10 Reasons why you should enter a gravel event in 2024

Gravel riding has gained significant momentum in recent years, with gravel-specific events popping up all over the country. So, why are these events becoming so popular? Are they really better than road events, and should you enter one? To find out, we attended the Gravel Rocks event, organised by Focal Events, to see what gravel events have to offer. 

Focal Events, the organisers of Europe's largest gravel event, the Dirty Reiver, also host the popular Gravel Rocks. Tech writer Suvi took on Gravel Rocks, which features a mix of racing, social riding, festival vibes, and a diverse group of riders, making it the perfect place to discover why gravel events are taking the cycling scene by storm.

When it comes to terrain, there’s something for everyone

Whether you’re super strong, looking for a weekend adventure, are a dedicated road cyclist or someone who usually rides a mountain bike, gravel events truly offer something for everyone.

You’ll encounter riders on every type of bike under the sun, from young enthusiasts to seasoned veterans. There is one thing that everyone has in common though, and that’s a smile on their face. 

No traffic 

One of the main reasons gravel rides are often preferred over tarmac is the lack of traffic. At events like this, it's possible to ride side by side with friends and chat without having to worry about cars and lorries. In contrast, road events often involve dealing with traffic, and closed road events are few and far between in the UK. Most gravel events, as the name suggests, feature far fewer roads, and therefore, far less traffic. 

They’re so much more sociable!

You might have heard people mentioning the "spirit of gravel," which, despite being a vague concept, truly captures the unique vibe at gravel events. There's a strong sense of community; even serious racers are happy to chat, and there's a shared interest in each other's bikes. Even if you arrive alone, you'll find plenty of buddies to ride with.

You don’t have to worry about getting lost 

Gravel riding can be enjoyed without participating in events, so why should you enter one? Well, for me, having someone else plan and recce the route is a big part of it. Not only does it mean that you're not going to get lost, but also means that a local expert has selected the best bits of gravel, the prettiest views and done all the hard work of planning the event way before you even rock up. 

This means you can simply turn up, follow the route and spend more time taking in the views rather than worrying about getting stranded in a wood - or ending up doing a hike a bike through some thorny bushes. You’ll also find that organised events often grant access to areas normally off-limits. For example, the Gravel Rocks event has special access to the North York Moors National Park, offering stunning vistas that would otherwise be unavailable.

You can get competitive 

Even though gravel events are generally relaxed in nature, some, like Gravel Rocks, offer a racing thrill for those who want it. Typically, a racing licence isn't required for gravel events, making them accessible to a wider audience. Racing is only on shorter time segments, meaning you can ride with your friends for most of the day, enjoy a coffee stop mid-ride, and have small bursts of racing in between. 

There’s so much more than just riding going on! 

Gravel events tend to be incredibly well-supported. For example, instead of soggy sandwiches, the festival village at Gravel Rocks offers a variety of food options, and Crank Brothers even had a candy shop set up during the ride. Unlike road sportives, which rarely feature live entertainment, gravel events often include such attractions. Their multi-day format encourages participants to stay and socialise rather than rushing off as soon as the event finishes, making it easier to make new friends.

You can also bring a support crew along with you too! At Gravel Rocks, there are activities for those who are not riding while participants are out on the course, making it an enjoyable weekend getaway for the whole family. 

Gravel events will make you better on the bike

Before entering a gravel event you might be feeling nervous about the terrain and concerns about potentially unrideable sections or holding others up. Suvi said, "there's been bits that have challenged me but that hasn't meant they've not been fun". 

" I just followed someone down a descent at speeds that I would never normally go by myself, it kind of felt like cheating following their lines but I think that pushing myself like that will only make me a better rider in the long run", she adds. 

The scenery

How many of the best views in the world include roads? Probably not many, as the prettiest places are often untouched natural wonders. Gravel riding allows you to get closer to these scenic spots, offering breathtaking views. Additionally, gravel riding provides a closer look at wildlife, including birds and other creatures, compared to riding on the road.

You can ride basically any bike

Returning to the topic of inclusivity, you can show up to a gravel event on almost any bike with appropriately wide tyres and have a great time. People will be on mountain bikes ranging from budget to high-end versions, and you can even enter an event like this on an e-bike.

The stories and memories

We've saved this one until the end because it's what it all comes down to. Enter an event like Gravel Rocks and you will undoubtedly make some stories and memories to go home with. Remember that muddy time segment, the massive puddles on the moors, and the sight of that coffee stop in the middle of the ride? 

At gravel events there's always a sense of adventure, but also a massive sense of community. Everyone's enjoying riding their bikes - and we all do it differently, free from the usual drawbacks. To me, that's the true spirit of gravel riding. 

Has this tempted you to enter a gravel event? Let us know in the comments section below...