Core Gravel Racing Skills

Gravel racing is a skills game as much as a fitness test, and your technical ability can save huge energy and time, especially over long distances. Here’s a focused list of gravel-specific skills to dial in or keep top-of-mind:

1. Relax & Flow on Rough Terrain

• Stay loose: Keep your upper body relaxed and elbows slightly bent — let the bike float under you.

• Grip the bars firmly but not tightly (death grip = arm fatigue).

• Look ahead, not down — this helps you pick better lines and stay smooth.

2. Cornering on Loose Surfaces

• Brake before the turn, not during.

• Stay off the front brake if it’s loose or muddy — modulate with rear.

• Weight the outside pedal, keep your body low and inside, and lean the bike more than your body.

3. Line Choice & Scanning Ahead

• Gravel constantly changes — scan 10–15 meters ahead for the best surface (hard pack, firm lines, less chunky sections).

• Avoid deep gravel or soft shoulders where possible — they’ll eat your speed and traction. If you are in deep sand choose a light gear but POWER through. Let the front end float through the sand with a light grip.

• On climbs, stay seated and a light gear to maintain traction.

4. Descending

• Drop your heels, keep your body low, elbows out.

• Let the bike move beneath you — don’t fight it.

• Pick momentum over braking when the surface is semi-loose — often safer to roll than to over-slow.

5. Eating & Drinking on Bumpy Terrain

• A bento box and hydration pack — huge advantage in fuel easy access.

• Practice fueling on rough terrain one-handed while maintaining control.

• Pick flatter sections or short paved stretches for eating if you need to unwrap anything.

6. Mud, Sand, and Ruts

• In mud, spin a steady gear and avoid sudden torque — stay centered.

• In sand or washboard, keep weight back and speed up a bit — more momentum = more stability.

• For ruts, commit to one line and don’t fight it — trying to jump across can dump you.

7. Cadence Control & Gear Shifting

• Anticipate gear changes before steep pitches or terrain shifts.

8. Race-Day Mindset Tips

• Expect moments of chaos — a loose section, a bottleneck, someone crashing in front of you. Stay calm, reset your focus.

• Trust your preparation. You’ve ridden tough terrain before.