PMC Unpaved Rider Advice: 8 Tips for Riding Gravel

Who better to help prepare new riders for their first PMC Unpaved than alumni riders? We asked PMC Unpaved alumni riders, "What is one PMC Unpaved gravel riding tip you have for someone who is new to gravel?" Read on to get their advice!

1. Train for the Event

“Practice! Take long rides up and down as many hills as you can. Find some off-road paths, maybe along power lines, and practice stopping and starting on loose surfaces. Make sure your bike meets the recommendations from PMC Unpaved.”

– Robert Cote, 3-year PMC Unpaved rider & 12-year PMC rider

2. Be Prepared for the Climbs

“Ride a gravel bike with a good gear range and disc brakes! It’s not a gravel grinder, it’s a nice ride on mostly well-maintained dirt roads. There are some epic climbs and descents!”
– Jessica Piwowarski, 3-year PMC Unpaved rider & 11-year PMC rider; captain of Team De-Feet Cancer

3. Make Sure You Have Proper Gearing

“The gravel is pretty tame, it's not chunky, but a few of the climbs, especially on the latter half of the Eagle (50 mile) route, are serious. Proper gearing is more important than tires on this gravel ride, but you always have the option to cut the ride short and skip one rest stop and 20 miles if you're just not feeling the climbs that day.

The course is beautiful and there are very few cars. Don't rush through the ride. Stop and smell the roses and enjoy a spectacular day on the bike.”
– Andy Rickard, 2-year PMC Unpaved rider & 13-year PMC rider; captain of Team Beezy Bee

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4. Stay Loose

“Keep your hands, arms, and shoulders loose when riding, especially down hills where you are most likely to ‘death grip’ your bars. It's not a race anyway; take your time, and enjoy the other riders.”
– J.D. Hale, 3-year PMC Unpaved rider & 23-year PMC rider; captain of Team Flames

5. Check Your Gear Ratio

“Make sure your bike has enough climbing gears. While you can always walk the hills, if you want to ride up them, you want at least a 1:1 gear ratio (e.g., a chain ring with 34 teeth and the largest gear on your cassette also with 34 teeth). The climbs are doable, but having the right gears helps!”
– Stephen Frail, 3-year PMC Unpaved rider & 9-year PMC rider; member of Team Fidelity Investments

6. Make Sure You Have the Right Tires

“Choose tires with some grip and some volume. The toughest sections require some grip in your tires. Otherwise, just have fun!”
– Rob Larsen, 3-year PMC Unpaved rider

7. Adjust Your Tire Pressure

“Ride on lower tire pressure; don’t be reluctant to walk up the steepest hills.”

– Michael Chinitz, 2-year PMC Unpaved rider & 17-year PMC rider; member of Team 3G

8. Remember, It's a Ride, Not a Race

“Be courteous to others on the road and enjoy the scenery and ride!”
– Rich Cotter, 2-year PMC Unpaved rider & 8-year PMC rider

Recommended PMC Unpaved Equipment

• Ride a gravel or mountain bike. No road or hybrid bikes.
• PMC Unpaved features hilly routes, with about 100 feet of climbing every mile. Your bike should have a low gearing ratio (ideally 1:1 or lower) to avoid walking on the steepest hills.
• For tire choice, go with a width of no less than 32 mm; even wider is going to be more comfortable.
• Rim brakes are not recommended; opt for hydraulic disc brakes that can slow you down faster, particularly in wet or muddy conditions.

Learn more at unpaved.org/ride/safety.