 14, 2024
Wakefield Women’s Gravel Grind
Wakefield, Quebec
August 10, 2024
Big Red Gravel Run
Argenteuil Regional County Municipality, Quebec
August 17, 2024
Forest Lea Odyssey Gravel Race
Pembroke, Ontari
August 23, 2024
TransRockies Gravel Royale
Panorama, B.C.
August 20, 2024
Grinduro Canada
Charlevoix Regional County Municipality, Quebec
September 13-15, 2024
8 Hours of Hurtin’ in Haliburton
Haliburton County, Ontario
September 16-17
Kettle Mettle Dirty Fondo
Penticton, B.C.
21-22 Sep. 2024
Belgian Waffle Ride
Vancouver Island, B.C.
September 21-22, 2024
Les 100 A B7
Bromont, Quebec
October 5, 2024
Sea 2 Sky Gravel Fondo
Whistler, B.C.
Photography by Chris Monette photography
You May Also Like: 2024 RACE SOURCE GUIDE
READ in this issue of IMPACT
Featuring Canadian Taekwondo Olympian, Skylar Park. Adventure Across Canada with the best Road Trips. Run the trails with the most common Trail Running questions & Threshold Training on the Trails. Strength training workouts for bikers, to get you out gravel biking. Essential Preparation for Hiking, Zero-Waste Your Hiking & Camping Trips. Treat yourself with a Rustic Strawberry CHocolate Tart or Dairy-Free Vanilla Ice Cream and so much more.
