Gravel Cycling
Gravel cycling is riding and racing on unpaved roads and mixed surfaces on a drop-bar bike, often over long distances and self-supported.
Overview
Gravel cycling takes place mainly on unpaved roads and tracks — gravel, dirt, and farm roads — often linking long routes across varied terrain.
It uses drop-bar bikes similar to road bikes but with wider, treaded tyres and clearance for rougher ground, blending road-style endurance with off-road handling.
Many gravel events are long and emphasise self-reliance, with riders managing their own supplies and repairs between limited support points.
What defines it
- Ridden mostly on unpaved surfaces such as gravel, dirt, and farm roads.
- Bikes are drop-bar designs with wider tyres and clearance for rough ground.
- Events tend to be long distance and often stress self-supported riding.
- Combines the sustained fitness of road riding with off-road bike control.
- Popular as both a competitive and an exploratory, adventure-style form of riding.
Getting started
- 1Begin on easy gravel paths or quiet dirt roads to get a feel for how loose surfaces handle.
- 2Practise holding a relaxed grip and a steady line when the surface is rough or loose.
- 3Build up distance gradually and plan routes with your supplies in mind.
Other Cycling disciplines
The forms of Cycling sit alongside each other — explore the rest.
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Sports
- CyclingA low-impact endurance sport that doubles as transport, exercise and adventure.
- Mountain BikingAn off-road cycling sport ridden on rugged trails, mixing endurance, bike handling and outdoor adventure.
- Speed SkatingA racing sport on long-bladed skates, powering around an ice oval or tight indoor track with long, rhythmic strides.
- Indoor CyclingAn energetic, low-impact studio workout on a stationary bike, guided by an instructor and music.
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- 2026-07-09
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