Gravel cycling has exploded in popularity over the last few years, and after spending more time exploring forest roads, greenways and mountain passes on two wheels, I’ve come to appreciate that it’s an activity that’s best enjoyed when you don’t overcomplicate it.
These aren’t expert tips or hard and fast rules. They’re simply a few lessons I’ve picked up that I’d pass on to anyone thinking about getting into gravel cycling.
1. You don’t need mountain bike skills to enjoy gravel riding
One of the biggest misconceptions about gravel cycling is that it’s highly technical. While a certain amount of bike handling helps, you certainly don’t need the skills of a mountain biker to get started.
In fact, many of the best gravel routes combine quiet roads, forest tracks, greenways and easy, flowing trails. Greenways are an excellent place to start, while technical mountain bike trails are probably best left to riders with more off-road experience.
2. Prioritise fun over speed
The best piece of advice I was given was simple:
“forget about speed and just enjoy exploring on two wheels like you did when you were a kid.”
Gravel riding isn’t about chasing average speed. It’s about taking the scenic route, finding roads you’ve never ridden before, and occasionally stopping for coffee and, of course, cake! The more fun you’re having, the more you’ll want to ride.
3. Wide tyres are your friend
If there’s one thing I’d encourage new riders not to overlook, it’s tyre choice.
Wider tyres don’t just provide more grip, they make the bike significantly more comfortable. On rough roads and gravel tracks, comfort equals confidence, and confidence makes riding more enjoyable. Bigger tyres mean more traction, more control and fewer rattled bones.
4. Start with familiar routes
It takes time to get comfortable with the handling of a gravel bike.
Loose surfaces, steep climbs and rough descents all feel a little different from riding on the road, so I’d encourage beginners to stick to familiar terrain initially. Greenways, quiet back roads and easy forest roads are perfect places to build confidence before heading off into the unknown.
5. Know how you’re getting home
Adventure is great, but it’s much more enjoyable when you’re prepared.
Before heading out, make sure you know the route, carry enough food and water and bring the essentials needed to deal with a puncture or mechanical issue. Hopefully you’ll never need them, but you’ll be glad they’re there when you do.
6. Invest in comfort before anything else
Long rides over rough terrain put a large amount of strain on your backside, and a good pair of bib shorts is one upgrade that pays for itself very quickly. The same goes for getting the right bike in the first place. Visiting an experienced bike shop and talking through what type of riding you want to do is worth far more than chasing the fanciest frame.
7. You don’t need to spend a fortune
It’s easy to get carried away looking at dream builds and high-end bikes, but there are excellent gravel bikes available for under €2,000. The Orbea Terra is a bike we have ridden a lot this year and it starts at €1,800. Schemes like Bike to Work make getting started even easier, and a capable entry-level bike can take you just about anywhere. You can always upgrade components later. The important thing is simply getting out and riding. We would recommend heading to a gravel cycling specialist store like The Sports Room in County Wicklow.
8. Events are a great way to discover new places
One thing I’ve really enjoyed about the growth of gravel cycling in Ireland is the increasing number of organised events.
Series like the Gravel Ride Series offer a brilliant opportunity to ride trails and routes you might never discover on your own, all with the added reassurance of crew support and a welcoming atmosphere.
And even if racing isn’t your thing, the community side of gravel cycling is reason enough to get involved.
9. Don’t take it too seriously
Perhaps that’s the biggest lesson of all. Gravel cycling should feel like being a kid again.
It’s about getting a little lost, getting muddy, stopping for coffee and discovering somewhere new.
Some days you’ll ride fast. Some days you’ll stop every few kilometres to take photos.
Neither is wrong. Because at the end of the day, gravel riding isn’t really about speed.
It’s about freedom.
