Getting into gravel: bike, tyres and your first event

Gravel means riding off the tarmac, on gravel, forest and farm tracks, combined with quiet back roads. The gravel bike sits between a road bike and a mountain bike: drop bars, but wider tyres and usually a more relaxed geometry.

The bike

• Tyres: They matter more than almost anything else. Wider tyres (often 40 mm and more) give more comfort and grip on loose surfaces. Tubeless tyres with sealant are widespread on gravel because small punctures seal themselves.
• Gearing: Gravel routes often have steep, loose climbs. Low gears help.
• No gravel bike? For easy routes, a cyclocross bike, a road bike with wide tyres or a hardtail MTB is often enough. What works depends on the route, so read the organiser's description.

Event formats

• Gravel rides and tours: untimed, often with feed stations and several route lengths. Ideal for getting started.
• Gravel races: timed, sometimes with a mass start.
• Ultra gravel and bikepacking: very long routes, often self-supported with overnight stops along the way. More on this in the guide What is a brevet?.

Preparing for your first event

• Check the route: Length, elevation and surface are on the event page and with the organiser. A look at the GPS track shows how much gravel there really is.
• Technique: On loose ground, a relaxed upper body, smooth pedalling and braking before corners rather than in them help.
• Repair kit: Spare tube (even with tubeless), tyre levers, pump or CO₂, multitool, and tubeless plugs if needed.
• Food: On gravel routes you pass shops less often than on the road. Carry enough.
• Navigation: Many events are navigated by GPS track only and not signposted. Load the track onto your device beforehand.

Respect on the trail

Gravel routes often lead through forests and nature. Follow local trail rules, be considerate of hikers and leave no litter behind.

You'll find upcoming gravel events below this guide.