On the heels of another 'epic' Unbound Gravel race weekend, Cycling Weekly is going to keep the gravel content going with our second annual Gravel Week.
Gravel Week is a celebration of all things "gravel" from the latest gravel bikes, tires and gear to the events we're excited about to the tips and tricks on how to get started yourself.
Whether you're looking for your next gravel race, planning go bikepacking this summer or you're in the market for a utilitarian, do-it-all bike, stay tuned for a week's worth of content around the off-road, wide-tired bike trend that's here to stay.
We'll be publishing a number of articles about gravel riding this week - not least we'll be revealing our 2023 Gravel Bike of the Year award winners.
Gravel, Roubaix, Groad, Adventuring…what’s the fuss all about?
It’s less about getting from point A and B as quickly as possible —though in racing or setting FKTs it certainly is—, and more about the journey in itself. It’s about building a different relationship with the bike and seeing where it and your own two legs can take you. It’s about the freedom to roam, being away from cars, going into nature and relying on your own abilities.
In racing there’s always the element of who crosses the finish line first, but at the time there is also a certain unity if having conquered the same course at the same time. In that way, everyone wins and everyone is celebrated.
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But don’t let me tell you what gravel is. Part of the beauty lies in the fact that it’s so many things. It’s for you to define and for you to make it your own.
(Image credit: Getty Images)
What content you’ll be seeing this week
We'll be adding lots of new gravel content this week but we also think this is the perfect opportunity to reacquaint you with some of the brilliant gravelly content we've already got all over Cycling Weekly!
Gravel Bike of the Year
(Image credit: Future/Phil Barker)
We've put nine of the best off-road, drop-barred bikes - from brands including Giant, BMC, Specialized and Canyon, through their paces to find Cycling Weekly's 2023 Gravel Bike of the Year.
Gravel Week Buying Advice
We've tested dozens of gravel bikes, tyres, shoes, shorts and lots, lots more. We'll be adding new guides and reviews as the week progresses
If you really want to make the most of your off-road riding then you'll need to be onboard one of the best gravel bikes on the market. Check out our essential guide
If you want to start gravel riding you really need to a get grip. So our guide to the best gravel tyres is an absolute must read!
The best gravel bike shoes have to do several jobs - like road shoes you want them to direct as much power through your pedals as possible. At the same time you'lll likely to be spending a lot of time in them - including walking time - so you want comfort. And possible water-proofing.
Unbound Gravel 2023
Unbound Gravel is the world's biggest gravel place, and took place over the first weekend in June in Emporia, Kansas. We were there so ICYMI here's what we found.
We realize that not everyone is yet to fall for the charms of gravel riding. If you want to get started in gravel riding, we can't give you a money back guarantee but we're confident you'll like it!
It might feel like gravel racing is the hottest new thing right now, but like so many trendy thing it's actually been around a lot longer that you might think. Find out more in our look at the history of gravel racing.
Gravel races are a global phenomenon. The USA undoubtedly leads the way but the UK has plenty of great events. And then there's Finland, Spain, Iceland and a whole lot more.
Looking to find gravel rides near your house? We got you with gravel route planning tips for the roads less traveled.
Cycling Weekly'sNorth American Editor, Anne-Marije Rook is old school. She holds a degree in journalism and started out as a newspaper reporter — in print! She can even be seen bringing a pen and notepad to the press conference.
Originally from The Netherlands, she grew up a bike commuter and didn't find bike racing until her early twenties when living in Seattle, Washington. Strengthened by the many miles spent darting around Seattle's hilly streets on a steel single speed, Rook's progression in the sport was a quick one. As she competed at the elite level, her journalism career followed, and soon she became a full-time cycling journalist. She's now been a cycling journalist for 11 years.
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