Gravel racing has gained popularity in recent years as cyclists seek new challenges and experiences beyond traditional road or mountain biking. These events have a vibrant and inclusive community, offering a variety of activities from casual gravel rides to competitive races with professional athletes.
Gravel racing is characterized by long distances, often ranging from 100 to 200 miles, primarily held on gravel roads. These races typically feature mass starts, including all categories of racers, similar to Gran Fondo rides. The bicycles and courses in gravel racing vary widely, from road bicycles with wide tires to bicycles that share characteristics with mountain bikes. When selecting a bicycle for a race, cyclists must have detailed knowledge of the course, considering factors such as terrain, weather, length, and time of year.
The culture of gravel biking has been a significant factor in its growth. Gravel races rarely require a team of coaches and bicycle technicians, and riders are generally focused on completing the course rather than maintaining a specific pace. This fosters camaraderie on the trail and creates a fun and relaxed atmosphere that is not always present in road and mountain bike races.
2 great examples of gravel racing in Illinois are the early season RoughRoad100 and later summer Little Apple Gravel race.
In 2025, the USA Cycling Gravel National Championships are scheduled for September 20 in La Crescent, Minnesota. This event will coincide with the annual Apple Festival.
For junior riders aged 15-18, USA Cycling has introduced the Junior Gravel National Series, a five-race series designed to nurture the next generation of elite cyclists. This series provides aspiring athletes with invaluable race experience in the fast-growing discipline of gravel cycling.