Gravel Time!

The time has come, we are upon the first Spoke-N-Sport Gravel Ride of the year and I’m pretty stoked! Right now the National Weather Service is forecasting mid 50’s and a 10mph (We’ll say 20mph for now, because they always get the wind off by about 10mph!) south wind for 9am on Saturday!

Why Gravel?

About 4 years ago I started commuting to work on my bike. I live in Sioux Falls and work on the north end of Harrisburg. I had two options on routes to work...Live or Die. Alright, maybe not that extreme but the options were, Cliff Ave on pavement or Southeastern Ave on gravel. I didn't even attempt Cliff, with the lack of shoulder, heavy traffic and minimal daylight at 5:45 when I'm heading to work it didn't seem like an option. I started using Southeastern and also started really enjoying what gravel provided; the scenery, the wildlife, the unique farm yards and houses. Gravel give you the opportunity to go at your pace, you don't have to worry about a constant stream of vehicles going by at 55mph (I rode 67 miles on gravel this past Saturday with a group and I can only think of 2-3 vehicles that passed our group in that time!). You can stop and take pictures at that bridge with the sparkling brook going under it. Also, the sound of gravel under your tires never gets old.

Do I need a gravel bike?

Yes! You need a bike that can ride on gravel! A fat bike, a mountain bike, a cyclocross bike, a city bike, a commuter bike, a touring bike, a gravel bike...I think you get my point, about any bike will do! Your full carbon triathlon might not be the best option, but you know your bike best and how strong it is and how comfortable you'll be. If you're not sure if your bike is up for the challenge of a gravel ride, bring it into the folks at Spoke-N-Sport and they'll tell you if it's capable or make recommendations to help it out! Also, if you don't have a bike or yours is out of commission, give the store a call and check out their rental bikes! Riding gravel can be a bit more fatiguing on you body due to the rough terrain and uneven roads. But it's fun!

So, about this weekend...

This Saturday, April 8th we're going to be leaving Spoke-N-Sport at 9am. They will have somebody there with the store open if you need to grab something quick or have a question. If you're looking for a rental, be sure to call them as soon as you can to get that information. We will ride out of town via bike trail and city streets. Expect a pace of 12-15mph for the ride, saying that it will be a no drop ride though. Pack supplies needed for an unsupported ride; snacks, hydration, tools, tube and/or patch kit, pump or CO2, etc.

If you can't make it Saturday, we've got more gravel rides coming up this summer. I really hope you can grind some gravel with us!!

Keep Grinding!
Jaron

Saturday Morning Gravel Rides April 8th, May 6th, June 3rd, and July 1st.  The Saturday Morning rides will leave from Spoke-N-Sport at 9am and will be 25-40 mile round trip.

June 15th and August 17th we’re going to do Family Ice Cream Gravel Rides. The Thursday evening ride will be around 8-10 miles and feature an ice cream stop part way through the ride. These will leave from somewhere on the outer edge of Sioux Falls or a surrounding town.

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