Is It Just Us, or Is This Gravel Biking Thing Really Catching On?
With several American athletes currently in Treviso, Italy getting ready for the UCI Gravel World Championships this weekend, now might be a good time to acknowledge that this whole gravel cycling thing might really be catching on.
First, what is gravel cycling these days? Depends who you ask. The World Championship course in Italy is everything from less-traveled pavement, to very chunky rocky roads, to barely discernible double-track through farmland. In the states, bike companies and race directors are blurring lines between road riding and mountain biking.
Today, some of the most popular gravel events in the U.S. include sections of singletrack, and Jeep roads so rocky you truly have to choose a line carefully. Other versions of gravel riding simply mean dirt and gravel roads not often trafficked by most motorists. Slower speeds, unexpected challenges, and more scenic views. What’s not to love?
Here are a few destinations to add to your bucket list if you are gravel-curious and looking to explore unpaved roads less traveled.
Northwest Arkansas
The New York Times recently featured a run-down of the best spots in the U.S. for gravel biking, so you know it’s now officially mainstream. Their list included Northwest Arkansas, namely Bentonville—in the heart of the Ozark Mountains—which has become known as a gravel (and all things biking) hub. That’s thanks in large part to the Walton family. The Waltons own Walmart, and run the Walton Family Foundation, which has always prioritized bikes and outdoor recreation.
If you’re in the area, there are endless ways to spend a day on a bike. According to the NYT, Chuck Campbell, an environmental manager for a wastewater recycling company, has designed several epic loops that together make up the 1,200-mile Arkansas High Country Route, a mix of paved and unpaved roads that launched in 2019.
Colorado
Colorado might be home to the most unique gravel races of any state, but if you’re looking for gravel events you can likely find one in just about any state these days. Steamboat Springs launched SBT GRVL in 2019. They’ve since grown to be one of the most inclusive events out there, with all kinds of training ride opportunities, and partnerships with inclusive cycling groups such as All Bodies on Bikes and Ride for Racial Justice.
If you’re looking for a quieter way to enjoy Colorado gravel, check out Nederland, a quaint mountain town 30-minutes outside of Boulder. There are probably more gravel roads in and around Nederland than paved, and almost all of them take you to excellent cafes and snack shops to recharge. Nederland to Gold Hill with a homemade slice of pie from the Gold Hill Store is tough to beat.
Arizona
If you’re looking for a way to escape the cold in the coming months, Arizona offers tons of gravel-friendly riding. Many of the multi-use trails around the Phoenix State Parks can be connected for some hearty loops. AZ Gravel Rides has compiled an excellent list of gravel adventures in all areas of the state.
Patagonia, Arizona has become a not-so-secret winter escape for gravel lovers lately. Located in the Patagonia Mountains, it’s got a desert mountain feel, with plenty of climbing and lots of sandy roads with incredible views. The area is expansive, so you can ride all day without seeing anyone. According to the NYT, “a new edition in the expanding “Gravel Adventure Field Guide” series focuses on routes in Patagonia and surrounding Santa Cruz County.”
Vermont
And on the east coast, Vermont can’t be beat. Most people in Vermont will probably tell you that they prefer dirt roads to paved ones. There’s something nice about a slower pace. Seven Days VT claims that Vermont has 8,579 miles of unpaved roads, compared to 7,182 miles of paved roads.
The VTXL is a 300-mile route that stretches from Canada to Massachusetts via 90 percent dirt and gravel roads. Former WorldTour rider turned adventure/gravel pro Ted King is currently bikepacking the route that he’s done before in a single push. This time he’s documenting the summer’s flooding that ravaged the state. “Heartbreaking but with short memories, we want to help bring attention to just how devastating it was and continues to be as Vermont rebuilds,” he posted to social media.
No matter your location, chances are, you can find some dirt and gravel to ride. And if you’re up for a bigger challenge, start planning a trip to one of the many epic gravel destinations around the country.
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