Gravel Cycling

Nick Legan shows that gravel riding and bikepacking have reached a real level of maturity. If a friend asks, “What should I do if I want to ride gravel?” the answer is now more complex than, “Dunno, just go ride.” There are numerous events in the U.S., the main focus of the book, and beyond. There are trails and routes plotted – such as the Arizona Trail and the Great Divide – that are not just for the Roald Amundsens of dirt riding, but all capable riders with the ability to do the necessary research and gain the necessary skills.

Legan has done an excellent job of creating a resource for riders who want to get gravelly or head into the backcountry. There are tips from the pros, which include race organizers such as Jim Cummins of Dirty Kanza, to top riders, like Neil Shirley, the 2015 gravel world champion. On the bikepacking front, there are many tips on choosing the right gear for your multi-day rides. I find the bikes interesting. Unlike road and mountain bikes, which are mature machines, there seems to be more exploration by riders as to what works and what doesn’t. There are ways to make mountain bike gearing work with drop bars, while frame bags keep evolving in novel ways.

I don’t usually like to play the role of the neglected Canadian. (It seems a little too insecure, eh?) But the omission of the Paris to Ancaster race, which turns 25 this year, is a miss. As we’ve written before, it was “groad” before “groad” was a thing.

Still, Legan’s book captures a moment, both in words and great photography, of this – what? Movement? Discipline? Whatever it is, if you aren’t already exploring, Gravelcycling will help you get started.— Matthewpioro