Originally Posted by datlas

I got invited to join a “gravel” ride with some friends.

I took my CX bike. Reminder I am a roadie with very few off-road skills.

The gravel part of the route was fine. The paved part, obv, was no problem.

The somewhat technical single track with wet leaves and wet roots and huge rocks scared the crap out of me. I had to dismount and walk several times. About 3/4 into the ride, it became very hilly with loose gravel bordering on MTB type terrain, so I turned back and wished my friends good luck.

I think I need to either stick to the road, or attend some off-road skills clinics.

One of the guys fell several times, and I believe everyone fell at least once.