When people think of gravel biking, they often imagine cyclists riding in a remote place surrounded by trees or mountains. In the opinion of Steven Rindner, gravel biking simply means riding on any manner of unpaved surfaces, even if it is a flat, well-travelled dirt road.
Steven Rindner talks about a few factors contributing to the rising popularity of gravel biking
In recent years, gravel biking has truly taken the cycling world by storm and for many good reasons. It provides a distinctive blend of fitness, versatility and adventure which makes gravel biking appealing to a wide variety of cyclists. Gravel bikes are specifically designed to handle diverse types of terrains, and therefore are an ideal choice for those who want to explore beyond the paved roads.
One of the biggest factors boosting the popularity of gravel biking is the sense of adventure and exploration it provides. Riding on gravel roads enables cyclists to discover scenic landscapes and remote areas that might not be accessible by traditional road bikes. Such backroads and off-the-map tracks may take cyclists through centuries-old forests, across rolling farmland, past hidden waterfalls, over mountain passes, and so on. Gravel biking provides a break from the monotony of riding on paved roads, and enables cyclists to enjoy a sense of discovery and freedom. The spontaneity and uncertainty associated with gravel biking are also a part of the fun. However, gravel biking adventures do not have to always be epic to be enjoyable. Even a short gravel ride close to home would seem like a mini adventure that allows cyclists to enjoy fresh views and novel terrain.
Gravel biking presents unique challenges in comparison to typical road cycling. The varying terrain, which includes uneven surfaces, dirt and loose gravel, tends to require distinctive skills and techniques, which adds an element of excitement and challenge to the ride. According to Steven Rindner, several cyclists find it enjoyable to test their limits, and hone their riding skills in an environment that is less structured and more adventurous.
Gravel biking provides cyclists with the chance to escape from noisy traffic and busy roads. An increasing number of cyclists prefer the solitude and tranquility of gravel paths, where they are able to ride at their own pace, without having to worry about the dangers and distractions of four-wheelers. This feature of gravel biking particularly makes the activity highly attractive to people seeking a peaceful and nature-focused cycling experience.
The consistently rising popularity of gravel biking across the world has additionally led to the emergence of a strong community. Today many organizations and groups have come up that host diverse types of gravel events and races. Such events play a pivotal role in bringing together like-minded cyclists who enjoy the shared experience of riding gravel routes. The discerning social aspect of gravel biking, which includes organized races and group rides, significantly adds to the overall appeal of the activity and contributes to its booming popularity.