Gravel road racing

[JJ]

I know this has been discussed before, I just want to get the opinions of the hub land via a poll.

 

I am quite attracted to the idea of gravel road racing/ riding. I know this genre of riding has exploded in the US. Do you thing this is something that would work in SA on a larger scale? I for one would be keen on doing a few one day gravel races on the odd weekend and add a gravel stage race in the mix during the year. One day rides/ races covering anything from 80k to 160k. Any bike would be welcome, but preferably with a gravel/ cross bike.

 

Ideally the races should cater for every type of rider and fitness level. Just enjoying being outside, fit and healthy.

 

We have got such a beautiful country and this could be another way of seeing parts of it we would normally miss.

 

Any ideas suggestions would be great.

[JJ]

[Captain Fastbastard Mayhem]

You mean marathon racing.... Already very popular here. 

[Christofison]

Not quite the same as marathon racing. Gravel races are generally much longer with zero single-track. Gravel grinder specific bikes are pretty much cyclocross bikes with a slightly more comfortable geometry.

 

Sent from my E5823 using Tapatalk

[intern]

I ride my 2015 S-Works Tarmac on gravel/dirt/district roads all the time. It doesn't mind; actually, it loves it and so do I. I use 23 tyres, have punctures occasionally, but nothing too hectic. You do need to concentrate a bit more though.

Fun fact, we call dirt roads 'metal roads' in NZ. I think it may be because of the corrugations.

[Prince Albert Cycles]

I know this has been discussed before, I just want to get the opinions of the hub land via a poll.

I am quite attracted to the idea of gravel road racing/ riding. I know this genre of riding has exploded in the US. Do you thing this is something that would work in SA on a larger scale? I for one would be keen on doing a few one day gravel races on the odd weekend and add a gravel stage race in the mix during the year. One day rides/ races covering anything from 80k to 160k. Any bike would be welcome, but preferably with a gravel/ cross bike.

Ideally the races should cater for every type of rider and fitness level. Just enjoying being outside, fit and healthy.

We have got such a beautiful country and this could be another way of seeing parts of it we would normally miss.

Any ideas suggestions would be great.

I think it is a great idea . The less we ride on tar the better for our own safety .

[Mongoose!]

^{zero single track..what an awesome idea}  

[JJ]

Thanks so much for the input guys. I hope this thread grows with ideas and discussions regarding gravel grinding!

[Skinnyone]

^{zero single track..what an awesome idea}  

Yeah this idea that a race needs 60% (or whatever) singletrack grates me...not every one wants or likes singletrack....

[Mongoose!]

Yeah this idea that a race needs 60% (or whatever) singletrack grates me...not every one wants or likes singletrack....

 

We should start a new movement

 

#singletrackmustfall 

[coppi]

I would love to try this out.

For the fundies out there, is it possible to convert and old roadbike to a

cyclocross bike ?

[OneLove]

I ride my 2015 S-Works Tarmac on gravel/dirt/district roads all the time. It doesn't mind; actually, it loves it and so do I. I use 23 tyres, have punctures occasionally, but nothing too hectic. You do need to concentrate a bit more though.

Fun fact, we call dirt roads 'metal roads' in NZ. I think it may be because of the corrugations.

I do this all the time... my tarmac is a semi mtb and handles it like a boss.

[Skinnyone]

I would love to try this out.

For the fundies out there, is it possible to convert and old roadbike to a

cyclocross bike ?

So long as you have enough clearance on the frame and brakes for 28c or larger tyres then yes - nothing stopping you...I too have taken my road bike off road plenty - even down rough singletrack downhills...