I’m a rider who’s happiest when the road runs out and the gravel begins.
Over the last few years, I’ve thrown myself into long days in the saddle, from big European gravel races to multi-day bikepacking trips across the UK. Along the way, I’ve learned that while gravel riding is all about freedom and adventure, a little preparation goes a long way. This isn’t about overcomplicating things or killing the spontaneity; it’s about giving yourself the confidence to explore.
In this blog, I want to share how I plan my rides, the tools I use, and the mindset that makes the difference between a frustrating day and an unforgettable one.
Gravel cycling is one of the best ways to explore new places, escape traffic, and challenge yourself. It combines the adventure of mountain biking with the distance and flow of road cycling, giving you freedom to head off the beaten track. But while the idea of “just following the trails” sounds appealing, the reality is that a little planning goes a long way. Choosing the right distance, understanding the terrain, and using the right tools will make all the difference.
The first step in planning any ride is to decide on your goal. Ask yourself what kind of ride you want: a quick spin, a focused training session, or a big adventure. Each requires a different approach. A 40-kilometre café loop with friends doesn’t need much more than a rough idea of the route, while a 200-kilometre ride across remote tracks demands proper preparation. And remember: gravel kilometres feel longer than road kilometres. A 60 km gravel loop can ride like a 100 km road ride, so plan conservatively and build distance gradually.
Once you’ve got your goal and distance, it’s time to think about terrain. Gravel can mean smooth hardpack, loose stone, doubletrack, or muddy byways, and conditions can change overnight with the weather. Always consider surface type, elevation, and weather impact, and ensure your tyres, gearing, and bike setup are suited to what you expect. Nothing kills the flow of a ride faster than finding yourself on a rocky MTB descent with 40 mm tyres.
This is where mapping tools make all the difference. My personal favourite is Ride with GPS, which lets you see unpaved sections clearly with their MTB Cycle Ratings and Unpaved Cycling layers. A quick check of the satellite imagery gives you a sense of what the trail really looks like, and the paved versus unpaved breakdown tells you how much of the route will actually be gravel. For rides in the UK, OS Maps is invaluable because it shows bridleways, byways, and rights of way. The 3D flythrough is particularly helpful for seeing climbs and terrain before committing.
Other platforms play a role, too. Komoot is good for inspiration and discovering community routes, but I find it less flexible when I want to design my own loops from scratch, and, much like Strava, the community data is only as accurate as the person who uploaded it! Strava can be both useful and misleading. Heatmaps and segments highlight where people ride, but “popular” doesn’t always mean suitable for gravel.
Always double-check with reviews and satellite imagery before relying on Strava data. Sometimes, the simplest approach is best: a quick Google search like “best gravel rides near Shropshire” will often turn up blogs and ride reports that add valuable local knowledge. For multi-day trips, Bikepacking.com is an outstanding resource, with detailed guides covering terrain, resupply points, and logistics.
Once the route is set, take a moment to check your expectations. Gravel riding is unpredictable by nature. Average speeds will be slower, facilities may be sparse, and there’s always the chance of a hike-a-bike section. Build flexibility into your plan and mindset. The ride isn’t ruined if you have to reroute; some of the best moments come from detours and unexpected discoveries.
Preparation also means packing the right kit. At minimum, bring spares and tools (tube, pump, levers, multitool, chain link), extra food and water, and at least one weather-proof layer, such as the GRVL 3-Season Jacket. Navigation backups are important too, offline maps on your phone or even a paper map if you’re heading into remote areas. For longer rides, I add lights, a power bank, and a small frame bag to carry everything without overstuffing jersey pockets. A simple but often overlooked step is to let someone know where you’re riding, especially if you’re going solo.
With all this in place, the final step is to give yourself space to enjoy it. Planning gives you confidence, but don’t let it box you in. If you see a side track that looks inviting, take it. If there’s a café you didn’t know about, stop. The blue line on your GPS isn’t
a law, it’s just a guide. The real joy of gravel is balancing structure with freedom.
Gravel cycling rewards preparation, but it also rewards adaptability. Use tools like Ride with GPS, OS Maps, Strava, blogs, and Bikepacking.com to design routes that fit your goals. Pack smart, plan realistically, and then let the ride unfold. And most importantly, remember that it’s okay when things don’t go to plan.
If you’re training, stick to reliable, well-ridden areas where you can focus on consistency. When you’re chasing adventure, give yourself permission to experiment, to make mistakes, and to learn. That’s where the real magic of gravel lies, not in everything going perfectly, but in discovering something new along the way.
If you are on your own journey and want to improve your ability on gravel or take your training to the next level, I can help. My coaching is not just about chasing faster times, it is about unlocking your potential, giving you structure, accountability, and support that fits around your life.
Whether you are new to gravel riding or working towards a big event, having me in your corner to guide the process and take care of the planning can make all the difference. If you are ready to take your gravel riding seriously, I would love to support you.
Ben Turner
The Adventure Coach
@BenTurnerAdventure
www.benturneradventure.com
