3 Mistakes New Gravel Riders Make (And How to Fix Them)

Written By Audra Adair

Gravel riding has a way of humbling even the strongest athletes. It looks simple—wide roads, open space, steady riding—but the reality is very different.

Unpredictable terrain, long hours, and constantly changing conditions demand a different approach than road or MTB. And for new riders, a few common mistakes can turn what should be an incredible day into a long, tough grind.

Let’s fix that.

1. Overbiking the Effort (and Underfueling It)

New riders often treat gravel like a chill road ride… until it’s not.

Gravel typically means:

  • More time in the saddle

  • More climbing

  • Rougher, energy-draining terrain

And one of the biggest mistakes? Not fueling enough to support that effort.

Too little food. Too little water. Or both.

The result:
Bonking. Cramping. Or a very quiet last hour.

Fix:

Fuel for time, not distance.
Eat early. Drink often. And carry more than you think you need—especially in places like Arizona.

2. Running the Wrong Tire Pressure (Usually Way Too High)

This one is huge.

Many riders come in with road habits—rock hard tires—and bring that same setup to gravel.

But on gravel, that means:

  • Less traction

  • More fatigue

  • Higher flat risk

  • A bike that bounces instead of floats

Fix:

Run lower pressure than you think.

Most riders are significantly faster and more comfortable running 5–15 PSI lower than their typical road setup.

Let the tire do the work.
Grip = confidence.
Confidence = speed.

3. Riding Every Mile Like It’s a Race

Gravel rewards patience.

New riders often:

  • Surge every climb

  • Chase every wheel

  • Burn matches way too early

And then… pay for it later.

Fix:

Ride steady, not spicy.

Keep your effort smooth—especially early.
Gravel races (and long rides) aren’t won by who goes hardest first… they’re won by who fades the least.

Final Thoughts

Gravel isn’t about perfection—it’s about preparation, awareness, and learning to adapt.

If you can:

  • Fuel consistently

  • Dial your setup

  • Pace with patience

You’re already ahead of most riders on the start line.

See you out there.
And remember… it’s not just about finishing—it’s about how you show up for the ride.

Audra Adair
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