Gravel riding might be the latest hot new trend in the cycling world but for us the gravel ethos is right at the heart of what we have always done at Skedaddle – it is a style of riding that embraces freedom, adventure and exploring. We launched our first range of gravel specific holidays last year in the UK, Italy and Spain, offering a new way to discover beautiful places, get right off the beaten track and bring mountain bikers and road riders together.
For road cyclists looking to expand their horizons and handle a bit of dirt and rougher terrain, and for mountain bikers who enjoy the technical components but are looking for longer, faster rides—gravel riding offers the best of both worlds. What transforms the gravel riding experience is of course the bike you do it on. Trails that might be a bit tame on a mountain bike feel fast and loose, and for road riders gravel bike gives the freedom to get off the tarmac and explore beyond the beaten track. We like to think of gravel like a fantastic cocktail that blends a variety of terrains and surfaces, mixing elements of mountain biking and road biking in a way that creates a totally fresh experience sure to excite every rider.
So, let’s take a closer look at what the ‘ingredients’ list is for the perfect gravel cocktail.
More than gravel
Let’s start with the base – gravel. Why is gravel called gravel riding anyway? We’ve been riding on tracks for decades without defining it as gravel. If anything it’s a bit like the original 90’s experience of cross-country mountain biking. The phrase ‘gravel riding’ came from the mid-west of the USA, which has a huge network of gravel roads. The surfaces we ride on and blend together are bit more varied so while we call it gravel riding it is not entirely gravel – but we think it’s a bit more exciting because of that.
What do we blend with the gravel? A whole range of surfaces like mud, sand, double-track, single-track, rocks, tarmac, bike-paths, road, grassy fields even the occasional water crossing! Each location and ride has its own unique flavour and challenges. Gravel riding captures many of the best bits of riding, the child-like glee of slip-sliding on your bike, splashing through puddles, skidding through sand and weaving your way between trees and obstacles. But it also allows you to mix in some tarmac and hard surfaces so you can cover greater distances and explore more places.
For mountain bikers gravel trails may look untechnical but the spiciness comes from tackling them on a more or less rigid bike with narrow tyres and a drop bar riding position. A surface you would roll over with ease on a mountain bike needs awareness and skill. Gravel riding can hone your technical skills and connect you to the trail in a way an armchair ride on your full-suspension bike doesn’t. You still get the buzz of adrenalin and euphoria of finding flow without having to tackle extreme trails. On a gravel ride you go farther and faster than on your mountain bike so you can conquer long distance routes.
For road riders if your tyres have never left the tarmac before, the feel of the different surface beneath your wheel can be exhilarating but also challenging. You will need to learn some new ways of handling your bike and moving at a steadier pace. Riding through mud, sand or over rocks needs a combination of different skills, but once mastered will make you feel more confident and more in control when you are on the tarmac.
If you are a mountain biker…
Compared with your mountain bike a gravel bike’s riding position is much less upright. This combined with a slightly less dynamic riding style, especially on road sections, means you spend more time sat in the saddle which can lead to soreness in new places. Make sure you do some road or gravel riding before your holiday to get used to this new position.
On a gravel bike you ride faster, cover more distance and also stop less. On tarmac or hard surfaces with few natural obstacles or barriers there is less reason to stop so be prepared to spend more continuous time in the saddle.
Without the benefits of suspension, a gravel bike needs a little bit more rider finesse. Rocky sections or roots that you could just smash through on your mountain bike need more thoughtful line selection and a lightness of touch. Using your mountain bike skills to lift the front wheel and smooth out the surface will give you access to parts of the trail that less skilled gravel riders will avoid.
Who remembers getting tyre burns on the bum from getting their weight over the rear wheel? In the early days of mountain biking without suspension or dropper posts, the only way to tackle steep drops was to get your weight a really long way back. Gravel bikes take you back to your old-skool mtb roots where shifting weight backwards and letting the front wheel go light is a useful skill. Staying loose and not fighting your bike can be the best way to tackle loose or rutted sections.
If you are a roadie…
Not all of the trail will be rideable by everyone, and that is ok. Mountain bikers are bit more comfortable with failure than road riders. Learning and developing skills is part of the culture. If you have a go at something technical and don’t manage it don’t worry, and don’t let that stop you from trying again. Riders will frequently stop to encourage each other and offer tips on how to tackle tricky sections in a collaborative way.
Before you go on your holiday get used to riding off-road terrain. You might be used to covering large distances on your road bike but riding off road will slow your pace and you’ll need to adjust your expected daily mileage, especially while you get used to handling the terrain. The level of grip and speed you can achieve changes on different surfaces and in different weather conditions. Over time you will develop new ways of reading the ground ahead and be able to anticipate how slick rock, smooth mud or a grassy patch will feel to ride on.
Go to a place you feel safe and comfortable to practice riding. Lift your weight slightly off the saddle, relax your arms and bend your knees and use your body to absorb the small bumps you ride over.
Let your bike move underneath you. Being stiff and fighting the movement of your bike makes it harder for your tyres to find grip and can make the ride feel more jarring.
One of the joys of riding a gravel bike is trying new things and allowing yourself to giggle when you don’t get it right. Put a grin on your face and recapture the fun of simply messing about on a bike and getting muddy.
Taking the middle ground
Gravel riding, opens the door to a vast array of landscapes that paved roads simply can’t reach. Epic distances, day-long rides with a new twist of varied terrain and stunning scenery. Switching between smooth gravel to rocky outcrops or muddy sections and back to tarmac means there is never a dull moment! Whether you are a mountain biker or a roadie, riding a gravel bike presents its own unique set of challenges to test your skills in a new way. When you take your riding off road you learn to expect the unexpected. Out in the wilderness, at the mercy of the elements and riding through an ever-changing landscape, we must embrace each moment, and that’s what we love about it. At Saddle Skedaddle, we believe in the power of the ride to inspire and transform, and gravel riding is a testament to that spirit of adventure. Let’s hit the gravel and discover the best of both worlds together.
Discover Skedaddle Gravel Holidays
Roundup of riding tips to take to the trail
Whether you’re a roadie or mountain biker dabbling with gravel for the first time here are the key things to remember when you head out on the trails.
Mountain biker:
- Practice putting in the miles and be prepared to spend more time in the saddle
- Position your weight further back on the saddle and make the most of your bike handling skills on tricky terrain
Roadie:
- Relax your arms and knees and allow the bike to move underneath you
- Practice riding on different surfaces – loose gravel, roots, mud, sand – in different weather and don’t worry if you have to get off and walk at times!
Check Out More Gravel Riding Tips Here
