Gravel Bike Riding (part 1)

Two last bike posts of the season (probably). I promise (mostly).

This week is mostly about the race Gail and I recently participated in, and partly about gravel riding generally. Next week’s post will be about gravel bikes generally, and our bikes in particular.

When I mention to people that we are gravel riding, most people say, “huh? What’s that? And what’s a gravel bike?” These are not easy questions to answer. Suffice it to say that gravel riding is a cross between road riding, mountain biking and cyclo-cross. As to what differentiates a gravel bike, that question will be answered next week by a special guest. But as a teaser, here’s a picture of my gravel bike loaded for a multi-day adventure.

Gravel riding affords us the opportunity to leave behind heavily trafficked roads, and take us to places where we could not ride on a road bike. Plus, the geometry of a gravel bike, coupled with wider tires and lower tire pressure, makes for a much more comfortable ride for longer days in the saddle.

Gail and I, and six other friends, recently “raced” in the inaugural Zion Gravel Bike Race, near Zion National Park, outside of Hurricane, Utah. Three of us raced the 55 mile route; Gail and the other four raced the 30 mile route. Much of both routes overlapped, and were over rough, washboarded, rocky and sandy roads and trails. After the first 3 miles, I wondered if all my fillings were intact! But man, where it took us! The views were stunning.

When we arrived at the starting area, it was still dark! Unlike our experience at Rebecca’s Private Idaho, where it was 37 degrees at the start, this time, it was a balmy 47!

The beginning of the ride took us up to Gooseberry Mesa, an otherworldly landscape. Outrageously gorgeous.

Gail, Beth and Anne finished top three in their age group. I finished second in mine. But it should be noted that there were only three riders in each of our age groups!

It was a long, hard ride, but well worth every pedal stroke. It’s one I will definitely repeat.

This summer, I raced in three gravel races: Rooted Vermont in August, Rebecca’s Private Idaho over Labor Day weekend, and Zion Gravel Bike Race this past weekend. I loved them all, notwithstanding they almost killed me! And I hope to ride in each one again next year, but gravel racing is becoming increasingly popular, and entries are tough to come by. As a result, Ted and Laura King, the founders of Rooted Vermont, have announced their intention to reserve a full 50% of their registration spots for the 2022 event for women, to encourage gender parity in gravel. All entries, other than the elite competitive field (of which I am not a member!), will be randomly selected, subject to the 50% reservation. In their words, “Women’s participation in gravel cycling is growing exponentially in Vermont and nationally. We’ve hosted sought after women’s clinics that offer an entry point to the sport and a growing network for budding community leaders. Equal female representation in gravel is a historic moment– one worth celebrating and one that will require (and is due to) the continued support and ongoing work of everyone in the gravel community. We use the term women in the broadest definition to include cis, trans, or any significantly female-identifying persons.”

We wholeheartedly support Ted and Laura’s decision (even though it diminishes my chances for participating again!). And we agree, equal female representation in this sport is an achievement worth celebrating!

Keep moving, stay safe, have fun!