Quote Originally Posted by Andrea View Post

Tips:
  • A slightly tougher tire is not a bad idea- I've used 23c Kenda C2Cs and 25c Conti Gatorskins with no issue.
  • Carry two tubes/CO2s. You are slightly more likely to flat
  • Unless you're on really slippery stuff, you may find that a slightly harder gear feels better.
  • If you start to slide a little or hit a deep spot, pedal harder to get out of it... DON'T slow down or grab the brakes (or look down)!
^^^ very good tips

My BF rode on a ton of gravel (huge, sharp rocks) last weekend. There were multiple flats in his group. He ripped a 3/4" hole in the sidewall of his tire. Road bikes can do it, but I'll just say it's not my favorite terrain. Hard pack dirt (with or w/out light gravel) is a lot easier IMO.

Another tip that I find helpful is to 1) stay seated, and 2) keep your weight back. The rear wheel is where you're going to feel the slips, so keep your weight on the saddle and keep going. I don't fly through gravel, because I don't want to remove all the paint from the underside of my bike, but it's like going through mud in that you need some constant speed to keep from slipping or getting stuck. Sitting back a bit will also help you loosen up your arms so that you aren't trying too hard to control the front end, and you won't get quite as much upper body fatigue from the rough ride.