Gravel cycling or biking involves riding a bicycle on unpaved, gravel roads and trails. As Steven Rindner says, gravel biking is a rapidly growing cycling discipline that combines elements of adventure cycling, mountain biking, and road cycling. Today, specialized gravel bikes are widely available. These bicycles are equipped with wider tires to handle the rougher terrain. Gravel cyclists typically encounter a number of obstacles like loose gravel, steep climbs, and technical descents, which make every ride quite exciting.
Steven Rindner highlights some of the best gravel biking routes in the United States
Gravel biking is among the most exhilarating ways to explore the varied landscapes of the United States, right from the rugged mountains of the West to the rolling hills of the Midwest. There are numerous gravel routes present across the country that provide thrilling terrains and stunning scenery. Here are a few of the best gravel biking routes in the United States:
- Patagonia to Canelo Loop, Arizona: This 124 km loop takes the gravel cyclists through the rugged landscapes of southern Arizona, and features gravel roads and dirt tracks.
- Spirit World 50 Course Loop, Patagonia, Arizona: The Spirit World 50 is an annual 50-mile gravel cycling event that features a challenging course through the San Rafael Valley and Patagonia Mountains. The route has varied surfaces and elevations between 5,000 and 6,000 feet. With a mix of gravel roads and paved surfaces, this route provides a challenging yet rewarding ride, and gives cyclists the opportunity to admire stunning desert scenery.
- Gainesville-Hawthorne State Trail, Florida: Located in Alachua County, the Gainesville-Hawthorne Trail is a paved walkway that stretches 16 miles from Boulware Springs Park in Gainesville, through beautiful woodlands and past deep lakes. This route offers a mix of paved and unpaved surfaces, and enables gravel cyclists to enjoy a scenic ride through Florida’s countryside.
- Lexington to Concord Gravel Loop, Massachusetts: This 51km loop takes gravel cyclists through the historic towns of Concord and Lexington. This route features a mix of rail trails and gravel roads. During the challenging yet thrilling ride, cyclists would get a glimpse into the area’s rich history.
- Old Fall River Road and Trail Ridge Road Gravel Loop, Colorado: This route takes the cyclists through the widely popular Rocky Mountain National Park, and features gravel roads and paved sections. During the ride, cyclists would get to admire charming views of the mountains and alpine scenery.
- Butler-Freeport Community Trail, Pennsylvania: This is a 64.5 km route that runs through Butler County and includes a mix of gravel roads and rail trails. Gravel cyclists can enjoy a scenic ride through rural Pennsylvania while admiring the local countryside.
- Blue Hills and Stony Brook Reservation Gravel Loop, Massachusetts: Connecting the Blue Hills Reservation with Stony Brook Reservation, this route features a mix of gravel roads and singletrack. It is perfect for enjoying a challenging gravel ride with beautiful views of the Boston skyline.
In the opinion of Steven Rindner, anyone interested in exploring the off-road routes listed above in a new and exciting way should consider gravel biking.