Gravel biking has exploded in popularity in the last few years. Gravel riding is not so much about getting from point A to point B. Neither is it a workout. Gravel is more of adventure riding, to explore unknown roads and tracks and to experience nature and wildlife.
Most of us do not ride our bikes to win a competition. Of course, racing is one side of the coin, but on the other side is the adventure as it has been since the first tours and giros.
For us, gravel is the joy to get out in our magnificent surroundings, to conquer long distances, to experience wildlife and the elements of nature. But also to enjoy the coffee afterward.
As we live north of the Arctic Circle, the bare-season is short. But during this time of the year, the days are long. In June and July, the sun never sets.
And there are numerous with gravel- and dirt roads to explore. The combination of the magnificent nature, the unique light, and the vast network of unpaved roads probably make this one of the most exclusive areas for gravel biking in the world. You can literally ride your bike for hours without encounter traffic.
So what is a gravel bike?
The short answer is that it’s a kind of road bike that you can ride with much wider tires than on a traditional road bike. And with wider tires, you can have lower pressure and ride smoother on unpaved roads with lesser risk to flatten your tire.
The long answer is that you really don’t need a dedicated gravel bike, but on unpaved roads you want a bike that can fit bigger tires, such as a mountain bike, cyclocross (CX), or a gravel bike.
