Gravel roads

[kat_h]

Any tips for riding on gravel roads? Anyone here do it on purpose? I have a cyclocross bike so that makes it possible. On Monday I got a bit lost and did 5k on gravel, keeping my speed above 25 km/h the whole time so now I'm thinking that exploring the gravel roads out of town might be nicer than hugging the non-existant shoulder on some of the paved roads. Obviously some gravel roads are much nicer than others, but in general is there anything I should be thinking about?

[VeloVT]

Ironically, I've never ridden my cx bike on gravel roads but I have ridden my skinny-tire road bike on gravel.

I find it's easier if I run a bigger gear than I nomally would. Keeping weight more over the rear wheel also helps. And I try not to go into corners too fast !

[Andrea]

Yeah- good instinct to keep the speed up. I think it makes it easier.

There's a gravel road that makes a nice traffic-detour on on of my routes & I bomb down it like I'm on a stolen bike!

[solorider]

HI Kat-
I have a cross bike as well and often search out the gravel roads to ride-
there's lots of pro's to riding the gravel roads- I usually find there is much better scenery and more hills, way less traffic, and because I find the speed to be a bit slower than riding on paved roads, I think I get more of a strength work out for my legs.
Things to know-be careful if there are areas with lots of thick gravel- your tires will start to slide/skid if you are going fast or turning- you can control it, and just like accelarating in a car-pedaling adds traction so it's better than coasting.
Also be wary of cars- on a paved street there's more of them, but on dirt roads there's more dust kicked up by passing cars- so I highly recommend wearing glasses if you don't already, or even goggles if you are sensitive to the dust.
You'll also get dirtier riding on the dirt roads- but I think that's fun

Folks I know around MI think the fall is the best for riding on the dirt roads- less bugs, less mud, getting ready for cyclo cross season - which I haven't tried yet, but am hoping to learn more about it this year.

Good luck and enjoy your rides!

[KathiCville]

I love riding gravel roads on my MTB---that's the main reason I bought it. There are dozens of gorgeous gravel stretches around here, near and in the mountains, that would be too rough for my road bike, but perfect for the MTB. Low traffic, great views, doubles my outing options. If I head out to ride on gravel, I'm usually looking more for scenery and serenity than a work-out, so can't give you tips on handling your bike. I'm generally just pedaling and bumping along at a pleasant pace. Nice change from feeling the need for speed on pavement.........Go explore, you won't be sorry.

[sundial]

Yep, gravel roadie here too. I ride my mtb on the backroads and ride at a brisk pace. If I slow down, it's trickier rolling over the rocks. Good for you for being adventurous!

[wannaduacentury]

I ride my mtb on gravel/dirt roads too. The one I like connects to the paved road I like to take long rides on w/ the road bike. So that's fun, and yes, No traffic. Jenn

[uforgot]

I love exploring the gravel roads on my mountain bike too! The one thing that I absolutely need is my gps. I get turned around so easily. I went 10 miles out of my way one time and was actually thinking I was heading back to town, but was going the opposite way. Very little traffic, but sometimes you run into an occasional dog. Take your camera too. I've gotten some great shots.

[kat_h]

Thanks for the tips guys. Roads are all in a perfect grid, spaced a mile apart here so I shouldn't be able to get lost. The direction of the sun is enough to navigate by. I'll add more gravel into my life now.

[BleeckerSt_Girl]

I ride very rough gravel/dirt roads all the time. We live in a pretty rural area with lots of farms, fields, and wooded back roads.

I have 700x28 tires on my Rivendell. I tend to go slow on rocky roads, I've gotten quite adept at picking my way around the worst rocks. These 'lunar landscape' roads are so rough that if I went faster and nicked a big stone it could easily flip my bike over sideways.
Ironically, I haven't had a flat yet from rough roads....only from glass slivers on smooth roads!