Gravel rides during the 2022 season will be held on Thursdays at 6:00pm. The starting location (and any changes to the time) will be specified in the ride announcements each week, sent to both the flcc-gravel and fingerlakescycling groups.

If you’re seeing this description, it means a specific route has not been selected for this date – watch this page for updates!

Gravel rides are focused on exploring the gravel, dirt, and otherwise unpaved roads and trails in and around Ithaca. If you like to get away from traffic, occasionally climb a hill just because it’s there, and don’t mind mud on your clothes then gravel rides are probably for you!

These rides are largely targeted to intermediate riders, although all skill levels are welcome. Gravel rides put an emphasis on bike handling rather than raw speed. They’re intended to be challenging while also social and, more than anything else, fun! Rides will be no-drop, regrouping at the tops of major hills and intersections when the group is spread out. If you have a mechanical issue the group will stop to help before everyone continues on together. The group is sure to spread out periodically based on everyone’s preferred pace, handling ability, hill climbing speed, but no one will be left behind. On weeks where multiple ride leaders attend we will be able to offer additional pace groups to more comfortably accommodate all riders, which we will also include in the ride announcement when able.

Gravel rides were first offered in 2021. You can review this presentation for a recap the season and what we learned from it.

A Few Good Questions

Q: Do I need a special bike?
No! There are lots of “gravel” and “adventure” bikes that would be great for these rides, but really you could get by on almost anything.

Q: What equipment do I need?
The main thing to think about is your tire width and pressure. A rough suggestion would be something wider than 700x30c at 60psi or less. If you don’t know what that means, it’s okay! Get in touch and we can help you figure out if your bike would be up to the task (it probably is).

Other than your bike you’ll need blinking lights that fix to you or your bike for safety at dusk, water bottles with water, a helmet, and tools/parts to fix a flat tire. Multiple gears are recommended, but if you can ride a fixie up Mt. Pleasant then more power to you.

Q: It’s wet out. Is the ride on?
Yup, that just makes it more fun! Rides will be cancelled for heavy rain, thunder and/or lightning, etc. but otherwise don’t shy away from getting wet or muddy.

Q: Is this mountain biking?
No. But mountain biking is great and is very complimentary to gravel riding, especially when it comes to bike handling.