Gravel biking offers a unique way to experience landscapes, combining endurance, adventure, and connection with nature, in the opinion of Steven Rindner. With the growing popularity of this discipline, gravel routes worldwide now bring in cyclists seeking adventure on varied terrains. From wide-open prairies and forest trails to high-altitude paths, these routes promise discovery, challenge, and memorable rides.
Gravel routes are not merely paths; they act as gateways to culture, history, and nature. The beauty of gravel biking lies in its ability to link remote areas while maintaining an intimate connection with the environment. Selecting iconic routes globally showcases the diversity of gravel experiences available, inviting exploration with confidence and preparation. Here are some such tracks:
1. North America’s Iconic Gravel Routes
Gravel biking in North America provides vast expanses, diverse terrains, and organized trail systems ideal for both single-day rides and bike-packing explorations, according to Steven Rindner.
The Great Divide Mountain Bike Route (USA and Canada)
- This path extends over 4,400 km from Banff, Alberta, to Antelope Wells, New Mexico, covering the spine of the Rocky Mountains. It features dirt roads, gravel pathways, and minimal paved sections, providing an immersive wilderness experience.
- It includes scenic mountain passes, forests, and open deserts, offering varied landscapes.
Flint Hills (Kansas, USA)
- Known for rolling gravel roads with gentle climbs through prairie landscapes. Also hosts the renowned “Unbound Gravel” event, which showcases the region’s challenging yet rewarding terrain.
- It provides well-maintained roads that offer smooth riding conditions.
Cowichan Valley Trail (British Columbia, Canada)
- This is known to follow sections of the Trans Canada Trail, including historic rail trails converted into gravel paths. It passes through coastal forests, rivers, and valleys, offering scenic beauty and peace.
- It is suitable for multi-day bikepacking trips with accessible camping options.
2. Europe’s Scenic Gravel Biking Destinations
Europe offers a blend of historical routes, diverse terrains, and accessible infrastructure, creating memorable gravel biking experiences.
The Tuscany Trail (Italy)
- This trail winds through vineyards, olive groves, and medieval villages across Tuscany. It is a combination of gravel roads, forest tracks, and quiet country terrains, offering cultural and scenic involvement.
- It features rolling hills and well-preserved historical sites along the route.
Badlands Route (Spain)
- The trail traverses the rugged landscapes of Andalusia, including the Tabernas Desert and Sierra Nevada foothills. It is further known to combine difficult climbs with rewarding descents across gravel and dirt areas.
- This is one of those trails that showcases a blend of desert, mountain, and coastal landscapes under sunny skies.
King Alfred’s Way (England)
- A 350 km circular route linking historic sites in southern England, this trail includes Stonehenge. It offers a mix of gravel trails and quiet country roads across the countryside.
- Some highlights of this trail include chalk downs, old woodlands, and riverside paths.
3. Adventure Routes Across Other Continents
Beyond North America and Europe, gravel biking routes on other continents deliver diverse challenges and unforgettable scenery.
Otago Central Rail Trail (New Zealand)
- This is a 152 km trail following an old railway line across Central Otago. It provides smooth gravel riding through mountain ranges, river gorges, and farmlands. One can also find tunnels of historic importance and small towns with welcoming local culture here.
Cape Winelands Route (South Africa)
- This area offers gravel paths through vineyards, mountains, and valleys near Cape Town. It also combines off-road adventure with gateways to explore local food and culture.
- It features well-maintained routes suitable for gravel bikes, with beautiful scenery of the Cape region, according to Steven Rindner.
Gravel biking routes across the world represent more than mere physical challenges; they embody opportunities for exploration, discovery, and immersion in nature. From the vast prairies of North America to the historic trails of Europe and the diverse landscapes of other continents, each route presents a unique riding experience. These paths invite adventure with courage, preparation, and an openness to the stories that landscapes and communities share along the way. Gravel routes continue to enrich the spirit of adventure cycling, turning each ride into a journey of connection and personal transformation.
