Also - encourages folks to take a stroll off the beaten path.
(See the movie “Cars” for reference.)
If I hadn’t gotten into gravel, I never would have enjoyed all the Boy Scout and church guild hospitality that I have recently.
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No, that is bad advice… You pick your pressure based on your weight and terrain. I would pinch tires like crazy and destroy rims if i road that low of pressure on 38s our fast but tech gravel.
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Bad advice is a bit strong, but we can agree to disagree. If you are somewhere around 75kg, you shouldn’t have that pressure over 40 psi, regardless of terrain. Go look into what psi pro Mtb or cyclocross rides run. They will race cx on 16psi with 33mm tires. Tire pressure is an element most don’t understand and therefore go way too high on
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I enjoy gravel much more as a racing discipline and just the atmosphere of the events compared to usac road racing. so many road races become predictable pack finishes. My desire and abilities to contest those kind of finishes has been squashed a bit after too many trips to the hospital and/or weeks of nursing road rash. I enjoyed working a break in road races and saw most of my results that way, but gravel makes that a much higher percentage proposition (the entire race is break away carnage). Gravel still has huge pack/draft dynamics and tactics matter, but it rewards a big engine and effort a bit more than road. I do miss the rush/speed of crit racing a bit, but there is some pretty heated close quarter racing in gravel. I also like the longer gravel formats w/100+ miles (favors my cat4 power w/ cat1 endurance).
As far as the atmosphere of the events, I just experience a lot more happy people w good attitudes at gravel events compared to road racing where I find a lot of people taking things way too serious for my liking. I’m a competitive guy, but have never understood the yelling, stress, and unhappiness that seems so common in sanctioned road racing.
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Thank you - great advice. I got a great fit on my road bike and I based my gravel bike fit off of that, but it’s totally different geometry. I probably should not have expected that 6+ hours on a bike without a proper fit would be problem free.
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Thanks!
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Thanks!
Thanks!
Thanks - yeah, lots of different types of gravel around here. Lots of chunky gravel farm roads, but plenty of fast gravel too.
That’s so true - getting out into some beautiful country is what keeps me wanting to keep trying gravel
The other thing is that my road bike is so much more nimble in the corners and I love going fast. I’m not strong enough to go 23+ miles per hour on gravel, but I can do that on the road.
I really do enjoy longer rides and the challenge of it. If I had the time I would do a 4-5 hour ride weekly, and do a century+ monthly. I have my road bike dialed in super well - it sounds like from the feedback that’s where I should focus my energy. I also think it’s worth doing some shorter gravel training rides more regularly.
Thanks!!
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Thanks - I think extra/ more consistent strength training will be a big help
Thank you! This is great advice
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Thank you!! Big fan of you and your sister! This is great advice!
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You wrote 30 psi above. I totally agree a 75 kg rider shouldnt be above 40 psi. Cx is a different game than gravel.
Maybe it’s location dependent, but I get a much more welcoming and enjoyable vibe at my local USAC races than any of the gravel events I’ve done. And that might be because I know and ride with the local guys more whereas the gravel events I’ve done are further away and/or bigger regional events. At our crits and road races, most guys show up early and we hang out and watch the other races, and usually hang out and have a beer after our race. It’s friendly and we talk about the race. The gravel events I’ve done have all felt kind of cold and clique-y. I show up and get my race number, but don’t know many people and might get a short conversation with the people I park next to. But nothing in the event made me want to stay after the race or hang out. I did UnPAved last year and stayed for the post event meal and beer, but definitely felt like kind of a loner or outsider. Even the rest stops weren’t that welcoming. Tried to initiate some interactions with random people and got some weird looks like, who is this stranger talking to us? Ate my meal and left. Maybe I just had a bad experience but definitely have felt more welcomed at random USAC races than gravel. I did the Tour of Somerville crit weekend in NJ and it was such more of a party environment around the race. Awesome crowds and generally friendly people. Even met some “pros” from Denver Disruptors and Miami Nights. Got a selfie with Clever Martinez. Already signed up for the crit weekend again this year whereas I have zero desire to do UnPAved ever again.
Edit: I’ll add that CX regardless of where I’ve raced has been the most welcoming discipline of all. Always a party vibe and super welcoming. Also got to talk to Ivy at a national event and as expected, is just the nicest human ever. She’s amazing and seriously such a nice person. But yea, CX is where the atmosphere is at.
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Yeah but y’all drink way more than one!
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Id be weary to jump straight into “suspension” stems and seatposts. Riding gravel is an acquired skill which involves knowing when to “load” and “unload” your contact points (hands, butt, feet) when encountering certain terrain. It takes a bit of practice and making mistakes to improve. Simply buying “suspension” stems and seatposts is just a bandaid IMO. Not to say they dont have their place, but they are largely inferior to acquiring a skill.
The statements regarding tire pressure are correct and is completely free. Play around with what feels good. Dont worry about it “feeling” slow. Slow is smooth, smooth is fast.
In my area (pacific northwest) it is extremely hilly with very steep, chunky descents. I spent a couple years with a rigid seat post and did fine. I have since purchased a 50mm dropper and it makes a world of difference. But, I could live without it.
The next biggest skill is learning how to bunny hop. Often times youll be riding in a pack and come upon an unforseen obstacle and learning how to jump over potholes and boulders is essential. Next to that, your arms hinge at the elbow, essentially giving you a “suspension” stem of about 50-80mm. Hold that bar loosely and controlled and you can make it through some pretty chunky stuff.
Welcome to gravel!
Awe thanks!!! 
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