Why Not Start? Encouragement To Try a Gravel Event

“Not all who wander are lost” is tattooed below a silhouette of mountains on the inside of my arm as a reminder of adventure. I share that because we are often plagued by the precautions, aka adulting, that hinder us from living big, full, and exciting lives. In a previous article, I wrote, “In a world where we are tied to desks and forced to be ‘responsible’ adults, bikes have provided a place for me to play,” and that still holds true. So, “Why not start?” is the real question I ask myself these days. Preparing for and riding in a gravel event can help you focus on something other than your daily worries and responsibilities, but starting is often the hardest part.

Read on for a few thought starters that may help nudge you to jump into a gravel event…because why not?

Cyclists riding in paceline on gravel road, focus on bikes and road

Pick a race, any race

The gravel scene in the United States has EXPLODED in size. There are so many events to choose from. A quick Google search may bring up local events if you just want to dive in. Or you can research an event, consider the distance you want to take on, and plan out the time investment it will take to prepare properly. To get you started, a few of my favorite gravel rides are The Last Best Ride (Whitefish, Montana), Co2uT (Fruita, Colorado), SBT Gravel (Steamboat Springs, Colorado), and Rooted Vermont (Richmond, Vermont).

Small group of cyclists riding on gravel road in high-elevation desert

Training with other people is fun

Sure, being new can feel intimidating, but in my experience, you will find one or two people in a group that you’ll connect with. Cyclists, in general, are ecstatic for folks’ first attempts at any event, regardless of distance. Just the idea of toeing a start line is often enough to get other riders invested in keeping you accountable to your goals.

Share your goals, aspirations, and the unknowns; someone is always willing to help out with a tip or relevant experience. Remember that the best part of being new is that starting from the bottom gives you so much room to grow, learn, and excel in the sport.

Bike racers on rolling gravel road with distance between each rider

Familiarize yourself with the map

While I’m a proponent of having fun and minimizing expectations, there is no harm in studying a map of the course. I have found that it allows me to better understand what to expect at the event and then find local routes that will help me prepare. Knowing where the challenging terrain is, anticipating the major climbs, and being aware of distances between aid stations lightens the physical and mental load on race day.

Krystal Salvents stopped for snack at remote gas station, bike parked against old pick-up truck

Practice nutrition + your routine (on similar terrain if your area allows it)

Once you’ve decided on your event, I recommend choosing a few places you want to explore on your bike for fun, to practice nutrition, and get comfortable with the unknowns. My favorite on-the-bike treat? JoJe bars, especially the White Chocolate Coconut and Pancakes & Bacon — did I mention they are vegan? And don’t forget the sunblock! My favorite is Supergoop! Daily Dose.

Level set your expectations

Theodore Roosevelt said, “Comparison is the thief of joy,” and I couldn't agree more! When you sign up for an event, it’s easy to get into comparison mode and beat yourself up. But I want to remind you that none of this is easy. If it were easy, we would all be racing a classic like Paris-Roubaix.

Trust your training and preparation.

Strategize how you will overcome the challenging moments because they will happen.

One thing I find helpful when I hear that voice that says, “QUIT!” is to chant, “You can do hard things. It’s only difficult right now.” And then I thoughtfully and kindly talk to myself about how privileged I am to have chosen to do the event. It’s a humbling reminder that I am competent regardless of how fast or slow I am.

Cyclists stopped on gravel road for group selfie

Have fun

I won’t pretend this part is easy. If it were, we’d see the above statement way less in articles like this. I wish I had taken my own advice at the beginning of my race season last year.

I got lost chasing an unrealistic goal: juggling a personal life, a full-time job, volunteering, and activism work while training and trying to maintain a sense of normalcy in a chaotic world. I say all this because having big goals is commendable but allowing yourself to have fun is more important. When I put unnecessary pressure on myself, it resulted in extensive burnout and mental and physical fatigue. I forgot to have fun and got lost in the numbers.

I hope these tips offer enough encouragement to get you to try a gravel event. There is nothing to lose from the experience, and everything gain, so why not start? Good luck!

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