Gravel Skills and Equipment: Be Fast, Safe, and In Control
Gravel events often present a mix of surfaces—mud, sand, loose gravel, and private land with rough terrain—not to mention potholes and washboards. Mastering bike-handling skills can help you stay upright, avoid crashes, and gain free speed, making every ride safer and more enjoyable. And the right equipment will help you go the distance.
Bike Handling Skills for Gravel
Body Position
Your body position impacts bike handling, especially on constantly shifting terrain. Proper positioning is crucial for climbing, descending, and navigating rough sections filled with potholes, washboard bumps, roots, and rocks.
Descending
The “ready” position is essential for gravel descents:
Feet: Level at 3 o’clock and 9 o’clock positions, with your dominant foot forward.
Knees and elbows: Slightly bent.
Heels: Dropped to relax your calves and absorb vibrations.
Hips: Hovering over the saddle.
Hands: In the drops for optimal grip, control, and brake access.
Focus: Keep your eyes on the road ahead, 5-10 yards in front.
Relax your body and let your bike float underneath you. Trust your equipment and allow it to navigate the terrain without fighting it.
Tackling Curves
Gravel turns require assessing terrain and choosing your line:
Analyze the turn: Look for well-worn tracks or areas with more traction.
Approach with confidence: Adjust your speed before entering the turn.
Counter-steering technique:
For good traction: Push your outside foot down and apply gentle pressure to the inside bar.
For loose conditions: Keep your body upright and steer through the turn. Use your rear brake if necessary.
Focus on your line: Avoid fixating on obstacles; look where you want to go.
Climbing
Gravel climbs are less technical than descents but demand traction management:
Seated climbs:
Hinge at your hips and lower your upper body.
Slide slightly forward on the saddle to maintain pressure on both wheels.
Standing climbs:
Hover above the saddle with weight evenly distributed.
Avoid sudden movements that could cause wheel slippage.
Braking Fundamentals
Effective braking is critical on gravel:
Use both brakes equally on stable surfaces and primarily the rear brake on loose terrain.
Shift your weight back to counteract forward inertia when braking hard.
Practice braking on different surfaces to understand how your disc brakes respond.
Eating and Drinking on the Bike
Comfortably eating and drinking while riding is essential for long events:
Practice riding one-handed on grass or smooth gravel.
Gradually incorporate tasks like reaching for bottles or pockets.
Level up by practicing removing and putting on a jacket while riding.
Mastering Different Gravel Surfaces
Gravel encompasses a variety of terrains:
Hard-packed dirt: Ride similarly to pavement but adjust stopping distance and turning speed.
Loose over hard: Increase braking distance and steer more than lean into turns.
Sand and mud: Let the front wheel float and steer with your hips. Keep the bike upright to maintain traction.
Potholes and brake bumps: Assume a ready position and let your body absorb the impact. Avoid swerving unnecessarily.
Practice, Practice, Practice
Familiarize yourself with the surfaces and skills relevant to your events. Use available terrain, such as parks or playgrounds, to simulate conditions like sand or mud. Riding in inclement weather can also build confidence and adaptability.
Ultimate Gravel Ride Checklist
Preparation can make or break your ride. Here’s what you need:
Bike Essentials
Gravel bike with appropriate tires (check pressure and tread condition).
Lights (front and rear) for visibility.
Multitool with chain breaker.
Spare tube and/or tubeless repair kit.
Hand pump or CO2 inflator.
Personal Gear
Helmet.
Cycling shoes.
Gloves and eyewear.
Weather-appropriate clothing (e.g., jacket, vest, arm/leg warmers).
Nutrition and Hydration
Water bottles or hydration pack.
Energy gels, bars, or snacks.
Electrolyte tablets or mix.
Safety and Navigation
GPS device or smartphone with route loaded.
ID and emergency contact information.
Cash or credit card.
Additional Items for Long Rides
Sunscreen.
Chamois cream.
Spare derailleur hanger.
By refining your bike handling skills and preparing meticulously, you can confidently tackle any gravel adventure.
