How Ultra-distance gravel bike racing is evolving

Ultra-distance gravel bike racing, also called adventure racing is on the rise. But what makes it so appealing to cyclists? And how are races evolving to accommodate participants’ changing needs? Read on to find out more about the popular sport and what it means for the future of cycling.

Gravel Bike Racing Evolves Into Ultra-Distance Events

While Ultra-distance road and mountain biking events are not new, it’s only recently that these distances were applied to a category of their own called gravel riding. This relatively recent emergence has spurred an evolution in both bike technology and even physical training for ultra- distance gravel events, making what used to be a weekend warrior pursuit into a full time job (it's a wild ride!)

The biggest challenges faced by Gravel riders

When it comes to riding a gravel race, you have to know how to deal with challenges. Some are about your body, others about your equipment and some more personal.?How will you respond when things don’t go as planned? What happens when there’s a mechanical or when another rider swerves in front of you? How do you deal with an increase in fatigue and temperature? There are so many different kinds of challenges that every gravel racer must be able to manage them gracefully. Going in prepared (good kit & mindset) is what dictates if you finish or scratch (check my previous article on the Mindset of an Ultra-distance Cyclist).

Riders are turning towards Ultra Style Events

In recent years, long distance races that are normally contested on dirt roads have become increasingly popular. This increasing popularity can be attributed to two factors: riders looking for a fun way to challenge themselves and riders who want to attract attention from sponsors by doing something other than traditional road races and mountain bike races.?

With both factors contributing to an increase in ultra style events, one might assume that things would be static... but nothing could be further from reality. When it comes to ultra style events there is no one size fits all mentality so people who enjoy these types of races like having options when choosing which event they will compete in. Some like longer distances while others prefer shorter distances (Ultra style events offer short routes and long routes :)

The Future Of Ultra-Distance Gravel Bike Racing

The next generation of racers are now discovering ultra-distance gravel races. Some stay with it, many do not. Why??Why aren’t they getting hooked on their first taste of ultra-distance gravel riding? Let’s try to figure out what’s happening and how we can take better care of new riders so they become part of our tribe. Here are my theories...?

1. Tolerating challenge - This challenge is at one end of a spectrum for every racer who shows up for an ultra-race: Learning how to deal with pain. Although all race participants might tolerate some level of discomfort during a long race (not all will!), I think that newcomers experience more pain at an event than those who come back because they haven’t learned yet (or know yet) that it will hurt—it hurts everyone! The point here isn’t whether or not new riders have enjoyed their first ultra, but rather whether or not they stick around and get hooked on it. They clearly like these races if they show up again and again... so what are we doing wrong? How can we better hook them into making these races part of their life? What do we need to do better as sponsors/organizers so we create unforgettable experiences for our new riders??

2. Consistency vs. Variety - Similarly, there’s another spectrum when it comes to Ultra-distance events: Consistency vs. Variety. From experience, many new riders don’t realize that ultra-distance racing isn’t just about one 400 km race; most people become addicted to endurance sport after trying a few different events over time - I got hooked after my ride across UK (1,500km). The following month I was on a plane to Spain to race Badlands!(750km!)?

Each category has its own set of challenges, joys and flow states—and variety keeps us happy & curious.

x Ultracyclist