Well, my first bike race in general. Not a tri, but this forum has a mix of everyone.
Bit of info: 100km, small race (200 people between distances), free (so low key), my estimate is 50/50 gravel/road.
What should I expect as far as unwritten rules, pacing, drafting etc? I have just gotten into full on biking in the last year and my skills are improving but probably not the best among cyclists.
Final question, how well does mtn biking translate to road biking? I’ve been substituting some gravel rides for mtn biking.
It depends. The front end of gravel races are very similar to road races as far as tactics, drafting, and pacing is concerned. It doesn’t matter if it is free, big, or small; there will probably be some people who take it competitively and want to win, just like any time a group of cyclists get together and ride.
Expect 1 flat tire, but bring enough to repair a few. For example, one or two tubes plus a patch kit, a CO2, and a hand pump. Plus bring a multi tool.
What bike and tires are you using? Most of the riders will be on a tire between 32c and 43c, but there will probably be some mountain bikes and maybe some fat bikes too. I like a tire somewhere in the 35-40c range, tubeless, and low pressure (35 psi for a 35c, down to about 20 for a 40c). Tubeless is a big advantage for avoiding flats.
Aerobars are legal for most gravel events, and they are a huge benefit.
Take it easy in the corners. You won’t win the race there, but you can certainly lose it.
If it is muddy, just dismount and walk to avoid getting your bike all gummed up. If it is not sticky mud you should be able to ride it. A paint stick in your pocket is great for scraping mud off your bike, because it fits in hard to reach places around your tires. If it is muddy, use a good wet lube before the race and carry the bottle with you. In the mud, the most important thing is taking care of your bike.
Talk to or search forums about racing the DK200 (Dirty Kanza). That race has brought all kinds of adversity over the years, from heat to thunderstorms. I don’t race gravel but I know a few that have done that race.
thanks. I’m riding clement Explorer Ush 35c. Bike is a xc bike, Motobecane cross outlaw.
I don’t plan on being in the lead pack, my average rides are 16.5-17mph so I won’t go beyond that speed. So thankfully I won’t get into much of that competitive hype.
If you are not used to drafting (not a roadie or do WTC Ironmans), then don’t follow too close but suck wheel as much as you can.
Other than that… just enjoy. I’ve taken many hesitant newbies on their first gravel ride and after an hour they’re all loving it.
Gravel is highly variable. Hard pack and smooth is almost as fast and easy as road riding. Fresh deep gravel is hell and will make you hate life.
I’ve done a fair amount of short gravel racing. It’s like a road race but with WAY harder accelerations out of corners.
Just looking at last race file from a 39mi gravel race:
NP 294
AP 220
Which is similar to a medium length road race for me
But was over 600 watts for 1 minute on 14 occasions.
Which is NOT like a road race (at least for me)
Two technique things that seem to make a difference:
- Don’t be afraid to pedal through corners. Come in slow, come out hot. If you wash a wheel, it tends to be rear if you are pedaling, which makes it much easier to control.
- Most gravel corners are washed out a bit on the inside so inside line is often much faster. Even if it is rougher/looser. Front of the pack often rides through any grass or other solid ground on the inside. Unweight front wheel and pedal hard.
Have fun.
Andy
Gravel is highly variable. Hard pack and smooth is almost as fast and easy as road riding. Fresh deep gravel is hell and will make you hate life.
Yes, I have been gravel riding all summer, learned to avoid the fresh gravel roads at all costs. max speed is 12 mph and 100% focus.
I have never drafted really, I planned on doing Almonzo this spring but the 50 degrees and rain made me decide it wasn’t worth it.
If you are not used to drafting (not a roadie or do WTC Ironmans), then don’t follow too close but suck wheel as much as you can.
quick high-five for that one, sir
i’ve raced XC and 'cross, and toured/trained but never raced ‘gravel’ per se.
one thing that i took with me from XC is that you have to be far more opportunistic and less patient than you do in tri. out on the gravel it might be jiggly or twisty or whatever, and that’s really going to impede your ability to take on food and water. so if you’re thinking about taking a gel or drinking in a few minutes, do it right now. take whatever opportunity you can get.
also, depending on race length you might find that your upper-body/core fatigue becomes more important than your legs. try not to clench the bars, keep your posture good, and stay loose and mobile. i’ve finished a few MTB races with my forearms so fried i can’t even open a can of coke!
good luck!
Yes, I have been gravel riding all summer, learned to avoid the fresh gravel roads at all costs. max speed is 12 mph and 100% focus.
Tire size and pressure helps a ton. 32s and high pressure will be REALLY slow in big deep gravel. 40s with 20psi will float through it, barely losing any speed.
I’m on the Panaracer/Stan’s gravel race team. We did some testing of the Gravel King SK tires in different sizes on different styles of gravel and asphalt. For smooth small gravel I choose 35s. If there are any chunky sections I’ll jump to 38s. For extreme conditions (dirty kanza) I would want the 40. I don’t use 32s anymore, unless I need the mud clearance. The bigger tires are definitely faster.