Gravel Cycling

Hejsa, CC BY-SA 4.0 <https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/4.0>, via Wikimedia Commons

Gravel cycling is a rapidly growing discipline within the cycling world that involves riding on unpaved roads, dirt paths, and gravel trails. Combining elements of road cycling and mountain biking, gravel cycling offers versatility, adventure, and accessibility, allowing cyclists to explore diverse and often remote terrains. It has gained immense popularity in recent years due to its relaxed, inclusive nature and the increasing number of gravel-specific events and races worldwide.

History and Development

Gravel cycling is not a new concept; in fact, it dates back to the early days of cycling when most roads were unpaved. However, the modern resurgence of gravel cycling started in the early 2000s in the United States, driven by a desire to explore less trafficked, more rugged routes. Events like the Dirty Kanza 200 (now known as Unbound Gravel) and the Barry-Roubaix helped popularize gravel riding, making it a staple of the cycling community.

The sport's appeal lies in its freedom—cyclists can venture off the beaten path and onto quieter, scenic routes without the technical demands of mountain biking. Gravel cycling also has a more relaxed and inclusive ethos compared to the hyper-competitive nature of some road cycling disciplines.

Key Features of Gravel Cycling

1. Varied Terrain: Gravel cycling typically takes place on mixed terrain, including gravel roads, dirt trails, and sometimes paved sections. These surfaces offer a unique challenge to cyclists, as they require bike handling skills, endurance, and adaptability. The terrain can range from smooth gravel paths to rough, rocky roads, making each ride a new adventure.
2. Gravel Bikes: Gravel bikes are specifically designed to handle these mixed terrains. They resemble road bikes but with wider tires (typically between 35mm and 45mm), reinforced frames, and additional features such as disc brakes and wider gearing ranges. The geometry of gravel bikes is also more relaxed than road bikes, allowing for greater comfort on long rides over rough surfaces. Many gravel bikes come with mounts for extra gear, making them ideal for bikepacking (long-distance cycling with camping gear).
3. Versatility: One of the key appeals of gravel cycling is its versatility. Gravel bikes can handle a variety of surfaces, from tarmac to loose gravel, making them an all-rounder for riders who want a single bike for multiple purposes. Whether you’re commuting, racing, or embarking on a multi-day adventure, gravel cycling offers flexibility that few other disciplines provide.

Gravel Cycling Events

Gravel cycling has become synonymous with long-distance endurance events that challenge riders to cover vast distances over varying terrain. Some of the most notable gravel cycling events include:

1. Unbound Gravel (formerly Dirty Kanza): Held in the Flint Hills of Kansas, this race is considered the premier gravel cycling event in the world. Covering 200 miles of rugged gravel roads, Unbound Gravel attracts thousands of participants each year, from amateurs to elite racers.
2. Barry-Roubaix: Known as the largest gravel road race in the world, Barry-Roubaix takes place in Michigan and features multiple race distances, with the longest being 100 miles. The event draws thousands of participants and is famous for its challenging course and unpredictable weather.
3. Gralloch Gravel: A relatively new event in the gravel calendar, Gralloch Gravel takes place in the Scottish Highlands and showcases the beauty of the region’s rugged terrain, offering challenging routes and spectacular scenery.
4. UCI Gravel World Championships: Gravel cycling reached a new milestone with the introduction of the UCI Gravel World Championships in 2022. This event marks the sport’s entry into the international competitive cycling calendar, bringing professional riders and top amateurs together for high-level competition.

Gravel Racing Formats

Gravel races often differ from traditional road races in their format. They tend to be longer, more endurance-focused, and feature varied surfaces. There are no standard team structures as in road cycling, meaning gravel races are typically solo efforts, though riders may draft or work together during the event. The focus is on self-sufficiency, and in many events, participants must carry their own tools, food, and water.

Races may vary in length, with shorter events around 50-100 miles and ultra-endurance events exceeding 200 miles. Some races also feature bikepacking categories, where participants ride self-supported over several days, often camping along the route.

Equipment and Gear

The evolution of gravel cycling has led to the development of specialized gear, equipment and bikes:

1. Tires: Wider, more robust tires are key to handling the rough, loose surfaces encountered in gravel cycling. Many riders opt for tubeless tires, which allow for lower pressure and better traction while reducing the risk of punctures.
2. Gearing: Gravel bikes often come with lower gears to help cyclists tackle steep climbs on loose surfaces. 1x (single chainring) setups are common, simplifying the drivetrain and reducing mechanical issues.
3. Accessories: Gravel cyclists often equip their bikes with additional accessories such as frame bags, handlebar bags, and seat packs for carrying tools, water, food, and spare parts, especially for long-distance rides.

The Appeal of Gravel Cycling

Gravel cycling’s popularity is largely attributed to its inclusivity and the sense of freedom it offers. It attracts a wide range of participants, from competitive racers to recreational cyclists looking for an alternative to congested roads. The more relaxed atmosphere of gravel events, compared to road racing, makes them accessible to cyclists of all skill levels. Gravel cycling also encourages exploration, as riders can discover new, scenic routes away from busy roads and urban areas.

In addition, gravel cycling offers significant environmental benefits. By riding on less-developed roads and trails, cyclists are reducing their environmental impact compared to road cycling on paved surfaces. The sport encourages sustainable travel, as many riders incorporate camping and bikepacking into their gravel adventures.

The Growth of Gravel Cycling

In recent years, gravel cycling has experienced a boom in participation. Manufacturers have responded to this surge by developing a wide range of gravel-specific bikes and components, tailored to different riding styles and needs. Events like the Gravel World Championships and the increased presence of gravel races in cycling media have further solidified the discipline's status within the broader cycling world.

Health Benefits of Gravel Cycling

Like all forms of cycling, gravel riding offers numerous health benefits. It provides an excellent cardiovascular workout, improves leg strength, and enhances endurance. The varied terrain also engages the core and upper body more than traditional road cycling, as riders must constantly adapt to the changing surface. Moreover, the outdoor, exploratory nature of gravel cycling promotes mental well-being, as riders connect with nature and enjoy time away from the pressures of daily life.

---

Sources:

1. BikeRadar: What is Gravel Riding?
2. Farrel, Sean Patrick. "Neither Wind Nor Gravel Will Stop These Grinders." The New York Times, 11 June 2013.
3. Singleton, Hannah. "Gravel Biking Is Picking Up Speed." The New York Times, 14 September 2022.
4. Robles, Roxy. "The Basics of Gravel Riding." Adventure Cycling Association, 31 August 2022.
5. "Gravel Racing Explained: The Formats, Bikes, Equipment and Why We Love It." BikeRadar, 14 April 2022.
6. Taylor, Tom. "What it’s Like to Race in the Dirty Kanza 200." Sports Illustrated, 14 June 2017.
7. Legan, Nick. Gravel Cycling: The Complete Guide to Gravel Racing and Adventure Bikepacking. VeloPress, 2017.