WHAT IS GRAVEL GRINDING?
* Gravel grinding combines some of the technical aspects of mountain biking and cyclocross, often combined with the long-range efforts preferred by road cyclists.
* Whether you’re doing it aboard a road bike, cyclocross bike or mountain bike, the only requisites are a desire to include unsealed roads and a willingness to give it a go.
* Events such as the G.O.G.G don’t represent a formal cycling discipline (yet). However, many cyclists are embracing the opportunity to mix up their rides with gravel sections, many of which can be tackled on a road bike.
WHAT IS A GRAVEL BIKE?
* Purists will say whatever you’re riding, although those purists may be responsible for more than their fair share of punctures.
* Equipment is largely route dependent. If your gravel riding takes in relatively well-graded gravel roads, a road bike may suffice. However wider tyres will help with traction in gravelly corners.
* Many manufacturers are including ‘adventure’ bikes in their ranges, with some, such as Cannondale’s Slate being specifically marketed as gravel bikes. Adventure bikes are primarily road bikes, with much greater clearance and disc brakes. This means you can fit wider tyres, similar to cyclocross bikes.
* Cyclocross bikes, too, make perfect gravel grinders – however they may not be as stable as a dedicated gravel bike, due to different geometry.
HOW DO I START GRAVEL GRINDING?
* Just do it. There are no rules to gravel grinding, apart perhaps from respecting the environment you’re riding in. Leave only tyre tracks.
* The important thing to remember when heading off road is being properly equipped. Consider your equipment. Take plenty of spare tubes, patch kits and the skills to use them; they’re far more likely to be needed.
* Water, food and a mobile phone are also critical as gravel adventures will often take riders away from help, should it be required. Being self-sufficient is part of the fun of gravel grinding, not to mention key to doing it safely.
* Know where you’re going. Like any outdoor sport you should let someone know where you’re going, and when you expect to be back.
* Get out on the trail and enjoy yourself. You’ll quickly discover why so many people have become hooked on the gravel!