Gravel Biking fuses some of the best parts of mountain biking, trail biking, and road cycling. This style of cycling has gained significant popularity over recent years. According to Steven Rindner one can ride a gravel bike almost anywhere, including on gravel, dirt, mud, woodlands, disused railway lines, and canal towpaths. It provides cyclists with a sense of freedom, as they get to ride beyond smooth pavements and deep into nature.
Steven Rindner talks about a few basic tips for Gravel Biking
Gravel biking is an exciting way to experience the outdoors on a bike, cover long distances, practice bike skills, and challenge one’s endurance. There are several online communities devoted to gravel cycling, from which one can gain a better understanding of gravel routes nearby and plan their first ride. Group rides are often the best way to get started with gravel biking. There are many local bike shops and clubs that hold weekly or monthly gravel rides. So, one should consider checking in with their local bike shop. Even if they do not host a ride, there is a good chance that they can recommend groups that do. For cyclists new to gravel, it would be better to look for “no drop” rides that are slower paced and beginner-friendly.
While most cyclists are unlikely to experience much trouble adapting to gravel, here are a few skills and tips that can help them ride safely:
- When cornering sharply or going uphill, the top layer of gravel may shift underneath. To combat this, the cyclists must carry momentum into hills and stay in the saddle while climbing. Staying seated would keep the weight of the cyclists over their back wheel and stop it from spinning out.
- At corners, gravel cyclists should ideally be less aggressive than they would be on a paved road. They should slow down before they begin turning to avoid skidding. When navigating a corner, a cyclist should press their outside foot firmly onto the pedal while applying downward pressure with their inside hand on the handlebars. This technique minimizesthe risk of the wheels slipping and provides greater stability, allowing smoother balance throughout the turn.
- Bikingand cornering would be easier if the cyclists stayed on the most packed portions of routes. While maintaining a regard for safety on the gravel, one should try to check out different sections to find the smoothest path. At times, the shoulders are smooth and nice, and other times, biking where car tires have packed down the road is most comfortable.
One must not be discouraged if they are not barreling along gravel paths at a swift pace right away. It is more important to be patient and consistent. Once cyclists get used to biking on the gravel, they can even take part in gravel races and events.
As per Steven Rindner, gravel biking does not have to mean several months of preparation for a 200-mile contest. There are several events that cater to new riders. It is better to start small and local, and gradually move up to long, intense races.