Slicks and Stones

Slicks and Stones Gravel Assault

THIS EVENT HAS BEEN CANCELLED

Unfortunately, the Slicks and Stones for 2024 has been cancelled

Thank you to those people who have registered for the Slicks and Stones Gravel Assault.

Unfortunately, due to low registration numbers, we’ve decided that it’s better to cancel the event now rather than wait. We know many of you will be disappointed (as we are) as we see this as a fantastic event for the region and for gravel cyclists from around the country. Should you have suggestions that will help us continue this event at some future date, please contact us – we’d very much appreciate your ideas and suggestions to make this an outstanding annual event.

Thank you for your consideration and for those who have registered, we’ll be arranging a refund of your registration fee.

For 2024 . . .

We hope to be back in 2025, so please watch this space!

Tip #1

Gravel Riding – Slicks & Stones Gravel Assault

Normal road bicycles are fine to use in this event. However, you are advised to use 25 mm or 28 mm tyres on road bikes with at least 90 psi. This combination will provide good control and puncture resistance on the gravel sectors. Cyclo-cross bikes are also a good option but are generally not as fast on the bitumen surfaces experienced in the early part of the event. And of course if you’re really keen, there are now specifically designed gravel bikes that can be bought.

Tip #2

Gravel Riding – Slicks & Stones Gravel Assault

You should carry a spare tube and means of inflation just in case together with your cell phone!

Tip #3

Gravel Riding – Slicks & Stones Gravel Assault

Stay relaxed. This allows the bike to correct its path and maintain forward momentum when you’re moving through sketchy terrain. Wrap your hands around the top of the bars, and keep your elbows bent and arms relaxed.

When descending, move your hands into the drops, elbows still bent and relaxed. This lowers your centre of gravity. Shift your weight to the back of the seat and bend your legs to use them like springs that absorb the bumps and allow the bike to continue tracking in a straight line. On really rough terrain, hover out of the saddle to give your bike even more freedom to move beneath you.

Tip #4

Gravel Riding – Slicks & Stones Gravel Assault

Go easy on the brakes. Your front wheel especially needs to be free to roll or you run the risk of washing out and losing control. If you need to lower your speed, feather the brakes, favouring the rear.

Tip #5

Gravel Riding – Slicks & Stones Gravel Assault

Work your weight. Smooth, efficient gravel riding requires proper weight distribution. This is especially true when you find yourself negotiating technical terrain such as chunky climbs and descents.

Your tyres need to be properly weighted to keep contact with the ground and to respond to turning and braking. Pay attention to your front wheel especially. It’s good to get your weight back when negotiating technical terrain, especially when going downhill, but you need enough weight on the front wheel for it to go where you want it to go.

Tip #6

Gravel Riding – Slicks & Stones Gravel Assault

Use your eyes – pick your own line. Keep your chin up and eyes forward, scanning the terrain for the smoothest surfaces. You don’t want to be crisscrossing all over the road. Often a small adjustment lets you stay on the most stable surfaces and avoid deep piles of gravel that can wipe out your front wheel.

Unlike full road riding where riding in a group you tend to follow the wheel in front (if not leading), with gravel riding always look for your own line.

Tip #7

Gravel Riding – Slicks & Stones Gravel Assault

Crank through the rough stuff. Keep momentum to prevent being bucked about or bogged down. Cranking a bigger gear at a higher speed is the way to go, as it accomplishes two things: You travel farther per pedal stroke in a bigger gear, keeping you on top of the stutters rather than bashing into them, and it makes you a little heavier in your feet and lighter in your seat. Sitting lightly on or over the saddle will allow the bike to bounce a bit without beating you up. You may also want to shift your weight back a bit to unweight the front wheel slightly, making it easier to float over the bumps.

Tip #8

Gravel Riding – Slicks & Stones Gravel Assault

Spin on silt and sand. To avoid spinning out and going nowhere when the terrain turns soft and loose, shift into a smaller gear and spin a higher cadence. Certain kinds of mud can require the same technique. Keep your grip loose and let the bike “autocorrect” as it needs to.

Slicks and Stones