Gravel Ride Pics
03-04-21, 08:45 PM
#1401
Sunshine
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It's cool to see how everyone uses their bikes. The last few pics for example- riding smooth dirt singletrack thru undeveloped land.
Others further up- rural gravel roads.
Others further up- rural gravel roads.
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03-05-21, 03:51 PM
#1402
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Finally bit the bullet and picked up a nice used gravel bike. This was from my first ride. Look close and you can see the ocean. I tried to do some single-track riding too, but it was a huge mistake since it was steep, rocky and I was wearing my carbon road shoes (and it was getting dark)! Not so fun. Also, I'm not sure if my brakes need to be bled or I just need stronger brakes for steep descents, but my hands were killing me on the way down. More to come later. I've got new gravel shoes and pedals on the way, as well as a smaller chainring, so hopefully things will improve as I figure this gravel stuff out. This was on 650b x 47mm wheels. I've got some 700c wheels coming too (the seller included both sets in the sale). Definitely welcome any advice. I was sort of kicking myself for not just getting a MTB when I was descending. Also welcoming suggestions for a new color bar tape. Blue? Black? Hot pink?
03-05-21, 09:23 PM
#1403
Full Member
Finally bit the bullet and picked up a nice used gravel bike. This was from my first ride. Look close and you can see the ocean. I tried to do some single-track riding too, but it was a huge mistake since it was steep, rocky and I was wearing my carbon road shoes (and it was getting dark)! Not so fun. Also, I'm not sure if my brakes need to be bled or I just need stronger brakes for steep descents, but my hands were killing me on the way down. More to come later. I've got new gravel shoes and pedals on the way, as well as a smaller chainring, so hopefully things will improve as I figure this gravel stuff out. This was on 650b x 47mm wheels. I've got some 700c wheels coming too (the seller included both sets in the sale). Definitely welcome any advice. I was sort of kicking myself for not just getting a MTB when I was descending. Also welcoming suggestions for a new color bar tape. Blue? Black? Hot pink?
I recently fitted a Redshift suspension stem to my gravel bike. It makes a world of difference to me on steep rocky, rooty, or potholed descents. It reduces fatigue on your hands while braking and enables less need for braking. I resisted getting one for six years now in the interest of keeping things simpler, sure wish I’d made the move sooner. For smooth gravel roads it doesn’t do much. For washboard or potholed pavement it helps a lot. For rocky single track it’s great. Obviously not to the level of an mtb, but much improved. I run 700x42c front and rear for reference.
Oh, and I’m the last person to consult on bar tape color, no help there.
03-06-21, 05:37 AM
#1404
Monstercross
Clashganny wood, carlow, Ireland
Last edited by Monstercross; 03-07-21 at 03:03 AM.
03-06-21, 05:50 AM
#1405
Monstercross
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03-06-21, 05:57 AM
#1406
Monstercross
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03-07-21, 05:36 AM
#1407
Monstercross
A night ride on Brandon hill,Kilkenny, Ireland
A spin up the barrowline ,goresbridge,Kilkenny, Ireland
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03-07-21, 11:30 PM
#1408
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Hey Matt, nice pic, looks like you have miles to go and the sun is setting.
I recently fitted a Redshift suspension stem to my gravel bike. It makes a world of difference to me on steep rocky, rooty, or potholed descents. It reduces fatigue on your hands while braking and enables less need for braking. I resisted getting one for six years now in the interest of keeping things simpler, sure wish I’d made the move sooner. For smooth gravel roads it doesn’t do much. For washboard or potholed pavement it helps a lot. For rocky single track it’s great. Obviously not to the level of an mtb, but much improved. I run 700x42c front and rear for reference.
Oh, and I’m the last person to consult on bar tape color, no help there.
I recently fitted a Redshift suspension stem to my gravel bike. It makes a world of difference to me on steep rocky, rooty, or potholed descents. It reduces fatigue on your hands while braking and enables less need for braking. I resisted getting one for six years now in the interest of keeping things simpler, sure wish I’d made the move sooner. For smooth gravel roads it doesn’t do much. For washboard or potholed pavement it helps a lot. For rocky single track it’s great. Obviously not to the level of an mtb, but much improved. I run 700x42c front and rear for reference.
Oh, and I’m the last person to consult on bar tape color, no help there.
Here's a shot from Sullivan Canyon in the Santa Monica Mountains above Brentwood.
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03-08-21, 08:29 PM
#1409
aka Tom Reingold
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This thread might have the best pictures on all of bikeforums. I so appreciate them. There are gravel roads near me, and I really must find them. I'm right next to the Mohonk Preserve in Ulster County, New York.
I'm also a few miles from Lake Minnewaska State Park Preserve.
I'm also a few miles from Lake Minnewaska State Park Preserve.
__________________
Tom Reingold, tom@noglider.com
New York City and High Falls, NY
Blogs: The Experienced Cyclist; noglider's ride blog
“When man invented the bicycle he reached the peak of his attainments.” — Elizabeth West, US author
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Tom Reingold, tom@noglider.com
New York City and High Falls, NY
Blogs: The Experienced Cyclist; noglider's ride blog
“When man invented the bicycle he reached the peak of his attainments.” — Elizabeth West, US author
Please email me rather than PM'ing me. Thanks.
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03-13-21, 12:58 PM
#1410
Junior Member
question about Mohonk
I live in Westchester NY, and want to take a trip up to do some Gravel Riding in the Gunks. Do you know if the Carriage Trails are Asphalt or Dirt?
03-13-21, 08:35 PM
#1411
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This thread might have the best pictures on all of bikeforums. I so appreciate them. There are gravel roads near me, and I really must find them. I'm right next to the Mohonk Preserve in Ulster County, New York.
I'm also a few miles from Lake Minnewaska State Park Preserve.
I'm also a few miles from Lake Minnewaska State Park Preserve.
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03-23-21, 01:36 PM
#1418
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1st gravel ride (outside or rail to trails) this season. 35 miles, 3.2k climbing, Michaux State Forest. At least 30 miles of the ride was gravel. Great weather , excellent, good times.
See next post, I messed it up....sorry
See next post, I messed it up....sorry
03-24-21, 01:16 AM
#1421
Senior Member
Does it count if it was mixed terrain and I rode in the gravel along the paved parts?
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03-24-21, 05:58 AM
#1422
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I was surprised how smooth most of the roads were. There were some rough sections but not many. The climbs were long but not real steep, they still kicked my butt. It is a great place to learn gravel riding IF you are a decent road cyclist.
