A Guide To Your First Gravel Race

This article series aims to enable cyclists to show up as prepared as possible for their first race. We’ll cover the primary types of events available; gravel, road, mountain, and cyclocross. There will be a fair amount of carryover for each discipline, but every kind of event has unique demands that must be accounted for.

As we release additional guides, we’ll update the links below.

Road Guide

Mountain Guide

Cyclocross Guide

Gravel Racing

Gravel races are endurance events that range from 25 miles for beginner/youth races to 350 miles for ultra-distance. Courses will utilize predominantly gravel roads and occasionally a mix of minimum maintenance roads (aka B-roads) and paved roads. 

Races are typically mass starts, meaning all riders start together regardless of age group, ability, or goal distance for the day. While prizes are often available for the fastest finishers in each category, many/most riders are chasing a personal goal. 

An often talked about perk of gravel racing is that it offers something for everyone. The professional racer and the weekend warrior are treated equally and have the same opportunity for a fantastic day at the best gravel events. 

Gravel Fundamentals

Tire Selection & Air Pressure

There is a myriad of choices when it comes to tire type and size. The suggestions below will help you get started in the right direction.

• Width – 38mm or larger is recommended. Some older bike frames won’t have clearance for wider tires, but it’s rare to find a cyclocross, gravel, or mountain bike that doesn’t allow the use of 38s.

• Tread – A tire with a smooth or lightly treaded center line and larger knobs on the outer edge of the tire is best for gravel. Tires with this tread pattern tend to be well suited for gravel riding. We recommend starting here for your first set of gravel-specific tires and then adjusting based on your experience on the road.

• Air Pressure – Using the wrong air pressure in your tires will hurt comfort and handling. Too low, you’ll feel the tire bottom out on fast descents. Too much, and you will feel like the bike is trying to buck you off and lose traction in corners. Please reference this chart to find your starting air pressure. 

Mechanical Skills

• How to plug a tire (for cyclists running tubeless, this is often all that’s needed)
• How to remove the front and rear wheels
• How to change a tube
• How to fix a broken chain
• Bonus Skill: How to convert to a single-speed when you’re derailleur breaks

The longer the event, the more critical the above skills become. In a 25-mile beginner-friendly course, support staff or friends/family will likely be nearby that can offer a ride when your bike breaks down. It may take multiple hours in longer events before a volunteer or race crew member can rescue from the side of the road. On that note, it’s always a good idea to carry a fully charged cell phone with you at gravel events!

Nutrition and Hydration

• How much fuel is needed hourly to maintain energy
• How much water is needed hourly to maintain hydration
• What specific fuels work for your body? Pop-Tarts and Red Bull might be rocket fuel for one athlete and disaster for another. 

Course and Equipment Preparation

Download and Study the Course

Download the course map as soon as it’s available, and verify it loads correctly on your cycling computer or phone. Keep an eye on the race promoter’s website or social media pages for updates, as course changes due to weather or road conditions are common.

Take time to study the course. Look for challenging sections such as rough gravel, single track, or sharp turns that may require extra attention. Incorporate this knowledge into your pacing strategy:

• Save energy on tailwind and flat sections.
• Reserve extra effort for headwinds and climbs.

Identify SAG (Stop and Go) stations along the route. While some events include frequent SAG stops every 20-30 miles, others may only offer them every 40-50 miles. Plan your food and water intake accordingly to ensure you stay fueled and hydrated.

Pack for All Conditions

Check the weather forecast and pack your race day bag with everything you might need, plus some extras. Many experienced racers keep a race bag ready with essentials like:

• Warm gear for colder months (arm warmers, gloves, shoe covers)
• Extra food and hydration options
• Basic tools for quick fixes

Prepare Your Bike

Make sure your bike is in excellent condition well before race day. Don’t count on last-minute repairs at your local bike shop—they may not be able to accommodate you on short notice. Schedule any necessary tune-ups or part replacements at least two weeks before the event.

Bike Review Checklist

• Tighten all bolts.
• Check chain wear and replace if necessary.
• Inspect tires for holes, cuts, or worn tread.
• Check sealant levels for tubeless setups.
• Clean and lubricate the drivetrain.
• Ensure your flat kit is stocked:
  • 1-2 spare tubes
  • 2 CO2 cartridges + inflator or a mini pump
  • Tire lever
  • Patch kit
  • Multi-tool with a chain breaker

Being proactive with your bike maintenance reduces the risk of mechanical issues derailing your race day experience.

Day before race

Pre-Ride Key Sections

If time allows, pre-ride the starting and finishing sections of the course. Familiarity with these areas can boost your confidence, especially when navigating potentially tricky terrain or planning your sprint to the finish line. Knowing what to expect helps ease nerves and allows you to focus on your race strategy.

Prepare Your Gear

Don’t leave anything to chance on race morning. Set out all your equipment, clothing, and nutrition the night before. This includes:

• Your race kit, shoes, and helmet
• Food and hydration for the race
• Flat repair tools and spare tubes
• Fully charged electronics (bike computer, lights, phone)

Make sure your race number is secured to your bike or jersey and that you know where everything is. A smooth morning starts with thorough preparation the night before.

Stick to Your Routine

Eat a healthy, balanced dinner that you’re accustomed to—now is not the time to try new foods. Drink plenty of water to ensure you’re fully hydrated by race morning. After dinner, spend some time relaxing and double-check your alarm to make sure it’s set correctly. A good night’s sleep is one of the best ways to prepare your mind and body for race day.

Morning of race

Give Yourself Extra Time

Estimate how much time you’ll need to prepare in the morning—then add 30 minutes. This buffer ensures you can handle surprises like long bathroom lines or an unexpected mechanical issue without added stress. A relaxed start to your day helps set the tone for a successful race.

Stick to Your Familiar Breakfast

Race day is not the time to experiment with your diet. Stick to your usual breakfast or something very similar. Ideally, your morning training rides have already taught you what foods fuel you best. Whether it’s oatmeal, a banana, or toast with peanut butter, eat something that you know works for your body and provides sustained energy.

Tailor Your Warm-Up

Your warm-up strategy should align with the event length and your race goals:

• For long events (100+ miles): Minimal warm-up is necessary. Save your energy for the hours of effort ahead.
• For shorter events or fast starts: If you plan to stay near the front or expect a hard start, a 15-20 minute warm-up ride can help prepare your legs and get your heart rate up.

Listen to your body and adjust based on what has worked well in training. A proper warm-up can help you hit the ground running—or riding—but conserving energy is equally important for endurance events.

During the race

The race start can feel chaotic or relaxed, depending on your strategy. If you’re aiming for a podium finish or sticking with the lead group, expect a fast-paced start and close quarters with other riders. Riding in a dense peloton can be exhilarating but also stressful, especially if you’re new to group dynamics. Practice group riding skills in training to build confidence in these situations.

For riders focused on completing the course or achieving a personal goal, there’s no need to join the frenzy at the front. Let the pack roll out and settle into your own pace early. This approach reduces stress and allows you to conserve energy for later challenges.

Drafting Wisely

Joining a faster group can help you benefit from the draft, but be cautious. Overextending yourself early can lead to burnout and a long, lonely ride to the finish. A balanced strategy is to push moderately at the start, then find a sustainable pace within the first few miles. Trust your training and avoid the temptation to match others if it feels unsustainable.

Stick to Your Fueling Plan

Start your nutrition and hydration strategy early—within the first 30 minutes to an hour of the race. Waiting until you feel hungry or thirsty can leave you playing catch-up on energy and hydration. Ensure your food is easy to access, whether from a jersey pocket or a top tube bag. If it’s cold, consider the usability of your setup with gloves or bulky gear.

Embrace the Experience

Gravel races are as much about the journey as they are about the finish line. Take a moment to soak in the scenery, connect with fellow riders, and enjoy the adventure. Smiling through tough sections can help you stay mentally strong and remind you why you signed up in the first place: the joy of riding bikes.

After the race

Start hydrating and get some food as soon as possible. If a celebratory beer is in your future, ensure you’ve had a couple of glasses of water first. You just put your body through hell, and it will appreciate a little extra hydration. 

Summing Up

Gravel racing blends competition with camaraderie, offering something for every cyclist. Whether chasing a podium or completing your first event, gravel races welcome all. With preparation and a bit of determination, you’ll be ready to tackle your first gravel race and have a fantastic time doing it.

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