Grateful for Gravel

By Dave Kraus

Tired of cycling on the same paved roads every day with distracted drivers, giant SUVs, and close passes? Are the bike trails, full of dog walkers and wandering couples, getting you down? Then maybe it’s time to join the rapidly growing trend of gravel cycling and literally take the road less traveled. 

Over the past five years, gravel cycling has grown from a niche sport that some called “adventure cycling” into the latest Big Thing. It’s become easy to find specific gravel cycling events near almost any big city, and any bike maker that wants to keep their bottom-line growing is adding gravel specific bikes to their product lineup.

What is “Gravel Grinding” and Why Do It?

The answer to that question covers a lot of ground. It can be on dirt or gravel backroads, fire roads, double-track “Jeep roads,” and of course the paved roads that lead to them. Your destination is limited only by your bike handling skills and desire for adventure.

Many gravel riders are finding a safer place to ride as distracted driving has grown to epidemic proportions, vehicles have grown larger, and traffic in general has increased on paved urban roads. The backroads offer an alternative with less traffic of all kinds and a chance to get away, see beautiful scenery and find solitude.

Other riders are attracted by the relaxed vibe and chance to explore new places with friends. While there are plenty of gravel racing events, there are just as many where competition is actively discouraged. It’s about sharing the riding experience and seeing the backcountry without the traffic worries or the skills needed for mountain biking on technical trails.

It can also be about conquering adversity together and extending the riding season. Rain, snow, and mud don’t discourage dedicated gravel cyclists – especially if there’s cold beer and good conversation waiting at ride’s end!

That friendly vibe is why gravel riding is also appealing to local clubs that value the social experience. The Mohawk Hudson Cycling Club in the Capital Region has regular club gravel rides during the riding season, and the club’s Gravel Gobbler event this year on Nov. 7 will be celebrating its third anniversary at the S&S Farm Brewery in Nassau. The event is also a fundraiser for the Regional Food Bank of Northeastern New York.

After attracting 94 riders to its first running in 2018, the Gobbler swelled to over 220 participants in 2019, and more growth is expected. MHCC organizer Chet Lasell said it was that friendly ride atmosphere that encouraged the creation of the event. “The whole idea behind the Gravel Gobbler was to get people together for a relaxed, end-of-season group ride and, at the same time, give back to our community where we spend our time riding bikes. The country roads in Nassau and Chatham showcase this area’s exceptional riding, and it’s gratifying to see people ride together, have a great time and support others.”

What’s a Gravel Bike?

Almost any bicycle with wide tires can be ridden on gravel roads. The only type truly not suited to dirt is the traditional skinny-tire road racing bike. Gravel-specific machines bridge the divide between road and mountain bikes, and the frame sizing is not that different from road bikes. If you ride a 56cm on the road, start your shopping with the same size gravel bike.

Most purpose-built gravel bikes you see at your local bike shop will have a slacker head tube angle and longer head tube, raising the bars for a more upright, comfortable riding position – similar to the “endurance” bikes that have grown in popularity on the road. A shorter stem creates better handling, and the sloped top tube makes the bike easier to mount – or dismount if the terrain suddenly gets too challenging. Many gravel specific frames also have additional attachment points for bottle cages, racks, and bags, similar to touring bikes, so you can use your bike for longer adventures.

But tire width and tread are the biggest clues when you’re bike-watching on the trail or in the store. Typical smooth tread road bike tires vary from 23-28mm. Gravel-specific hoops generally start at 32mm and go all the way up to 48mm and more, sporting a variety of tread patterns, similar to mountain bike tires to handle different terrain. Make sure to check the total tire clearance built into the bike you’re considering so you have room to grow if you decide you need a wider tire later.

There’s no need to go far if you want to get a gravel bike. Many local dealers have jumped on the gravel group ride. Just click over to Google to find more information for any of these local shops.

In the Adirondacks, check out Placid Planet Bicycles or High Peaks Cyclery in Lake Placid. Solace Cycles in Westport also makes hardtail titanium bikes for gravel and trail riding.

In Glens Falls, visit Grey Ghost Bicycles, Rick’s Bike Shop, or stop by Inside Edge Ski & Bike Shop. In Saratoga Springs, you can visit the new Grey Ghost Bicycles. In Schuylerville, stop by the Adirondack Ultra Cycling bike shop. In Ballston Spa, you can visit Mission Electric Bike.

In the Capital Region, there’s Tomhannock Bicycles in Pittstown, Bike Barn Cycling & Fitness in Cohoes, and High Adventure Ski & Bike in Latham.

Regional Gravel Events

If you’re looking to race or just ride with friends, check out these organized events all over the area and watch the Calendar of Events and advertising in Adirondack Sports through the summer for new events.

This spring – The Bale Kicker (April 11) in Nassau; Cross Mountain Crusher (April 25) in Arkville; Tour of the Battenkill (May 9) in Greenwich; Janey’s Ride – includes Muddy Mudder (May 10) in South Glens Falls; May 16: TOBIE Ultimate Adirondack Gravel Tour (May 16) in Old Forge; and May 17: The Farmer’s Daughter (May 17) in Chatham.

This summer/fall – Black Fly Challenge (June 13) Inlet to Indian Lake; ididaride! – includes Gravel Grinder (July 26) in North Creek; Deerfield Dirt Road Randonnee (Aug. 15) in Deerfield, Mass.; The Forge Gravel Grinder (Sept. 12) in Old Forge; and MHCC Gravel Gobbler (Nov. 7) in Nassau. See you out there!

Dave Kraus (dbkraus@earthlink.net) is a longtime area road and gravel cyclist, photographer, and writer who hits the road on dirt whenever possible. Visit his website at krausgrafik.com.