As someone who’s spent countless hours both hugging asphalt on my road bike and navigating gnarly trails on my mountain bike, I’ve found a sweet spot that offers the best of both worlds: gravel biking.
What is Gravel Biking?
Gravel biking is exactly what it sounds like—biking on gravel roads and paths. But it’s so much more than that. It’s the freedom to explore backroads, forest service routes, and dirt paths without needing the heavy-duty features of a mountain bike or being limited to smooth pavement.
The Perfect Hybrid Experience
What makes gravel biking so special is how it bridges the gap between road and mountain biking. Gravel bikes offer speed with versatility, being faster than mountain bikes on flat terrain while handling rough surfaces that would challenge road bikes. Most areas have gravel roads or paths within easy reach, opening up new routes without needing to drive to trailheads. While popular mountain bike trails can get congested on weekends, gravel routes tend to offer more solitude. They’re also perfect for year-round riding – when mountain trails are too muddy and roads are covered in winter grit, gravel bikes still perform admirably.
The Ideal Gravel Bike Setup
If you’re considering dipping your toes into gravel biking, here’s what to look for: Tyres in the 38-45mm width range offer the sweet spot, providing enough cushion for rough terrain while maintaining decent rolling efficiency. You’ll want lower gears than a typical road bike for climbing loose surfaces, along with a frame geometry more relaxed than a road bike for stability, but more aggressive than a mountain bike for efficiency. Look for extra mounting points for water bottles, frame bags, and fenders—gravel rides often take you far from services.
My Favourite Local Gravel Routes
I’ve discovered some amazing mixed-terrain loops in our area that showcase what gravel biking is all about. The Riverside Ramble is a 25-mile loop that follows the river on a combination of paved bike paths, gravel service roads, and a few sections of flowy singletrack. For a bigger adventure, the Forest Service Explorer offers a 40-mile route that climbs into the mountains on low-traffic forest service roads with breathtaking views. History buffs might enjoy the Rail Trail Adventure, an old converted railway line that offers 30+ miles of consistent gravel with historic trestles and tunnels.
Tips for Your First Gravel Ride
Ready to try gravel biking? Lower your tyre pressure (about 10-15 psi less than you’d run on pavement) and bring more water and snacks than you think you’ll need. Download your route offline since cell service can be spotty in remote areas. Ride in a slightly more relaxed position to absorb bumps, and practice shifting before climbs—maintaining momentum on loose surfaces is key to an enjoyable experience.
The Gravel Community
One of the most delightful aspects of gravel biking is the community. Gravel events tend to be more laid-back than road races or mountain bike competitions, often emphasising the adventure over who finishes first. Many events include post-ride festivities that celebrate the shared experience rather than podium positions.
Final Thoughts
If you’ve been stuck in a rut with your current cycling discipline or if you’re looking to try something new, gravel biking offers a refreshing change of pace. It combines the efficiency and speed of road biking with the adventure and technical aspects of mountain biking in a perfect middle ground.
Written by Niall O’Riordan UBS