Gravel biking is not about speed, power output or distance. Rather, it focuses more on getting away from traffic, exploring new places and enjoying a thrilling ride while being surrounded by nature. In the opinion of Steven Rindner, gravel biking is essentially a multi-terrain riding experience that takes place on more than just gravel. Gravel routes can include muddy trails, singletrack, dirt roads, paved back roads and anything in between, making gravel biking a versatile and exciting experience.
Steven Rindner sheds light on what makes gravel biking exciting and enjoyable
One of the biggest joys of gravel biking is the sheer variety of terrains and surfaces that can be included in the biking route. A gravel ride would ideally incorporate an expansive range of surfaces. While cyclists can start of off on a paved road, they may subsequently head off down a singletrack bridleway or tackle a section of cobbles. A good gravel route enables cyclists to steer clear of busy roads, and enjoy the gentle thrill of off-road riding on trails. Even newbie cyclists can develop and hone the skills needed for gravel riding quite fast, with adequate practice. Gravel biking is widely considered to be an amalgamation of multiple cycling disciplines, and is particularly favoured by people who desire to have fun and adventure.
Gravel roads, fire trails, dirt paths, and even technical singletrack offer a balance between the smooth efficiency of road cycling and the rugged, adrenaline-pumping nature of mountain biking. Many cyclists are attracted to gravel biking as it is challenging enough to keep things exciting, but not so intense that one would need advanced technical skills or heavy-duty suspension.
Typical road cycling often involves navigating through cars, intersections, and more. On the other hand, gravel routes tend to follow rural roads, forest trails, and remote pathways. This allows for a safer, more relaxing ride. In the hyper-connected, fast-paced world of today, going on a gravel riding can be a meditative experience. No matter whether one is riding alone or with friends, being out on gravel roads can help get away from daily stress and strains, and enjoy sense of peace that is hard to find elsewhere.
According to StevenRindner, one of the most appealing factors of gravel biking is just how much variation of trails one can find on a typical route. Cyclists may ride on from a vehicle-width moorland drover’s road, to a bridleway running across some farmland or a smooth woodland singletrack. The gravel routes one comes across would depend on the cycling destination. For instance, gravel bikers in Scotland usually ride on wild, remote and a bit challenging routes. On the other hand, in Spain they might be on an ancient mule track previously used as a trading route between villages. Cyclists can glide over crushed limestone one minute and tackle a punchy, rocky climb the next, creating a dynamic and engaging riding experience. No matter where one does engage in a gravel biking adventure, the ride is almost guaranteed to be fun, interesting and varied.