We’ve done a scouting ride on our first Dirt Road Practice Ride route. It’s delightful. This is an ideal route to try out for a first outing. The surface of the dirt section is very light in gravel, very well packed, and nicely shaded. I can hardly wait to see how many, and who, will show up.
On that note, I’d like to broaden the invitation. If you are a seasoned unpaved rider, please do consider coming out for this one. Your presence and experience could be a help to a newer chum.
I’ve had a couple of questions (inevitably) about bike types. First off, let me re-state, we are riding on dirt roads. A road bike will work on them. That said, a full on, super light, high-end, racing bike, is possibly not the best choice for this activity. Yes it can be done, but do you really want to subject your multi-thousand dollar rig to that? Second, I would strongly suggest that you not try this on a tri-bike or time trial bike.
What other choices would work well? Okay, as we’ve mentioned, road bikes will work. (It’s what we’ll be riding.) Mountain bikes are okay, although they will feel a bit heavy and slow on the paved sections. Cyclocross bikes are ideal for this kind of thing. Flat bar road bikes (fitness bikes), such as the Giant Rapid and Dash will work too.
Other considerations:
- Bring a couple of spare tubes. (Bring your own spares!!!)
- Bring plenty of water. It’s thirsty work, and likely to be quite warm.
- Dress to ride on the road.
- Expect to work and learn.
- Wear a smile
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