The CRW Gravel Program ride leaders have put together the following intro to gravel/mixed-terrain riding. We hope to see you on a CRW Gravel ride soon!

What is gravel cycling?

• Better to call it “mixed-terrain”: we ride in the woods, on paved and unpaved paths, on single and double track trails, on fire roads and boardwalks, and on the street.
• Riding is usually not as gnarly as mountain biking; mostly steer around larger obstacles, not go over them.
• Routes are longer than MTB routes (hence the comfortable style of a gravel bike) and routes may be stitched together via street riding.
• At least 32 mm tires with some raised tread are recommended; route conditions may dictate wider and knobbier tires.
• You may need to walk your bike over obstacles occasionally.
• Gravel rides can be very FUN and SOCIAL! Slower pace and less traffic means riders are more able to chat. And watch out for beer stops!

Safety/courtesy (follow basic road riding rules, plus a few extra points to keep in mind):

• Follow rules of the road and rules of the trail system/park you are riding in.
• Use hand signals and call out / point out hazards (hole, slowing, car left, etc.).
• Ride single file except on wide dirt roads or double track.
• Very important on trails: give adequate space to the rider in front of you.
• No pacelines on trails.
• Pedestrians (and dogs) have the right of way: call out, give space, dismount if necessary, especially on narrow trails and boardwalks.
• CRW gravel rides are not races. Don’t pass another rider unless it’s very safe to do so; this usually means don’t pass on single track.
• Be smart out in the woods:
• • Always have navigation and cell phone.
  • Let people know your route/time expected in the woods.
  • Bring extra food and water.
  • It's a good idea to have a basic first aid kit; you may be FAR from medical assistance.
  • Know how to repair flats and other mechanical problems.
  • Watch the weather and turn back if necessary.
  • Don’t ride alone; use the buddy system.
• Be friendly out there; we are representing cyclists in general and CRW in particular.

Basic gravel pointers

• Allow extra time: pace is about 2-4 mph slower than on the road; 10 mph is a typical speed.
• Do not follow the rider in front too closely so that you can react to them slowing/stopping; look for what’s coming and choose your own line.
• You usually don’t need to push a big gear in the woods; if you run a 2X, you may find you ride mostly in the small ring.
• Shift EARLY and OFTEN; anticipate what’s coming and shift for what’s ahead.
• Downshift BEFORE you get to an incline, to get your pedals turning over fast enough to power up the hill.
• Adjust your weight a bit forward to get more traction on the uphill.
• Hover over the saddle when going over rocks/roots and use arms as shocks (decreases likelihood of pinch flatting).
• Run lower tire pressure for more grip.
• Steer around obstacles where there is room, rather than going over them
• Take your time on technical downhills, pick your line, shift your weight backwards (hover if necessary), hold your breaks steadily, and let the bike gently descend over roots/rocks.
• Look up and ahead; look at the line you want the bike to take; if you stare at on obstacle, you will likely steer right to it.
• Gravel roads are often steeper than paved roads. If you stand up, the rear wheel spins out. If you sit too far back, the front wheel pops off the trail. Balance your weight.
• You can't bomb the downhills like on a paved road. Control your speed so that you can always stop in the length of road you can see clearly. You can't see what's around that curve or over that lip. Be ready for loose gravel or washboard or a pothole or a car. You won't be able to stop or maneuver as aggressively as on pavement.
• On loose gravel or sand, you mostly need to ride steady. Aggressive braking or turning can cause the bike to wash out.
• Leaves can obscure holes, rocks, and sticks.
• Many puddles are easy and safe to ride through, but sometimes they are much deeper than expected or have hidden rocks or sticks that can send you flying.