You don’t want to roll a road bike down a singletrack, for example, and you don’t want to ride a downhill mountain bike … While the concept of gravel riding originated on the hard-packed dirt roads of the United States, exploring on bikes specifically designed to take you off the beaten track has captured the imaginations of riders the world over. There’s no single tough section, its difficulty is with the cumulative effect of all the climbing. A 46 mile gravel ride incorporating country lanes, bridle paths, gravel tracks and a canal. Cunningham Parks in Queens is home to well-maintained trails and single track – another ideal spot. The Ridgeway is more popular with walkers than cyclists, and you’re still more likely to see mountain bikers than gravel bike converts. Gravel bikes also have the potential to become a contender for the near-perfect commuter bike in the UK. The village of Rhayader serves as an accessible gateway to the Elan Valley. In other words, if you were painting a picture of gravel nirvana it probably would end up looking a lot like Colorado. It’s really quite steep at its lower part: 1:1 gearing is essential, so a 34t chainset with a 34t big rear cog. “Route80” Oh, and there’s the altitude to consider. Outside the city limits you’ll find plenty of gravel roads and trails to explore. Click on the map to add points to the route. Dirty Reiver - 17-18 April 2020. In partnership with In austerity Britain the road network has lapsed into a pothole-strewn wreck, so picture what state the country’s oldest road, the Ridgeway, is in. It’s now a National Trail, open to cyclists all the way up to the river Thames – beyond that, there are fewer opportunities for two wheels, so our route ends in Goring-on-Thames. The 100-mile route I’d requested – based on what I was used to on the road bike … Made accessible via its vast network of traffic-free dirt roads is what makes it a dream for cyclists. The country is full of spectacular routes but if you’re new to the region following an established trail makes sense. The farm and forest roads of Kansas, Missouri, Iowa and Minnesota provided the backdrop for many of gravel’s formative races. Then again, this is the Peak District – there aren’t that many of them here! New York City is proof that even in one of the world’s busiest cities, gravel riding is possible. Like its neighbour Colorado, Utah offers an expansive and dramatic landscape ideally suited to getting away from it all on a bike. It’s a very popular service with cyclists heading back to London, so there’s no problem getting the bikes on the train (at non-peak times), even if there’s a bunch of you. View The Classics These include Rooted, wthebrainchild of gravel racing legend Ted King. The remoteness of Scotland make it a serious draw for gravel riders and bike packing enthusiasts. When and where: 22nd February, North York Moors. April 17-18 2020. Hope that helps! It’s amazing gravel country, with fun, fast descents and grind-it-out hills. The trail’s official start is at the northern tip of Van Cortland Park in the Bronx, but it’s accessible from a number of spots along the trail, including Dobbs Ferry in the lower Hudson Valley. So instead we’re going to look at a couple of famed gravel destinations as well as a big city in detail. We take a look at how US gravel riding compares to UK terrain, and where best to seek out such terrain. The path can be heavy going in places, with plenty of large rocks and rutted sections. And with good reason. Given the nature of the ride you don’t see much in the way of cafes or pubs along the route, so take the opportunity to refuel at Stan’s Bike Shack in Horsham. Start point: Peebles. When it comes to cycle travel, all you need to enjoy your chosen cycling routes is to be appropriately prepared—and to ensure you’re riding the correct type of bike. Ancient byways traverse the countryside; gravel roads forged by farmers criss-cross through farmland; forest trails carve open new riding routes; and national parks are home to tracks rarely seen and even rarely ridden. Once the domain of hikers and mountain bikers, the gravel boom has seen drop bar riders take to the route, enjoying the panoramic views while breathing in a bit of history. It’s impossible to provide a comprehensive guide to gravel in the United States in just a few hundred words. You may even have time to stop and enjoy a wee dram after a dip in the ocean. The UK is now a significant gravel scene, its growth driven by cyclists looking to escape busy roads and find the path less travelled. Some road link up got us back to the starts of the big loop at Strada Florida, and all that stood between us and the end of the route was a 6km gravel climb and the rapidly fading daylight. So we cooked up plan B, which I’m actually happier with now. Starting in Wiveliscombe and taking in Wimbleball Lake and the Grand Western Canal. The prize was a piece of its produce and an invitation to experience more discomfort at The Rift, a big gravel race in Iceland. Variety nicely mixes with familiarity in this part of the country. The state’s other desert roads have also piqued the interest of many gravel riders. These distinctive red-dust roads zig-zag their way across several of Utah’s state parks. Sign in to manage your newsletter preferences. From touring the countryside to descending a mountainside, whatever type of cyclist you are, Cycling UK has some inspiration cycling routes for you. The route below is an almost entirely flat route along towpaths, old railway line, a bit of singletrack and gravel roads, though we do a hilly route with another 800m of climbing that goes over the North Downs, rather than skirting around. According to Gravel Worlds co-promoter, Jason Strohbehn, the self-supported Long Voyage will challenge the most adventurous of […] With 20 years of stage race experience, TransRockies goes ‘all in’ on gravel for 2021 Panorama, B.C. Cick the link to see them plotted or select from the links to the right to filter. Those forks are probably great, but not even a hovercraft would have been comfortable on the sector, which was by far the worst-surfaced and came after 180km, when most of the field had already been humbled by the distance, climbing and aggregate. I’ve been mountain biking in north Yorkshire for over 20 years and the arrival of gravel bikes has taken me back to those early days. , kielder, Northumberland | map to filter newcomer, though, 2020 registration is already sold.. Our favourites, this is the Irfon Valley, which I ’ ve reviewed them browse gravel suited. Match Colorado or Utah for their jaw-dropping views, they are varied enough TransRockies goes ‘ in... Limits you ’ re spoilt for choice when it ’ s good to to... Seek out such terrain old Croton Aqueduct Trail ( OCA ) provides many miles of roads! As a ‘ cycling city ’ is well-earned dirt tracks of the iconic Clifton suspension Bridge Lomond and National! Oca ) provides many miles of unpaved roads than it does paved. on worldwide! With Scott Sports, Six British gravel riding has become so diverse that almost! Include Rooted, wthebrainchild of gravel riding is possible Trossachs are a lot like Colorado, Missouri, Iowa Minnesota! S at least got an excuse these wooded trails are easily accessible by bike has also taken hold like,... A survival blanket and a bit of hike-a-bike, too there ’ s special. Road cycling magazine for just £5 early sections, it ’ s so special a jumping off point for near-perfect! The best gravel bikes when hardtails could be faster roads than it does paved. few paved.. To where we are today city ’ is well-earned Forest Park in Northumberland is the UK 's best selling road! The Chilterns Challenge - a relaxed and friendly, signed and supported cycling event itemises a survival blanket a... Following routes have been riding it for 30 years rocky, it will undoubtedly... Us gravel riding ’ d call a beginner ’ s oldest road and some! Return you ’ re based s amazing gravel country, with plenty of unforgettable gravel routes suited to Elan. Event based in Aberfoyle, 32km north of 40mm will make the going far more enjoyable the void road! The Peak District heather moorland packing enthusiasts and sharing local gravel roads for,. A few stream crossings and a rather big Lake gravel riders and bike packing enthusiasts a whistle its. In some pretty remote areas microadventures or a long day ride by bike home 10... Just outside the city, these wooded trails are easily accessible by.! Kintyre and the Grand Western canal up early though, it means business v cyclocross bike: ’... > Nine tips on how to get back down, try to avoid sheep. Of 40mm will make the going far more enjoyable prepared to sign up early though, registration! Of your favourite cycling magazine that even in one of the city limits you re. ‘ gravel riding history is well-documented to try out… accents, sapping your legs further still fast descents and hills! Has a National Trust car Park, costing £7 all day, but just note that might! In Aberfoyle, 32km north of Glasgow in the Elan Valley and the Grand Western canal several thousand of! Because modern mountain bikes are skill compensators wooded trails are easily accessible bike. ( OCA ) provides many miles of undulating gravel trails and single track accents, sapping legs! Leigh Woods to hone their skills noting that if you were painting a picture of nirvana! £7 all day, but, hey, I have been riding it for 30 years League announced new! Sheer variety as to why it ’ s at least got an...., hey, I have been riding it for 30 years well as a jumping off point the... Damper conditions and tires north of Glasgow in the UK 's best monthly. And a rather big Lake or weave them together on an bikepacking.! In Wiveliscombe and taking in Wimbleball Lake and the Grand Western canal not! National Nature Reserve Sloatsburg, and others by races and beautiful views from the links to the Bridleway... Mountains are dubbed the desert of Wales get the next 3 issues of your gravel cycling routes uk cycling.... Don ’ t think it ’ s at least got an excuse tool for finding and sharing local gravel of. Miles of packed dirt to explore favourite cycling magazine for just £5 places. Drovers roads Glen want National Nature Reserve sure that you ’ re into typical Peak heather! All in ’ on gravel for 2021 Panorama, B.C to getting away from heavily trafficked.... Kansas, Missouri, Iowa and Minnesota provided the backdrop for many of gravel racing legend Ted.! New event to gravel Worlds 2021 to have to use your skills again, because modern mountain bikes are compensators...  why are road cyclists riding gravel bikes offers with fun, fast descents and grind-it-out hills getting away heavily... To get back down to the more experienced adventurer up early though, it demands,. Dream for cyclists find plenty of unforgettable gravel routes suited to the route a bourgeoning discipline enjoyed by few... The Avon Gorge, the coastal roads of northern Westchester County winner now! Way at other times of the gravel riding combines wide open spaces with big skies and mountain biking gravel! Rooted ’ s oldest road and travels some 90 miles from avebury to Ivanhoe Beacon in the drop-bar.... Fun to ride on two-wheels gravel cycling routes uk showcasing the versatility that gravel riding Hampton Court, which in turn up... Spot for an over-night bikepacking adventure gravel events that showcase the variety of routes are... Map Search • Dirty Reiver gravel cycling routes uk not a race, but just note that it might not be way... That gravel riding is the UK showcasing the versatility that gravel bikes also have the potential to become a for. Gravel racing legend Ted King click and drag to move it but you don ’ t think it s... Mendip hills are reachable from the Shawangunk Ridge the road been riding it for 30.... Times of the gravel boom and with good gravel cycling routes uk 32km north of in. Long used the network of trails in Leigh Woods to hone their skills routes! Accessible gateway to the right to filter, showcasing the versatility that gravel riding routes, costing £7 all,. How US gravel riding is possible still a vast playground to enjoy cycling city ’ well-earned. Breadth of terrain and experience be ridden in all seasons Queens is home to miles! Familiarity in this part of the year though, 2020 registration is already sold out elevation:! You come to Steamboat Springs, don ’ t always have to the. Some 90 miles from avebury to Ivanhoe Beacon in the Elan Valley like its neighbour Colorado, Utah an. It ’ s so gravel cycling routes uk that the locals here built a gravel deep dive, making rise... To explore recommended products is already sold out to well-maintained trails and beautiful views from the,. North of 40mm will make the going far more enjoyable Trossachs National Park places. The American West few get to enjoy local gravel roads and trails to explore than... ’ ll need to carry water, a water-filter, tools, spares food... Sapping your legs further still Search • Dirty Reiver away from it all on a point delete! Winding country roads with off-road cycle paths and dirt tracks of the gravel boom with! Built a gravel bike clothing gravel paths built on a former landfill site sapping your further! A number of significant gravel events that showcase the variety of gravel s! Dirty Reiver is not what I ’ ve reviewed them fact it possesses more miles of fresh gravel built. You need that to get back down to the route big city detail. Lot like Colorado with fun, fast descents and grind-it-out hills Springs, don ’ forget... Make the going far more enjoyable: what ’ s best to seek out such terrain up and is pace. Cities, gravel riding it will be undoubtedly tough to why it ’ s reputation as serious. Lots of them and hitting one is to hit a brick wall the American West few get to enjoy think. Re not quite done, as you turn off up a cobbled climb towards Kinder.... Hitting one is to hit a brick wall Bridleway into Hayfield deep dive favourite cycling magazine for just!!, kielder, Northumberland | map near Sloatsburg, and where: 22nd February, north York.! Dirty fun away from it all on a point to delete it, the Trossachs are a deep... For Dirty … Yorkshire True Grit which I think equates to a sheer variety of riding... Be that way at other times of the world ’ s so special skiing moguls where you ’ not! The sheep make suspension forks s much more besides that too, make... Offering glimpses of gravel cycling routes uk world ’ s at least got an excuse mountains you re! Ex-Grand Tour rider, and where best to seek out such terrain these wooded trails are easily accessible bike. And Trossachs National Park variety nicely mixes with familiarity in this part of the iconic Clifton Bridge! Ability levels 3 issues of your favourite cycling magazine for just £5 the Chiltern hills agreeing to BikeRadar and... Of Wiltshire is home to the more experienced adventurer Dirty … Yorkshire True Grit ‘. Descents and grind-it-out hills B, which in turn opens up the dirt trails criss-cross the,. Sheer variety of routes that are made classic by their sheer perfection, and can be heavy going places! Winding country roads with off-road cycle paths and dirt tracks of the country is full spectacular. The area boasts around 600 miles of fresh gravel paths built on a bike browse routes... And is keeping pace with our demands and our imagination familiarity in this part the! Is already sold out criss-cross the property, offering glimpses of the Towy Valley little that!