Gravel racing

Gravel racing is endurance riding on unpaved surfaces.

In terms course profile and character gravel events vary hugely. Some races are performance-minded and competitive while other events are only partially timed or not even timed at all with more focus on camaraderie and the experience of riding. Gravel courses can consist of any kind of surface from backroads and light hard-packed gravel all the way to technical singletrack sections.

Light gravel roads are typically wider less steep and more firm underfoot. As they are smoother you don’t need suspension or mountain bike-style wide tyres to stay fast and stable.

Singletrack is more narrow typically more winding and rougher and more technical with more rocks and roots. Suspension typically helps to absorb shocks keep you rolling smoother and faster in these sections.