Unless the route changes...
Majority of this ride is on the road. Single track mtb trails with rocks/ sand/ dirt/ long gravel-ish descent and climb are the non road parts but make up a smaller portion of the ride.
I've ridden a road bike with 25's and 53x11. I've also ridden a CX bike with 30's and CX gearing. It's doable on both bikes.
I rode slicks on both bikes, but I lived on the course and rode those roads and trails all the time. Because it's majority on the road, I'd pick a tire that suits that but also provides you enough confidence to not puncture in the rocks. Tubeless for sure.
My "gravel bike" is a CX bike and it has worked very well for gravel racing. I can fit Panaracer GK 38's on it and that's more than enough tire for me.
I don't think you could go wrong with a gravel bike though.
To me it's the riding in that environment that is more important. If you are confident on the dirt sections and the rocks, I think most bikes will work.
jake
Get outside!
Majority of this ride is on the road. Single track mtb trails with rocks/ sand/ dirt/ long gravel-ish descent and climb are the non road parts but make up a smaller portion of the ride.
I've ridden a road bike with 25's and 53x11. I've also ridden a CX bike with 30's and CX gearing. It's doable on both bikes.
I rode slicks on both bikes, but I lived on the course and rode those roads and trails all the time. Because it's majority on the road, I'd pick a tire that suits that but also provides you enough confidence to not puncture in the rocks. Tubeless for sure.
My "gravel bike" is a CX bike and it has worked very well for gravel racing. I can fit Panaracer GK 38's on it and that's more than enough tire for me.
I don't think you could go wrong with a gravel bike though.
To me it's the riding in that environment that is more important. If you are confident on the dirt sections and the rocks, I think most bikes will work.
jake
Get outside!