Gravel/unmade surfaces - tips?

[hebe]

I have found a bridleway/track that I want to ride. Most of it is shingle/gravelled surface, it's an established right of way and has a couple of climbs (I did them on foot without getting out of breath) . Then at least part of the downhill stretch is unmade, though I haven't walked that section yet. It's just over a mile long and I think at least 2 metres wide. It's marked on the map as a "byway open to all traffic", but I'd be surprised to see a car on it. I think there might be occasional agricultural traffic at the other end, as the track runs by a farm.

Any tips for beginners on gravel/unmade tracks? I did some trail riding years back but always on the flat. My bike is a comfort hybrid with fairly chunky tires. Thank you.

[Trek-chick]

With the larger tires, you should be fine on gravel roads. I ride my Trek 520 touring bike with 32mm tires on dirt roads all the time with no issues. Mine is a steel frame, and that helps soak up the bumps pretty well.

[m.eliza]

Just be careful if there are any downhill curves. Remember to brake before the turn and not during, to avoid sliding.

[hebe]

Thank you! You are all so helpful. What I didn't say is that there isn't a single curve or bend that I can see, other than possibly one right at the very end once it's flattened out again. I'm going to try to check that end out today, if I can coax a reluctant toddler out of the house.

It's such a gorgeous path, I was looking back onto a white horse carved into the distant hills, and my girl was picking up hazelnuts from the ground.

[OakLeaf]

Depending on how loose the surface is, you may want a little less air in your tires than you use on pavement.

When you need to brake, brake with the rear first, and feather the front brake gently. Losing traction in the front is a likely crash.

Downshifting before you come to a stop will make starting easier, since you don't have as much traction in the rear either.

Have fun! It sounds really pretty.

[maillotpois]

When you need to brake, brake with the rear first, and feather the front brake gently. Losing traction in the front is a likely crash.

Snort - and slightly OT: Like the first time I had to ride my Ducati on a muddy hilly dirt road. I struggled for several miles and almost lost it several times. I had never ridden a motorcycle on dirt before. Then FINALLY my DH says in the headset "Use the rear brake only!" (which I rarely use on the road). You'd think he could have told me that BEFORE we got on the dirt/mud road.

And it does sound like a lovely path!