Think You’re Just a Mountain Biker?
Think again!
By Lorraine Grothoff
Hi, my name is Lorraine Grothoff, and I am a mountain biker.
I used to race downhill 30 years ago, took a break when I had kids, and rejoined the mountain biking community 4 years ago. I had to get a new bike because the geometry had changed so much!
Before my return, I didn’t consider other forms of riding, including gravel and road. I was afraid of wrecking on gravel and road while unprotected (no pads) and while navigating with moving objects (cars). This past winter, however, I decided to put aside my fears and give gravel riding a try.
I needed something to help me maintain some level of fitness. I used to run, but my hips and iliotibial band (ITB) decided that was a no-go. I never liked the gym, so after chatting with fellow riders and getting some advice, I got a beautiful used Trek Crockett gravel bike. I love it, and her name is Sky.
My first few rides were a little sketchy, to say the least! I had yet to get used to those super thin tires and the lack of suspension! And those weird dropdown bars! I had to re-learn how to brake and shift and felt extremely unstable and exposed.
My initial observations from my first ever paved road ride on Sky:
I see the whole front wheel when riding.
Adjusting to the paddle shifter was fun!
Switching from low to high position on the bars was sketchy (I have since upgraded to wider dropdown bars that have helped me feel much more stable)
Reaching the brakes in the high position is very different. I didn’t quite brake enough to make a turn on the paved trail and ended up in the grass.
When moving slowly, my foot bumps into the wheel when making sharp turns.
The wind is not your friend on a super light gravel bike.
Don’t drop off curbs on a gravel bike (at least initially). I needed to adjust to the lack of suspension.
You feel everything down there!
More observations of a newbie gravel rider:
Following another gravel rider’s line is just like following a mountain biker’s line. It’s so much fun and oddly removes some of my fear.
The saddle should be horizontal (I hadn’t tightened enough after adjusting). Thanks to fellow riders who noticed it had tilted downward, putting more pressure on my wrists and the back of my neck.
I’m still overdressing for rides. I need to find a thinner layer to stuff into my bag. And yes, I finally purchased a ‘road’ jersey!
I love my handlebar bag! It’s nice not riding with all my gear on my back.
I do not like headwinds!
I’m getting better at remembering to fuel, but not while riding. That’s a skill I need to work on. As my miles and hours on the saddle increase, this is becoming more important. I’m still working on it but was able to drink water while riding a straight away section twice during the Loudoun 1725.
On a recent longer ride, I only screamed once when a car passed me on rt 55.
Transitioning from riding a mountain bike to a gravel bike is like running 5Ks to ultras. I went from running 5k to jogging marathons to surviving 50k and 50 milers. It’s the same addiction.
Miles go by quickly, especially when you ride with a good crew. I trained with Melanin Base Miles to prepare for the Loudoun 1725 and completed the 60 mile ride on June 9th! I was super nervous because my longest ride to date was 40 miles. I had amazing support from Melanin Base Miles, Summer Garnes, and Doug Ballentine. They kept me rolling at a good pace, advising me when to eat/drink, and encouraged me the whole way! Couldn’t have done it without them.
As my miles on Sky increased, so did my confidence and, in turn, my enjoyment!
I joined my first gravel group ride on Jan 1 and did 20 miles! Conditions were not great, including freezing sleet and snow, but the company and camaraderie were awesome. It was a no drop ride, and everyone was encouraging each other all the way. Cyclists, no matter what kind, are super welcoming. They just want you to enjoy the sport as much as they do.
A few recommendations from a newbie gravel rider to someone who is considering venturing into the unpaved roads:
You can repurpose your mountain bike helmet, no need to spend money on a new one. Just remove the visor since it blocks your sight line.
Make incremental small adjustments to your saddle and bars and take notes on the differences. Better yet, get a bike fitting! It will save you some odd aches and pains.
Shifting is much different than on my mountain bike. I find that I will actually shift down the cassette to a harder gear much more. This is completely the opposite of when I’m riding my mountain bike!
If you don’t shift down at the right time (which I tend to do a lot), you will start to bounce as you pedal. Once you get the shifting down, things will smooth out considerably.
Cars are frightening! I highly recommend riding with front and rear blinking lights.
The things on the top of the bars that look like horns are actually called “hoods”. I find it harder to brake from the hoods. I think that is because I have mechanical brakes. I am considering upgrading to hydraulics.
Eye protection is a must on gravel rides. A small pebble hit the lens of my glasses and then fell into my neck gaiter.
You will usually keep your heart rate lower (except when cars come by). It’s nice!
Strava gravel segments seem more focused on the climbs, not the descents.
Enjoy the view! We ride mostly in The Plains, Prince William County, VA and It’s beautiful out there. The reason why I named my gravel bike Sky is because I see so many gorgeous skies while riding.
I followed that New Year’s day ride with a couple of 36-miler gravel outings with the NOVA MTB group. Riding with more experienced gravel riders has helped me solve some lower back and neck soreness after the longer rides. Based on their recommendations I made some minor adjustments to my saddle and bars to not ride overly extended.
So maybe I’m not just a mountain biker after all! And neither are you!
Gravel riding is a blast and has helped my fitness during the winter freeze/thaw cycle when trail conditions are less than ideal. I’m even venturing out on my own to grab a few miles!
I love Dirt Church in the Plains! The routes are beautiful and full of sights.
Whatever you choose to ride, get out and ride! You won’t regret it!
