Gravel riding or gravel biking is not a new cycling style, but it has become quite widely popular in the last few years. As Steven Rindner says, gravel biking simply involves riding on dirt and gravel roads, rather than riding on paved roads. Cyclists have been riding on dirt roads for several decades. They used to even modify their road bikes, and put on bigger tires that could tackle the bumps of unpaved roads. As the popularity of gravel biking began to steadily rise, bicycle manufacturers started making bikes specifically designed for gravel. This made gravel biking accessible to more people, thereby further boosting its popularity. There are many advantageous aspects of gravel biking due to which cyclists across the world are getting attracted to this style.
Steven Rindner sheds light on a few advantageous aspects of gravel biking
Life is full of surprises. Gravel biking is a cycling style that wholeheartedly embraces this unpredictability. As opposed to the stable, smooth conditions of a tarmac, gravel paths have pretty varied terrains. On a gravel ride, one may encounter everything from loose gravel to hard-packed dirt. Therefore, every gravel ride can be an exercise in skill and adaptability. The more one practices gravel biking, the better they shall get at adjusting their style to different terrains.
Gravel roads are also much less frequented by cars, as opposed to typical paved roads. Less traffic facilitates a safer cycling experience. Moreover, the quiet surroundings on the gravel allow the cyclists to focus fully on their ride. This blissful solitude is hard to find on busy city streets. Riding amidst unspoiled landscapes can also be quite a rejuvenating experience. The tranquility found on gravel paths facilitates a deeper connection with nature and enables cyclists to notice details that are often missed, like the scent of the soil, the vibrant hues of native plants, the rustle of the leaves, and so on. Gravel trails provide almost endless opportunities for capturing awe-inspiring visuals.
As per Steven Rindner, as gravel cyclists traverse through varying terrains, they become more aware of the natural world surrounding them. Gravel paths quite often pass through less-travelled, unspoiled natural landscapes that provide a refreshing break from the monotony of familiar roads.
Gravel biking can also be a holistic workout. Due to the varied terrains of gravel paths, cyclists tend to engage different muscle groups compared to road cycling. They have to tackle steep and uneven terrains that engage not just the legs, but also the core and upper body.
Gravel biking puts more emphasis on technique, resilience, and bike-handling skills rather than sheer speed. It is an experience that teaches patience and builds a deeper connection with the ride, often transforming cyclists into more well-rounded and capable riders over time. It tends to foster personal growth and a greater appreciation for the ride itself. The gravel cycling community is typically welcoming and inclusive, and provides a more relaxed, social atmosphere in comparison to competitive road racing. Hence, gravel biking is ideal for those who value camaraderie and shared experience.
