Continental Terra Adventure 700 x 45mm Tires Review: Final Verdict

The Terra Adventure was surprisingly good in mud.

Note: Continental Tires sent Guitar Ted Productions two Terra Adventure 700 X 45mm tires for test and review at no charge. Guitar Ted was not paid, nor bribed, for this review. All opinions are Guitar Ted's.

This will be the final word on Continental's Terra Adventure tires I have been testing over the past few months. The previous update can be seen by clicking HERE. Another link in the post referenced there will take you all the way back to the beginning of the test. Please refer to those articles first before asking any questions as I may have already covered what you are wanting to know in those articles.

Now, on to the final opinions on these new Terra Adventure tires from Continental!

I'm going to break down my impressions in two categories: Things I Liked, and then Things I Did Not Like. Then I will have some final comments. First up will be the.......

Things I Did Not Like:

• Initial Tire Width. While these Continental tires followed my experiences with the brand in being undersized according to claimed width by Continental, they did eventually stretch out to be 45mm, or a little wider. I'd prefer it did not take as long to realize the claimed width. In my case, it wasn't that big of a deal. However; if you were to buy a set of Terra Adventure tires for an upcoming event, expecting a certain width as stated on the casing, and then found out these tires take a while to realize this stated width, it nay not align with your expectations. So, this is kind of a negative in my opinion.
• Air Retention: This is tricky because air retention can be influenced by several things which have nothing to do with the tire. Rim tape, valve stems, and sealant type all have an effect on the outcome. So, all I can say is these tires with Orange Seal weren't very impressive as far as air retention goes. I know my tape jobs and my valve stems are good. In fact, I had two different valve stems on this wheel set and this did not deter the loss of air, nor did they improve air retention, so....
• Whiskers: Those mold release "whiskers" on these tires are ridiculous. They probably have a negative effect on aero and grip, but this is negligible, most likely. More annoying than anything. 

 Things I Did Like:

• The Ride Quality: For an aggressive tire tread pattern, the Terra Adventure is very smooth. The damped quality of the casings was phenomenal. These tires are also conspicuously quiet for having the type of tread the Terra Adventure tires have. This was something I remarked about during every ride I did with these tires. No matter the surface.
•  Grip: On dirt, sandy dirt, pea gravel, and pavement these tires exhibited an impressive ability to grip in corners. I was very impressed by how I would have to go ridiculously fast into a corner to get these tires to start to give up on tacky, buff single track and service roads. Well, faster than I'd feel comfortable with, let's just stop there, I guess. I was never the less surprised at how grippy the Terra Adventure tires were though, and this with seemingly little speed penalty, which is noteworthy.
• Great All-Around Tire: I'll dive into this more with my final remarks, but for an aggressive tire as this one is, I wasn't necessarily expecting the Terra Adventure to measure up to all situations I wanted to ride in. 

Final Verdict:

Short answer: I love this tire! Longer Answer: Okay, as hinted at with my final point above, the Terra Adventure seemingly has no real weakness when it comes to multi-surface riding. I wouldn't necessarily chose it to ride a paved century, but let's be reasonable here.

My feeling is this tire is perfect as the tire for any multi-surface event, or riding you may want to do. For instance, we have an event in Iowa called CORE4, which features pavement, gravel, single track, and dirt roads. If I were to tackle this event, I'd choose the Terra Adventure over anything else I've ever tried for gravel. This even does better than my old WTB Resolute tires at all-around riding.

The Terra Adventure even hints at being pretty good in mud, which I found surprising. So, as far as all-around riding, including pavement, dirt, or gravel, goes, the Terra Adventure has taken a spot at the top for tires which I would recommend to anyone doing this sort of riding. If you have more focused needs, such as pavement-heavy courses, or finer gravel courses, then yes - There are better tire choices out there for you. But for everyday, all-conditions, ready for anything riding? This is the tire I'd ride.    

Crazy Idea: Update 2

Moving forward with the "Crazy Idea" I have for the old Singular Cycles Buzzard, since the 'hard part' has been done. Building the special front wheel went smoothly, and now it is 'just putting on the bits' which needs done. I was not sure I was going to have what I needed though.

Brakes were top of mind when it came to finishing up this bike. I thought I had one Avid BB-7 caliper, but I was sure I'd need another. I was about to go and pull the trigger on a new caliper, and a set of levers because I was sure I'd need those as well, when a new development changed my course.

Looking in a bin 'one more time' thinking I'd already looked once before there, I was surprised to find three Avid BB-7 calipers and a set of no-name levers. So, I was certainly happy to have found those. Now all I had to do was to find the correct adapters to make the whole set up work.

Disc brake caliper adapters. Remember those?  I used to have a small tool box filled with all the different ones needed to mount 140mm, 160mm, 180mm/185mm, and 200/203mm rotors. Now that I have mostly moved over to bicycles with flat mount brakes, I have also lost/used up all the old adapters I once had. So, now I am scrounging around for a rear adapter for a 180mm rotor.

But....I suppose this is a better deal than having to order all new stuff! 

The next thing is cables and housings. Thankfully I won't have to mess with hydraulic lines on this build. This makes the set up a lot easier, and also less risky should the thing not ride well when I get it done. And riding should happen soon, since I think, minus the one adapter, I have everything I need now to get this together. Now it will all just be getting around to doing it. 

Two Things

32" wheeled bike seen at Eurobike (Image courtesy of Gary Fisher)

  Thoughts On 32"ers:

On Friday an exc3ellent look at an experimental 32" wheeled XC racing bike was detailed by "Bike Rumor". (See article HERE)

The article shows how BMC engineers cut up an existing Medium sized Four Stroke FS XC bike, modified a DT Swiss fork, and made some customized bits to see if a 32" wheeled bike would make sense as a Pro-level XC bike.

If you are old enough to remember the very beginnings of the 29"er developmental phases, you will find all of this very familiar. Moving to a larger diameter wheel will present a LOT of concerns and challenges. Based upon what we already know about 29"er vs 26"er days, what can we expect from all this development on 32"ers? Will Maxxis release the other tread patterns it says it has ready to go? Will Pirelli release a tire, as suggested in the linked "Bike Rumor"article? Who will pony up the money for a turnkey front suspension fork?

If the industry learned anything from early 29"er development, they should understand rushing to "be first" with 32"ers may prove to be a fatal decision. Early 29"ers weren't very good, quite frankly, and you can see how the wheel size had to grow into its own geometry, axle spacing, and how materials technology had to be developed to make the big wheels work well enough to leave 26"ers and 27.5"ers behind.

In my opinion, 32 inch wheels will demand its own set of geometry tweaks before the bikes will ever hope to outrun 29"ers. Furthermore, the extra weight will have to be addressed by further gains in materials technologies, if this can be done. Thirdly, another set of geometry numbers will have to be addressed here, and this is having to do with wheels. It is my strong belief if 32"ers are adopted you will see wider front hubs, and probably a move to wider rear hub spacing to gain back wheel strength and handling precision lost with a longer, more flexible spoke.

Add in fit and sizing issues and I think 32"ers - while technically possible - will not be quite the same revolution as 29"ers were. Simply because humans in the size range 32"ers will work best for are not going to be as numerous as those who would fit 29"ers well. Therefore your market for products is already limited. Kind of as if you decided to only sell hats larger than 7 7/8ths hat size. You'll sell some, but not like "normal" hat sizes.

Image courtesy of Gravel Worlds

Lauf Gravel Worlds Announces New Awards For Finishers:

Friday saw the press release for Gravel Worlds hit my inbox which detailed the new finisher award concepts for this year's running of Gravel Worlds. These new awards are designed to celebrate thos not in the front, nor those bringing up the rear of the field, but these are for the "everyman/woman" of gravel racing.

First up we have the "Golden Cob"- "Cream of the Crop" award for anyone finishing the 150 distance in under ten hours. Next up we have the 300 Mile (formerly Long Journey) Belt Buckle for anyone finishing the 300 mile distance.

Lauf Gravel Worlds also announced a new 10 mile "Fun Ride" in addition to its other distances on offer.

You can learn more at www.gravelworlds.com 

 Comments: If this reminds you somewhat of a 2010's era gravel event's awards then you are on the right track. The DK200 had similar awards for anyone "beating the Sun" going down in Emporia.

By the way, didn't N.Y. Roll bring this idea up in a recent podcast we did? I think so. While we cannot take credit for the Golden Cob idea, we have to think we were on a similar wavelength there! The belt buckle is a direct nod to the Leadville 100's belt buckles which used to be doled out as awards to finishers under certain time limits.

It is interesting to note that the 300 mile  distance is no longer being called "The Long Voyage", which was originally done in keeping with the Pirate theme since Gravel Worlds was a Pirate Cycling League event for the majority of its years until recently.  

Weekly Top Five

 Welcome to the weekly Top Five" showing links to five of the week's most read articles on the blog.
Sometimes those will be current posts, but sometimes not. I will also post commentary with perspective on some of the older posts, and try to give some context as to why I wrote what I wrote then, which may not reflect what I'd say in 2025. With all of the above said, here is this week's list.

Lost In The Transaction: Thursday, July 10th, 2025 - This was a post I said was "dangerous to write" because... well to be honest, I knew some folks wouldn't understand it,  or where I was coming from. But, I care about gravel cycling, so I wrote what I wrote. 

A Pictorial Review Idea: Wednesday, July 9th, 2025 - An idea for a showing of imagery from Trans Iowa. Heck, like N.Y. Roll suggested, why not make a showing of imagery from many early gravel events, and donate the whole she-bang to the Gravel Cycling Hall of Fame at the end of it all? Yeah, great ideas, but I am done organizing events, including pictorial reviews, art showings, or the like. So, my point was to throw the idea out there and to present my "good things" and "bad things" in relation to actually doing something like this.  Now if another event does this in the future, just know you read it here first, and it wasn't my idea.

Crazy Idea: Update - Tuesday, July 8th, 2025 - The Singular Buzzard idea is being put into play. I should have another update on this soon. Gotta wait to dry out the basement after 8 hours of heavy rains in the span of 36 hours. 

WTB Solano Saddle Review: Final Verdict - Monday, July 7th, 2025 -  Hey....anyone else noticing a pattern here? Maybe it is just me.....

The Tree In The Road Ride report: Technical Snafu's And Heat: Tuesday, July 1st, 2025 - The main part of the TITRR report. I am still so glad I was able to sneak out of town for this ride, despite it being shorter than I'd have liked it to be. 

That's a wrap on what people were checking out here on the site this week. Thank you for reading Guitar Ted Productions.  

Alley Riding

A Waterloo, Iowa alley.

 A few days ago I received a comment on my last Country Views post concerning the amount of alleys Waterloo, Iowa has. Ironically this has been something I've been curious about for years. In fact, I have bounced the idea off N.Y. Roll for having a century ride on Waterloo's network of alleys. I was guessing there would be enough mileage in alleyways to pull such a feat off.

Well, this comment from last weekend spurred me into motion to actually do some research. And surprisingly it did not take long to dig up the answer. There was a Facebook post from the City of Waterloo speaking to alley maintenance. The question was asked and posted in the comment left by the social media person for the City. The mileage? 80.5 miles.  

So.....now what? This is the question.

Riding alleys is not a novel idea, and organized rides on alleys happen all the time. "Alleycats", fun rides, or other alley based riding is a big deal in some areas. Oddly enough, almost no one rides alleys here.

Our alleys make you feel as though you are kind of in someone's back yard. Almost in a trespassing kind of way. While alleys are public domain throughways, maintained by the City, many people see them as their personal driveways. They seem to consider you kind of like some intruder into their private space when they see you on a bicycle. So, in light of this unspoken feeling, I can see why cyclists avoid alleys.

Alleys are also rife with potholes, and most are not paved. There are dogs, usually on leashes or behind fences, and lots of cross streets to watch out for. Some alleys are paved, but usually these are cracked, full of bumps, and sometimes glass and garbage. Of course, given the choice to ride paved or unpaved surfaces, most people would choose pavement, not alleys. I'm not one of those people. 

In fact, I've made it a mission to understand the alleys and where they go here. I want to interconnect routes using mostly alleys, at any time I can, so I can stay off the streets. Seeing as how Waterloo has copious amounts of choices in alleys, especially in the older parts of the city I live in, this makes my riding a lot more interesting to me.

 So, I think this the ride of alleys is going to happen. I just need to sit down with a City map and decide what would be the best way to put together a ride and make it a metric century. I may do this on my old 29"er single speed, or use the new set up for the  Singular Buzzard bike and make it a test ride as well. But whatever the bike, I think this ride needs to happen this year.

Stay tuned.... 

I've found long stretches of uninterrupted alley routes, and secret sections which are fun to explore at times. I do purposeful alley rides where I try to do as much alleyway as possible.  

Gravel Grinder News: Pinarello Announces New Dogma GR, Grevil F Gravel Bikes

NOTE: All imagery and information in this article were provided by Pinarello.

The new Dogma GR kitted out with accessory items available separately. 

 Pinarello has announced today their two all - new gravel bikes: The race oriented Dogma GR and the long-distance expert, Grevil F. These two new bicycles are solutions to what Pinarello believes are the needs for the "three types of gravel racing" which are prevalent today.

Pinarello's Philosophy on Gravel: The video presentation for these two bicycles included a statement from the presenter which I found striking. He stated this: "Gravel is a bit of a mess." Which is an interesting viewpoint coming from an Italian spokesperson representing this brand. A brand noted for participation in high-level road and MTB racing across Europe and the world. While I'mnot quite sure what to make of this statement, the presenter did go on to detail what Pinarello sees as what is going on in competitive gravel now, which is relevant to why they produced two different bicycles for gravel.

Three Types: The presentation indicated there are three different types of categories for gravel racing. One is what Pinarello calls "Fast Gravel". This would include mostly shorter, UCI type events, but also Unbound as well. (Which shows the two differing views of what a "premier gravel event should look like, which may explain the "mess" comment)  Pinarello developed the new Dogma GR to address this sort of racing.

Then Pinarello feels there is a category of gravel event which is termed "Light Gravel". A more relaxed event, say like an Eroica gravel event, or gravel fondo. Following this, their view of a third category is what Pinarello calls "Trail Gravel". A more mountain bike influenced gravel riding which could include bike packing, longer distances, and very different needs as compared to "Fast Gravel". Pinarello addresses these events with the Grevl F model. 

The Grevil F set up with Pinarello accessories sold separately. 

Looking at gravel events in this manner, Pinarello asls the rider, "How long do you want to ride?" Longer than five hours? The bicycle for you would be the Grevil F. Shorter than five hour rides are the Dogma GR's range.

If terrain is more the defining parameter, then looking at tire clearances may help. The Dogma GR is relegated to a 45mm front/42mm rear fitment while the Grevil F expands clearance to 50mm front and rear.

Dogma GR:

Now for the finer points of each model. The Dogma GR uses the latest carbon technology for the frame in Pinarello's M40X material. Using this to its optimum, Pinarello has made what they claim to be the lightest gravel racing frame on the market at a claimed 960 grams with a complete bike weight, using SRAM Red, Princeton Grit 45/40 wheels, and 40mmVittoria tires weighing in at a claimed 7.35kg/ 16.20lbs. 

Dogma GR with Gravel TT bars and Bento bag

Aerodynamics are important with this design. Pinarello uses a "nosed" and tapered head tube along with hidden through axle ends on the Onda fork to improve aero efficiencies. The accessory Bento top tube bag mounts with bolts and is optimized to sit without interfering with the rider's pedaling motion and be aero as well. An Aero Load System in-frame storage bag also optimizes space and allows the rider to carry a flat repair system. Both the Bento Bag and in-frame storage bag are included in the claimed frame weight, but must be purchased separately.

Further considerations for aero efficiencies are noted in the handle bar, which Pinarello calls "Talon Ultra-fast GR". It has 7° of flare and inward bend to help optimize rider aero positioning. This can be enhanced by the separately available Gravel TT aero bars which attach via two mounting points molded into the Talon Ultra-fast GR handlebar.

Rider comfort is also a consideration at Pinarello. The Adaptive Seat Post on the Dogma GR has up to 8mm of flex while the Onda fork on the Dogma GR has been optimized for handling and vertical compliance using a 50mm offset and special lay-up of the carbon material.

Dogma GR is available in nine sizes and three colors with a SRAM group (Shimano available only in Europe) at $14,500.00 USD. A frame-only option exists for the Dogma GR at approximately $7,825.00, but it is unclear as to whether this is EU only or available in the USA as well. 

Pinarello Grevil F

Grevil F:

The Grevil F differs in several ways from the Dogma GR. The obvious tire clearances aside, the Grevil F has a sharper focus on rider comfort and handling in rougher terrain.

The Grevil F series is also the most affordable in Pinarello's gravel range with five different spec'ed models available. Starting with the Grevil F3 at  #3,700.00 USD. (Note, The Grevil F1 is not available in the US) The top of the range Grevil F9 is $11,000.00 USD. No frame set option is listed in the press release for the Grevil F series.

The Grevil F frame is optimized for comfort by use of three different types of Toray carbon fiber. Pinarello employs the T-900. T-700, and T-600 series in differing layers and areas of the frame to achieve the best balance of traction, rider comfort, and stiffness with a view toward competition and riding in longer events than five hours, and even for multi-day tours or events. 

The rider comfort is further addressed with the "Twin Arm" chain stays and seat stays along with a claimed 10mm of compliance coming from the Adaptive Seat Post. Furtermore; the redesigned Onda fork, available in two, size-specific offsetys of 50mm and 55mm, is optimized for compliance and vibration reduction. This fork also features three-boss mounting points for water bottles or other accessories on each fork leg.

Grevil F shown with separately available accessories from Pinarello.

 The Grevil F can be accessorized with the same Gravel TT aero bars as the Dogma GR which also attach via two mounting points in the handlebar. The same Bento top tube bag exists for the Grevil F as well as a new., aero 1.5L frame bag. A rear aero bike rack and trunk bag round out the offerings for storage. The Grevil F also features the Aero-load down tube storage cavity, which is also a feature of the Dogma GR.

The Grevil F is also optimized for longer times in the saddle by way of its geometry, which Pinarello says is 1cm longer in the top tube for each size, which requires a slightly shorter stem to be utilized. The bottom bracket area also has been tweaked along with the aforementioned Twin-Arm stays.  

Thanks to Pinarello for the information and images used in this article.  

Friday News And Views

 Note: This edition of the "FN&V" will be a bit of a 'catching up' due to not having a FN&V last week. Some of the 'news' will be a bit older than usual as a result..

A view of the inner workings of an Ochain unit (Image courtesy of Ochain)

Last week SRAM announced the acquisition of MTB component maker, Ochain. The company is well-established in the down hill and enduro circuits. Their claim to fame is a device which decouples the direct interface between a chain ring and chain. The Ochain device allows for a certain degree of rotation of the chain ring without the crank moving, thus allowing full-suspension bikes to achieve a more efficient and 'chain free' operation.

Ochain is a device which solves the age-old problem of suspension 'kick-back' and makes suspension work 'freer' due to the decoupling aspect. SRAM claims the Ochain device results in a 'calmer and quieter' bike.

Comments: SRAM has, in the past, filed various patents on chain ring design to address various aspects of 1X drive trains and suspension use. None of which, to my knowledge, have come to see the light of day....yet. However; it is interesting to note SRAM's history of innovation by acquisition. Ochain being the latest brand to be acquired by SRAM. Many people forget SRAM bought brands like Rock Shox, Sachs, (thus bringing chains into their catalog), and TIME (for pedals), along with Hammerhead for GPS/controller duties.

I doubt SRAM will sit with Ochain only being used for MTB and full-sus e-Bikes. I look for some sort of further development to make this acquisition more versatile. Just what may come of this should be interesting. 

Image courtesy of Wheels MFG.

Wheels MFG Announces New Single Speed Kit For Hyperglide:

Wheels Manufacturing announced last week that their Solo Cog single speed kit will be available for Shimano HG style free hubs on August 22nd, 2025. The SOLO HG Single Speed Kit will be available in various anodized colors. This kit will have several spacers for centering your cog, or Wheels MFG Solo Cogs, which will be sold separately.

Both the kit and the cogs are machined from aluminum. The spacers are from 6061 aluminum and the cogs from 7075 series aluminum. The spacer kit, which comes with a color-matched lock ring, goes for $51.9 USD.

The Solo Cogs come in 16T, 18T, and 20T for now with more sizes promised. These cogs are going for $46.99 each USD. 

Comments: At $99.00 for the full set of spacers, lock ring, and cog, this is not a "cheap" option. (You can get a Surly spacer kit and cog for around $75.00 - $80.00), but it is in line with others I can find in aluminum and anodized hues. 

Image courtesy of Ortlieb

Ortlieb Announces New "Quick Rack" System:

If you have a bike which you'd like to have a rack on, but only occasionally, or a bike that doesn't have rack mounts, you might want to check out Ortlieb's new Quick Rack. 

This rack attaches via a unique collar and axle attachment design, (please click the link for details) and Ortlieb claims this can be installed in fifteen seconds. So, an applicable solution for anyone who may need a rack at a moments notice.

With a load capacity of 44lbs, and ability to accept any of Ortlieb's bags for rear racks, this seems like a pretty cool way to add some versatility to a bike you use for any mission.

The Quick Rack sells for $130.00 USD.

Comments: At first I thought this rack attached with an ordinary alloy type seat post collar, but it is not anything like this. (Again, check Ortlieb's site for details) I'm in a situation where I do not have to rely on one or two bicycles for everything, but, if I were in this sort of situation, the Quick rack might come in pretty handy.

I cannot vouch for the incredible quick change out time, but even if it took three times as long, it would be a pretty easy to consider swap, in my opinion. The only other curious thought I have here is if this would be a steady enough platform to rely upon for commutes, or errands, or even touring.

Rough Stuff MTB Rally:

Wilde Bicycle Company is sponsoring the Rough Stuff Rally August 1 -3, 2025 at Copper Harbor, Michigan. Jeffrey Frane, of Wilde Bicycle Company has this to say about the festival:

 "The Rally is two days of riding, revelry, and community on some of the best trails in the world. Friday we have shuttle runs from 4-8pm accessing legendary trails such as The Flow, Danimal, and Overflow followed by a bluff top sunset Happy Hour. Saturday is the main event, a 22 or 43mile loop of the trail system taking in a highlight reel of singletrack followed by a gourmet dinner at the Campground hosted by Chef Adam Blake with bonfire, music and free refreshments from Fat Tire to follow." 

Interested? Registration is open now and you can join in for $120.00. by checking in HERE. Entry gets you free shuttle service on Friday, an event t-shirt, an stocked aid station on Saturday, the free meal, and free refreshments Friday night and Saturday night. 

A schedule of events for the Rally can be found HERE. 

Image courtesy of Surly Bikes.

Surly Shows Updated Ogre:

Surly Bikes showed on Thursday an update to their Ogre 29" inch wheeled commuter/bike packing bike. With tire clearance for 29" X 2.5" tires, or 27.5" X 2.8" tires (with fenders!!), this bike could be a very versatile bike in a person's bike stable. Or it easily could be your only bike.

As one might expect from Surly, the Ogre has a plethora of mounts, is Rohloff compatible, and has a mount for Surly's own Bill or Ted trailer. This version of the Ogre is in a hue Surly calls "Orlock's Shadow". Se mor about the Ogre and other surly products by clicking the link HERE. 

Comments: The Ogre has, in my opinion, "old school" 29"er geometry. If it looks like the front end has been pushed in, this is because the Ogre has a 72° head tube angle, which most 29"er's haven't used for well over a decade now. Not that this is "bad", but it is unique now in 2025. 

This Ogre reminds me a lot of what a modernized version of my 2003 Karate Monkey would maybe look like. It even is close to the same color, which is Campstove Green. So, the comparison is easier for me to make, I suppose. 
 

Thanks for reading Guitar Ted Productions! NOTE: A press release from Pinarello will be featured at 7;30am CST today here. Stay tuned...

Lost In The Transaction

The reasons we rode gravel are now ghosts of the past.

 I was in line at the Post Office the other day waiting to drop off a package to be shipped. A couple of people were ahead of me. One man. a tall, thin, athletic looking older gentleman, had on a t-shirt with a small logo on the back. I recognized it as the Life Time logo and just underneath it was the Unbound logo.

I smiled, thinking about how I was a part of what made the Unbound event what it is today. Then I started thinking about how that seminal, top-tier gravel event no longer represents what it did 20 years ago. 

Of course, I know why this is, and I just enjoyed the memories I have of what it was which motivated us back then.. Things this man ahead of me at the Post Office that morning likely does not know about, or care to know about.  And why should he? Gravel is big business now in cycling. It is a UCI recognized sport, and there is a UCI "World Champion" in gravel racing now with events spread across the entire globe. The gentleman probably thinks this is normal. It is how it is. Right? Why should he, or anyone who attends a UCI gravel event, or who reads the cycling internet sites, or attends Unbound, think otherwise.

It is dangerous for me to write about things concerning gravel riding and racing in 2025 because most folks coming across these thoughts probably have a completely different viewpoint than I do. And my viewpoint is unique in that I am looking at gravel events and modern day gravel cycling from "the beginning', so to speak. In other words, I have two decades of perspective on this sport. If you've been riding gravel for five years, or ten, your perspective is going to be quite a bit different. I understand this: Many people reading my perspectives may think I'm crazy.

I've recounted this story a few times here before, but I will risk one more retelling, since it has relevance to this subject. Many years ago, Joel Dyke, one of the co-founders of the event which became Unbound and a Gravel Cycling Hall of Fame member, emailed me after he had stepped away from the event. He was encouraging me to stick to my way of doing Trans Iowa, the gravel event I used to promote and produce. Trans Iowa was free to enter, self-supported, and ultra-distance with hard time cut-offs. We had no "podium" awards ceremonies, no prize money to 'winners', and no finish line furnishings or hoopla. The entire reason Trans Iowa existed was to be an alternative to what racing had become. An alternative to just focusing on "the Winner" and disregarding all other competitors. At Trans Iowa, if you even lined up to start, you won.

Joel knew this, and his event he started with Jim Cummings, (again - why isn't Jim in the Gravel Cycling Hall of Fame?), was like Trans Iowa in the beginning, but it "grew" and changed, and well, Joel finally had had enough of that. Joel messaged me, as I said, and stated that "...when the money comes into it, it will ruin gravel."

UCI Gravel Worlds (Image courtesy of the UCI)

Ruin? Well......c'mon! I mean, look what we have now. Gravel tires, bicycles, gear, and even gravel specific bibs, for cryin' out loud! How would we have any of this without gravel cycling becoming a money-making machine? Who would invest their time doing anything for gravel cycling unless they could make a living out of it?

Well, I don't know.......ask me. I can tell you how that works. But I'm not like most people, so I understand.

But was Joel correct in his prophecy? Can we look around and see how "gravel is ruined", or is it at the pinnacle of cycling in terms of popularity? I would say it is a pretty big deal now, and thanks to gravel being big business for this. So, "ruin" in terms of the overall impacts of gravel, yeah.... This sport has put a LOT of people on bicycles, so just from this standpoint, I think the prophecy is not correct. But this is not the only way to look at what gravel has become.

There has always been something about what Joel emailed me which stuck with me though. In the context of what gravel cycling once was, and where it is now? Maybe there is something to this "prophecy" which is true.

I always felt what he meant, and in my heart, I knew something was right about what Joel, and to be honest, many others, were saying back then. Gravel cycling was done for many reasons, but there was an element of gravel cycling which was unique, had nothing to do with who crossed a line first, and was something which any person could experience, whether they were blessed with a top-tier athletic ability or not at all. 

Recently, a press release and an old public television episode helped me make sense of these feelings.

The press release came from a European cycling brand. They sent out a press release about their athlete's experiences at the 2025 Unbound event. I got eight seconds in before I stopped and sat aghast at what I had heard. I assumed this was from their male athlete in the event. His quote was this: "I don't think there is any reason to come here (Unbound) unless you have a chance to win the race".

Spoiler alert, this athlete did not win. (At least his name did not pop up in results for winners of Unbound) So......I guess he shouldn't come back again and this year was a waste? Admittedly, there could be something worthwhile about this person's experiences which came out through the video, but I couldn't get past those first eight seconds. I had heard enough. And this is why it is dangerous for me to write about this sort of thing. 

Here is another quote. This time from a person who had ultra-distance cycling experience and knew competitive cycling norms from before 2010. His name, Jeff Frings. He filmed and produced the award winning documentary, "300 Miles of Gravel", which Iowa Public Television picked up on when they ran a portion of this film and interviewed Jeff about it. 

Image courtesy of Mondraker Bicycles.

Jeff was struck by Gravel Cycling Hall of Famer, Cory, "Cornbread" Godfrey's efforts in Trans Iowa v7, the version of Trans Iowa Jeff filmed. In describing this effort, Jeff asked some questions which summed up the very reasons all of us engaged in gravel cycling events in the early days of gravel. He said, "Can I finish this? Can I push myself beyond what I thought I could do?"

Looking at gravel cycling in this way, if you simply engaged in the activity, you were "winning". It did not matter who crossed a line, as long as it was a line you didn't think was possible for you to cross. This made gravel events inclusive of everyone. All bodies, all levels of fitness and talents. It did not matter a whit what bicycle you had as long as it was what made you happy and successful in reaching goals for yourself, or going beyond those to reach points you never dreamed of before.

So, was Joel right in this view of things? I think we have lost something here in 2025. We've exchanged a personal growth aspect to attain a business growth aspect. We've left the focus on "everyone" and focused on the riders so talented we could never hope to be like them. Where does this leave us who cannot attain to such heights?

Well, maybe you have no reason to come "here" (grave cycling) anymore. This wasn't how things used to be though.

pfft! I probably should watch the end of that video.....but I probably won't.