Gravel News Archives - Road Bike Action

THROWBACK THURSDAY, 2014: ROCKIN’ THE ROCK COBBLER GRAVEL RACE

RBA Staff — Thu, 09 Feb 2023 13:23:16 +0000

By Neil Shirley

Think road, cyclocross, and mountain biking. That’s what The Rock Cobbler is, a compilation of all three disciplines. There are 6,000 feet of climbing spread across 80-miles of mostly dirt roads made up of terrain that’s more cyclocross bike friendly than mountain or road. The Rock Cobbler could be considered part of the burgeoning ‘gravel grinder’ racing scene that’s being exported from the central plains states and finding a following by racers of everything two wheeled. Races such as Kansas’ Dirty Kanza have spawned new events like Crusher In The Tushar held in Utah, Rebecca’s Private Idaho, and now The Rock Cobbler.

The First Annual Rock Cobbler was held Sunday February 9^th in Bakersfield, California and organized by Sam Barn who has promoted a range of cycling events (cyclocross, road, and mountain bike). ‘The Rock Cobbler came about while on a ride roughly two years ago when a cycling friend and I were throwing out ideas for big, epic road rides. I took it in the direction of a form of gravel grinder meets cyclocross, meets adventure race and we literally hatched the route and details over beers one day and it just went from there’, said promoter Sam Ames.

For the inaugural year, The Rock Cobbler was kept small, limited to 100 riders in order to make sure the kinks were worked out before opening it up to the hundreds of would-be racers. ‘We have 14 pages of notes with ideas, routes and more madness we would like to unleash. The crew of volunteers I get to assemble is unbelievable. Any promoter knows that without his crew the ideas and the execution are not possible. The response we got for the first Rock Cobbler was overwhelmingly positive. The vibe was so good and that’s truly what we love’, said Ames.

NEIL SHIRLEY AND THE ROCK C0BBLER

After breakfast and race instructions at Lengthwise Brewery, it was go time. Fortunately for me, my good luck charm was there to see us off. About 80-percent of the group went with a cyclocross bike, with the remainder on mountain bikes. No one was brave enough to give the course a try on a road bike.

Once the 12-mile neutral section ended, we hit the dirt roads around Oildale. The short, steep climbs took their toll on the group almost immediately. (Photo: Peter Wollesen)

Bakersfield local and Spy Masters team member Jim Pappe was using The Rock Cobbler as prep for the 130-mile Spy Belgian Waffle Ride that will be held in April. (Photo: Peter Wollesen)

Even race fans with a motor found the hills to be tough going. (Photo: Peter Wollesen)

Cyclocross standout Brent Prenzlow (left) and I had gapped the rest of the field by the mid-way point, but if I had known how hard the second half of the course would be I might have had a different pacing strategy. Note the different sizes of tires we’re using – cyclocross vs. gravel. (Photo: Peter Wollesen)

The three-mile climb up Breckenridge Road looked to be the hardest part of the course on paper, but in reality the smooth pavement made it one of the few places you could actually relax. (Photo: Peter Wollesen)

Drop and give me ten…or twenty. To prove you rode the entire course, cards were handed out at four checkpoints. In order to receive the cards at two of those checkpoints we were made to do 10 pushups. Those checkpoints were on top of climbs, and doing pushups when already anaerobic is harder than one might think. (Photo: Peter Wollesen)

What I had been dreading the entire race: the mother of all hike-a-bikes. With 550-feet of elevation change from bottom to top, this was the backbreaker for many. Once over the top we were treated to some twisty single track descending in Hart Park. (Photo: Peter Wollesen)

For all the pain and suffering we were awarded with a rock. Well, at least it’s a cool rock. As challenging as the The Rock Cobbler was, it wasn’t so over-the-top hard that only a few could finish. Of all the starters, only three riders were forced to pull out. For a look at the route, check out the Strava file here.

THE ROCK COBBLER BIKE SETUP

Bike setup can be as important as fitness when it comes to successfully making it through a gravel race. I opted to use Pivot’s new Vault ‘cross/gravel bike since it features more gravel friendly geometry than a pure cyclocross bike. After modifications to the gearing, tires, cockpit, and saddle/seatpost, I hoped it was ready for The Rock Cobbler. As it turned out, I had ample gearing, plenty of traction, no flat tires, and a relatively comfortable ride; all combing for the fastest time of the day.

Traditional cyclocross chainrings are 46/36, which don’t lend themselves to the best gravel gearing. I swapped out the stock rings for Praxis Works 50/34, giving me a higher top end for fast road sections, and a lower climbing gear. While some gravel races might be fine for road pedals, The Rock Cobbler required mountain bike pedals and shoes to tackle the brutally long and steep hike-a-bike.

Shimano’s newly released Ultegra GS derailleur with 11-32 cassette has been a long time coming. Having a 32 tooth cog is something that was very much appreciated at The Rock Cobbler, and is a great cassette option for anyone wanting more than a 28 tooth cog for their 11-speed Shimano setup. The Ultegra GS rear derailleur will also be available in a Di2 version.

Without knowing exactly what I was getting into in terms of terrain, I opted for a conservative tire choice. Clement X’Plor MSOs in 40c were wider than what was probably necessary, but I was never in need of more traction. Stan’s No Tubes Iron Cross wheels and Orange Seal sealant provided the confidence from flats that only tubeless can provide.

Like any ‘cross or gravel bike worth its salt these days, the Pivot Vault was disc brake equipped. TRP Hy/Rd calipers provided more than enough power to safely navigate the more technical descents on the course.

Feeling a little cramped by the stock FSA cockpit, I went with a longer PRO Vibe 7S stem and wider handlebars of the same model. Lizard Skins 2.5mm thick bar tape gave enough padding to help reduce the impacts.

Saddles are such a personal choice, and I typically default to the Specialized Romin Pro since it works well for me. Coming stock on the Pivot Vault is a WTB saddle, which is also comfortable. My seatpost of choice is a unique Trigon design that is carbon, reinforced with titanium to give a spring-like effect. It made a substantial difference in buffering the bumps and keeping my butt from bouncing around.

For more info on Sam Barn Promotions go to: sambarn.com

The post THROWBACK THURSDAY, 2014: ROCKIN’ THE ROCK COBBLER GRAVEL RACE appeared first on Road Bike Action.

BIKE OF THE WEEK: SCHMOLKE INFINITY GRAVEL

RBA Staff — Fri, 20 Jan 2023 08:00:26 +0000

As a young lad Stefan Schmolke, together with his brother Matthias, started racing. His passion for the sport and his technical interest in lightweight bicycle parts inspired him to study mechanical engineering. His thesis was done under the supervision of Hans Christian Smolik, Germany’s godfather of ultralight bikes and parts. In 1989, around the time he was about to graduate from university, he, together with his brother, opened a bike store, concentrating on high-end bicycle parts. The title of his thesis was: “New Materials and the Theory of a Carbon Fibre Handlebar”. Only one year after that he had proceeded from theory to fact. Some 25 years ago, he was the first one ever to make a road bar from carbon fiber. In 1992 he then founded SCHMOLKE CARBON, the carbon fiber bike parts manufacturer.

Check out our the full Schmolke Carbon line

Schmolke’s gravel frame is comprised of more angular tubes with an interestingly molded seat tube junction than their road bike. The Infinity frame has room for up to 40mm tires, and the frame has seatstay mounts for either fenders or racks. The carbon seatposts come in a wide range of sizes that are handmade to accommodate specific rider sizes.

The tubeless ready 28 spoke TLO Gravel wheels use DT Swiss hubs and have a 25mm inner width and hit the scales at (a claimed) 1390 grams. Compatible with Shimano, Campagnolo and SRAM cassettes for just under $3000.

The Infinity frame and fork weighs (a claimed) 1560 grams and is available as a frameset ($2800) or built with a Campagnolo Ekar drivetrain starting at $9200 or a SRAM Force drivetrain at $8925.

Currently, while the frames come out of Asia, all of the TLO (The Lightest One) components (handlebars, seat posts, crank, and stem) are made in Germany, with the carbon saddles coming out of Portugal.

For more info, head to www.schmolke-carbon.com

The post BIKE OF THE WEEK: SCHMOLKE INFINITY GRAVEL appeared first on Road Bike Action.

2023 LA Tourist Race #1

RBA Staff — Thu, 19 Jan 2023 17:30:35 +0000

It’s that time of year when SoCal finally gets some much-needed rain, and we also prepare for the most fun “race” series to start. The LA Tourist Race is fewer rules and more fun. It’s more of an if it rolls, then race it vibe. Aero bars probably won’t help, but if you want them, Mike and the team won’t stop you from rolling into the fun. No race license, just show up on whatever bike you have and go. Race it, ride it or just be part of the before and after party, it doesn’t matter.

LA Tourist Race is celebrating its fifth year, and to celebrate, Mike, the brains behind the fun, says this first race for 2023 will be a throwback to the first race held on January 12, 2019. When looking at the map Mike supplied back then, the route was 70 miles and 9,351ft. The registration is almost sold out and has been for weeks with only a few spots left in the Full on Tourist, Female category. However, the recent rain has already scared many since the water levels will be up in ANF, so be prepared for wet feet.

The race starts on January 28 at Let’s Ride Cyclery in Burbank, Ca on Hollywood way between the Chandler bike path and Magnolia Blvd. Also about half a block from the famous Porto’s Bakery.

THE FORMAT

The race is a scavenger hunt style with four checkpoints. Since you can do the stops in any order, with the only real set rule being you must start and finish at the Let’s Ride Cyclery & LA Tourist HQ in Burbank. The race starts at 8 am on Saturday, January 28th, 2023.

We got a little sneak peek at what might be waiting for the finishers of the Full Tourist.

THE ROUTE

The checkpoints will be released a few days before the race to registered participants. When we have a route built, we will update. The best part is building route options while debating if the roads and trails you have chosen will be rideable. Overall expect a tough yet fun experience no matter what route or category you have chosen.

TROY’S BIKE CHOICE

It’s no surprise that Troy has chosen a bike with a Lauf Grit fork, but this year it’s the new Lauf Siegla. He is using a set of light but durable WTB CZR I23 wheels. Tires have not been chosen yet but the Kenda Booster Pro tires in size 40mm should be a good all-around choice. For gears, a SRAM AXS XPLR 1x system. There is a 40t crankset matched with a 10-44t cassette.

It will probably be warmer than it was in Iceland when we first rode the Lauf Seigla.

With so much water and the likelihood of having to shoulder the bike a lot, no frame bag this year. Temperatures will likely be in the 60s, but the shade and canyons of ANF will be in the low 40s so a jacket or Vest and arm warmers should be all we need to shed.

THE NEXT RACE

If you can’t make it to race #1, no worries. Race #2 redemption is on March 11th, 2023. Registration is open and only $25. For a full list of events we are excited for check out our 2023 event list here.

For more LAT info head to latouristrace.com

Lisa from KHS was dropping off some WTB and Kryptonite swag for the race finishers.

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THE RAD DIRT FEST JOINS THE 2023 LIFE TIME GRAND PRIX

RBA Staff — Fri, 13 Jan 2023 17:38:31 +0000

After its inaugural season the Life Time Grand Prix is expanding for 2023. What makes the LTGP series unique is its mix of drop bar and flat bar events that brings together athletes from different backgrounds. Life Time has announced the schedule for the upcoming 2023 season that includes an increase in prize money and a new addition to the original six events. While the LTGP lived up to its promises of massive payouts there was a major let down after the promise of live video coverage for each event proved unattainable mid-way through the season. Of course, all the scheduled races are open to non-pro riders as well so sign-up early and get ready to rumble!

Photo: Linda Guerrette

THE RAD

Following two successful run throughs, The Rad Dirt Fest joins the Life Time Grand Prix for its third edition. Located in Trinidad, Colorado, The Rad, offers three courses, the 40-mile “Frijole”, the 70-mile “Anteloop”, and the marquee 110-mile “Stubborn Delores”. As with the other events in the series, Life Time owns The Rad, prices start at $70 for the Frijole route and climb up to $175 for the Stubborn Delores.

Sitting at just over 6000′, the town of Trinidad is about halfway between Denver and Santa Fe. About 90-percent of the course is maintained gravel roads that wind between the mesas and plateaus across Southern Colorado. Set to take place on September 30th anyone interested should be sure to sign-up quickly when registration opens on February 1.

The post THE RAD DIRT FEST JOINS THE 2023 LIFE TIME GRAND PRIX appeared first on Road Bike Action.

BELGIAN WAFFLE RIDE 2023 SCHEDULE

RBA Staff — Sun, 08 Jan 2023 15:46:18 +0000

Just look at how the Belgian Waffle Series has grown – from a handful or riders going out for a group ride from a parking lot near San Diego to a seven race series that spans across America and now on both sides of the border. While we always highly anticipate starting things off at the OG race venue in April, there’s a new opening round being held in Arizona one month earlier….time to get your gravel on!

GOING BWR IN 2023

Press Release

Monuments of Cycling (MoC), a premier cycling events producer best known for its iconic Monument of Gravel, the Belgian Waffle Ride (BWR), has announced its expanding BWR calendar for the second-half of 2023, adding three more events to the fall calendar, extending to seven the total number of events for the Quadrupel Crown of Gravel Series. The Quadrupel Crown, comprised of all the BWRs, is the largest gravel series in the world with events in Arizona, California, British Columbia, N. Carolina, and these three newly added events in Utah, Kansas, and Mexico.

The Quadrupel Crown will be contested in a points-based omnium format across all seven of the 2023 BWRs. Riders competing for the Quadrupel honors and prize purse will be scored based on the total points of their top four (Quad) races. All Quad contenders must compete in BWR CA, which is being contested in San Marcos, CA, April 14 – 16, 2023. Registration for these new events will open on Tuesday, January 10, 2023, at 8:00 a.m. PST.

This year, with inflation affecting everyone’s wallets, the Monuments of Cycling is announcing that it will NOT increase entry fees for any of the BWRs to reward loyal and new competitors alike with pre-pandemic registration pricing. This is despite the rising costs of putting on world class events. The individual BWRs will each have their own pricing and registration cap with these lower prices locked in for first registrants. Once those caps are reached, the pricing will go up.

Created as an extremely challenging race in the spirit of the great European one-day Spring Classics, the BWRs have now become known as the most unique cycling events in the world for their incredibly dynamic, multi-surface ‘unroad’ parcourses replete with single track, sand, rocks, gravel, water crossings, cyclocross features and even some asphalt.

Below are the dates of the seven BWRs for 2023, all of which will feature in the omnium for the Quadrupel Crown of Gravel Series:

Inaugural BWR AZ in Scottsdale, AZ on March 3 – 5, 2023

12th Annual BWR CA in San Diego on April 14 – April 16, 2023

Inaugural BWR BC on Vancouver Island, BC on May 26 – 28, 2023

3rd Annual BWR NC in Asheville on June 10 – 11, 2023

4th Annual BWR UT in Cedar City on August 25 – 26, 2023

3rd Annual BWR KS in Lawrence on October 13 – 15, 2023

Inaugural BWR México in Queretaro, MX on November 25 – 26, 2023

Each venue will showcase a challenging ‘unroad’ multi-surface course that takes advantage of the unique topography these beautiful locations have on offer, from the old growth forest of the Hell of the Great White North in BC to the multiple cyclocross features of the Hell of the North (KS) and the cobble stoned streets of the Infierno Del Sur in Queretaro, México. Each route is uniquely designed to include a multitude of technically challenging sectors. Waffle courses range in length from 110- to 144-miles, with Wafer courses between roughly 68- and 84-miles. Some venues will have Wanna Rides, which are typically around 40-miles. Elevation gain will range from 6,500 feet to 14,000 feet for the various Waffle courses.

Monuments of Cycling is investing in new ways to ensure rider safety with new courses, as well as support in the form of nutrition and hydration from custom created products from Infinit. Each location will offer diverse routes that will be well-marked and involve abundant traffic control personnel on course. Additionally, each location will be hosted by a legion of bike-minded volunteers who come together to showcase the hospitality of their hometowns. Without these hometown heroes these iconic races could not be offered.

The post BELGIAN WAFFLE RIDE 2023 SCHEDULE appeared first on Road Bike Action.

THE 2023 CYCLING EVENT CALENDAR

RBA Staff — Sun, 01 Jan 2023 08:00:13 +0000

It’s a truth we know all too well. We like riding bikes. Even truer, we like riding them in new places far from the local routes we know all too well. In fact, just thinking about preparing and traveling to a new event keeps us motivated during our daily rides. Planning a cycling vacation to an out-of-state location or even a new race course can be a great way to keep each pedal stroke inspired.

After too many missed rides, events and outings with friends over the last few years, now is the time to stare down the calendar with pen in hand and chart a path to connect on and off the bike. We’re happy to see so many events back on the schedule—and yes, many of them do lean on the gravel side of things. To that end, we figured this would be the perfect time to compile a list of the more popular rides on the calendar as a reminder of all our favorite cycling-centric places to be.

Photo: Robert Deberry

THE 2023 RIDE CALENDAR

L.A. Tourist Race 1 (gravel)
January 28, Burbank, CA
www.letsridecyclery.com

The Rock Cobbler (gravel)
February 11, Bakersfield, CA
www.rockcobbler.com

Belgian Waffle Ride AZ (road/gravel)
March 5 Scottsdale, AZ
www.belgianwaffleride.bike

The Mid South (gravel)
March 9, Stillwater, OK
www.midsouthgravel.com

La Tourist Race 2 (gravel)
March 11, Burbank, CA
www.letsridecyclery.com

Redlands Classic (pro road)
April 12-16, Redlands, CA
www.redlandsclassic.com

Belgian Waffle Ride CA (road/gravel)
April 15 San Marcos, CA
www.belgianwaffleride.bike

Sea Otter Classic (all disciplines)
April 19-23, Monterey, CA
www.seaotterclassic.com

La Tourist Race 3 (gravel)
April 22-23, Burbank, CA
www.letsridecyclery.com

Levi’s Gran Fondo (road)
April 22, Windsor, CA
www.levisgranfondo.com

Campagnolo San Diego Gran Fondo (road)
April 23, San Diego, CA
www.sdgranfondo.com

Gorge Gravel Grinder (gravel)
April 23, Dufur, OR
www.oregongravelgrinder.com

Giro d’Italia (pro road)
May 6-28, Italy
www.giroditalia.it

Cascade Gravel Grinder (gravel)
May 12-14, Bend, OR
www.oregongravelgrinder.com

The Heywood Ride (gravel)
May 20, Northfield, MN
www.theheywoodride.com

Belgian Waffle Ride BC (road/gravel)
May 28, Vancouver Island, BC, Canada
www.belgianwaffleride.bike

Unbound Gravel (gravel)
June 1-4, Emporia, KS
www.unboundgravel.com

FNLD GRVL (gravel)
June 10, Lahti, Finland
www.fnldgrvl.com

Belgian Waffle Ride NC (road/gravel)
June 10, Hendersonville. NC
www.belgianwaffleride.bike

Ride the Rockies (road)
June 11-16, Copper Mountain, CO
www.ridetherockies.com

Oregon Trail Gravel Grinder (gravel)
June 21-25, Sisters, OR
www.oregongravelgrinder.com

Grodeo (gravel)
June 22-25, Ogden, UT
www.enve.com/grodeo

Tour de France (pro road)
July 1-24, France
www.letour.fr

Crusher in the Tushar (gravel)
July 08, Beaver, UT
www.tusharcrusher.com

Ochoco Gravel Grinder (gravel)
July 8, Prineville, OR
www.oregongravelgrinder.com

The Rift (gravel)
July 22, Hvolsvöllur, Iceland
www.therift.bike

RAGBRAI (road)
July 22-29, Sergeant Bluff, IA
www.ragbrai.com

Vuelta a Espana (pro road)
August 19–September 10, Spain
www.lavuelta.es

SBT GRVL (gravel)
August 20, Steamboat Springs, CO
www.sbtgrvl.com

Belgian Waffle Ride UT (road/gravel)
August 25-26, Cedar City, UT
www.belgianwaffleride.bike

Gravel Worlds (gravel)
August 25-26, Lincoln, NE
www.gravel-worlds.com

Rebecca’s Private Idaho (gravel)
August 31, Sun Valley, ID
www.rebeccasprivateidaho.com

Pablove Across America (road)
End of August (no location yet)
www.pablove.org

Mammoth Gran Fondo (road)
September 9, Mammoth Lakes, CA
www.mammothgranfondo.com

Mammoth Tuff (gravel)
September 16, Mammoth Lakes, CA
www.mammothtuff.com

Eroica California (gravel/road)
September 16-17, Cambria, CA
www.eroica.cc

Rosarito Ensenada (road)
September 23, Rosarito, Mexico
www.rosaritoensenada.com

Belgian Waffle Ride KS (road/gravel)
October 16, Lawrence, KS
www.belgianwaffleride.bike

Big Sugar (gravel)
Mid-October, Bentonville, AR
www.bigsugargravel.com

Best Buddies Challenge (road)
Mid-October, Nicasio, CA
www.bestbuddieschallenge.org

Belgian Waffle Ride MX (road/gravel)
November 26, Queretaro, Mexico
www.belgianwaffleride.bike

Photo: Troy Templin

BONUS RIDES: TOURS AND TRAINING CAMPS

Trek Travel
www.trektravel.com

InGamba
www.ingamba.pro

VeloGuide
www.veloguide.com

Bici Italia
www.biciitalia.com

Unbound Camp
www.unboundgravel.com

Big Wheel Coaching Camp
www.bigwheelcoaching.com

BWR Camp
www.belgianwaffleride.bike

CTS Training Camp
www.trainright.com

The post THE 2023 CYCLING EVENT CALENDAR appeared first on Road Bike Action.

REGGIE MILLER’S CUSTOM GRAVEL BIKE

RBA Staff — Sat, 17 Dec 2022 14:44:17 +0000

Former professional basketball player Reggie Miller needs no introduction. Since his retirement from the NBA, he found a love for cycling. At 6’7” he is the perfect candidate for a custom geometry bike since even the largest “stock” bike would be a bit small. Reggie has got his hands on a Custom Moots Routt RSL at SBT GRVL back in August, a hometown event for Moots.

Just for comparison, Reggie’s Routt RSL has a top tube length of 62.5cm (24.6 inches!), head tube length of 25cm (9.8 inches) and seat tube length of 58cm (22.8 inches). Our size 54 Moots Routt RSL has a top tube length of 54.5cm (21.4 inches), head tube length of 14cm (5.5 inches) and seat tube length of 51cm (20 inches).

“Well here she is, built from the ground up by @mootscycles in Steamboat Springs, and blessed by the painting God himself @mphpaint. Honored to debut her June 11th at the Ranch Rally Ride
in Steamboat Colorado for 75 glorious miles with @king_iz @emmerlin @jasonsiegle. Lots of meaning went into this bike, the 2 biggest are EQUALITY/ EQUITY. The main reason I ride/race is to bring more awareness of diversity and inclusion to the sport of cycling, honored so many sponsors jumped on board to be a part of this. This is also the rig I will riding for the @sbtgrvl August 14th, that will be 100 miles. Thank you @dweider @pfbikeshop @10speedcoffee for building her up, you’re the BEST mechanic, photographer and friend one could ask for.
Blessed to have partners like Moots
@santacruzbicycles @srammtb @sramroad @lizardskinscycling @envecomposites @mucoff
@vittoriatires @castellicycling @koo_world @kask_sport @fizikofficial”

EQUALITY/ EQUITY custom top tube graphic.

Reggie Miller’s Bike Setup

Frame: Moots Custom Routt RSL
Drivetrain: SRAM XPLR AXS 42t, 10-44t 12-speed cassette
Headset: Chris King
Wheels: ENVE G23
Stem: Moots
Bars: ENVE Gravel Bar 44mm
Bar Tape: Lizardskin DSP 4.6mm
Saddle: Selle SMP Dynamic
Power Meter: SRAM Quarq
Pedals: Shimano
Tires: Vittoria

Moots has been hand building bicycle frames since 1981. Each is meticulously fashioned out of premium US-made titanium tubing, allowing them to design every bike to the specific needs of the frame style and individual rider. The purposeful design philosophy, their knowledge of the unique characteristics of titanium, and relentless focus on craftsmanship come together in the creation of true lifetime bikes.

To follow more of Reggie’s adventures you can find him on Instagram @reggiemillertnt

Photos: Derek Weider/@dweider

The post REGGIE MILLER’S CUSTOM GRAVEL BIKE appeared first on Road Bike Action.

BIKE OF THE WEEK: FELT BREED CARBON

RBA Staff — Fri, 09 Dec 2022 18:00:18 +0000

Sure, riding drop bars on dirt isn’t a new thing. Many folks will rightfully point out that it’s been a way of life for many cyclists for as long as people have been pedaling atop two wheels. Shoot, even historians remind us that the Tour de France began on gravel roads. But these days, there are more eyeballs on the gravel riding scene, more legs in the game, and more minds opening up to the wonderful world of off-road adventure. That’s why Felt created the Breed Carbon.

The new carbon version further improves on the already solid Breed line, and prioritizes weight and performance. The Breed is compatible with both 650b and 700c wheel sizes but comes standard with 700c hoops. The Breed uses a T47 bottom bracket that has all of the benefits of old-school threaded bottom brackets, like creak-free performance and easy maintenance, but it also takes advantage of the latest technology to maximize stiffness.

The Breed Carbon starts at $3549 for a complete Shimano GRX 600 build. The Sram Force build with Zipp wheels will set you back $7549.

For more info, head to www.feltbicycles.com

The post BIKE OF THE WEEK: FELT BREED CARBON appeared first on Road Bike Action.

RISE AND RIDE IN THE VINEYARDS — WINE COUNTRY GRAVEL CAMP

RBA Staff — Thu, 08 Dec 2022 01:37:41 +0000

The 2023 season is on the horizon, and it’s time to ramp up your training! Our friends at Big Wheel Coaching know there is no better preparation than quality training miles spent with friends, teammates, coaches, and other hard-chargers. That is why they created the Rise & Ride in the Vineyards Gravel Training Camp, December 29th – January 1st!

It’s four days of fully-supported, coach-lead training rides that include pre and post-ride food and vineyard-centered festivities, each purposefully built to create a top-shelf ride weekend that sets you up for a great year of riding!

The Temecula Valley is renowned for its vineyard-covered hills and hot air balloons. But to locals, it is a gravel rider’s paradise! Quiet routes boast wide-open double-track trails, swoopy single-track, steep climbs, speedy descents, technical sectors, and expansive views. In short, the menu for riding in the Temecula wine country is outstanding and a great way to welcome the New Year.

Although it takes a full four days of riding to fully appreciate the spectacular gravel that the Temecula wine country has to offer, you can come to camp for a single ride, just a few days, or for the “full enchilada”!

Rise & Ride In The Vineyards

Oh, and did we mention the exclusive wine-tasting opportunities at the LaFata Estate Vineyard? If you register before December 15th, they are giving you a free wine-tasting experience called The Sip of Temecula at The La Fata Vineyard Estate (Value $50), so you can taste the best wines that are pouring in Temecula without having to visit every winery!

Register today for a Wine Country Gravel Camp you will not soon forget!

Ride Itinerary

Thursday, Dec. 29th, 3.5hrs Ride: A Tour Of The Temecula Wine Country.

Friday, Dec. 30th, 3.5hrs Ride: A Day In De Luz Gravel Ride.

Saturday, Dec. 31st, 4.5hrs Ride: Fat Lizard w/a Gravel Twist N.Y.E. Epic

Sunday, Jan. 1st, 4.5hrs Ride: The Diamond Valley Lake Gravel Loop Ushers In 2023

For more info and to reserve your spot, contact www.bigwheelcoaching.com

The post RISE AND RIDE IN THE VINEYARDS — WINE COUNTRY GRAVEL CAMP appeared first on Road Bike Action.

UNBOUND GRAVEL – THE LOTTERY DATES TO KNOW

RBA Staff — Fri, 25 Nov 2022 16:17:03 +0000

It is without a doubt the biggest gravel spectacle in the world. If there was a Daytona 500 analogy for gravel racing to make, this is is. Unbound Gravel is on for next June and the all-important lottery dates to gain an entry have arrived. First up will be all those looking forward to ride 350 miles alone and unsupported – fun huh? January is the month when the lotteries open for the 200 and 100 mile events. All in all – we hope to see you in Emporia next year!

UNBOUND GRAVEL

Press Release

We’ve got news for all our fiercest, gnarliest, most cold-blooded gravel-grinders.

We’re 1 WEEK out from the lottery for the Garmin UNBOUND Gravel XL presented by Craft Sportswear in Emporia, Kansas, on June 2, 2023.

Starting December 1 (Thursday), you’ll have 2 weeks to toss your helmet in the gravelly ring for 350 freaking miles of tire shredding through the stunningly strenuous Kansas Prairie.
You XL riders are in a class of your own — and it’s why we love you. Our Life Time crew has everything you need to know to enter the XL Lottery:

Lottery dates: December 1–15, 2022
Life Time Member Guaranteed Registration: December 1-8, 2022

Event date: June 2, 2023

PSSSST. Those who have been Life Time members for at least 6 months get priority access during the first week of the lottery!

Don’t miss your shot at the ultimate gravel-grinding challenge next summer.
For the rest of you, there’s still the UNBOUND Gravel 25/50/100/200 mile options!

Check the deets

Lottery dates: January 5–20, 2023
Life Time Member Guaranteed Registration: January 5-12, 2023

Event date: June 3, 2023

For more: Unbound Gravel

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