Gravel Cycling Techniques

Course Description

This hands-on course is designed to build confidence and skill in gravel cycling. Whether you're preparing to ride the Winthrop Gravel Tour or Iron Horse Gravel Ride, are new to unpaved terrain, or simply looking to refine your techniques, this class provides practical instruction for riders of all levels.

This course provides an excellent foundation for cyclists looking to improve their gravel riding skills in a supportive and educational setting. Riders will learn about basic skills including line choice strategies and safety techniques to more advanced procedures like handling rough surfaces, maintaining control on climbs and descents, and braking effectively.

Due to the nature of this course, the end time is an approximation but we will try our best to stick to the posted schedule. Please plan your day accordingly!

Learning Outcomes

By the end of this class, you will be able to:

• Properly fit your helmet and perform a safety check on your bike
• Confidently handle your bike on gravel and uneven terrain
• Apply effective climbing and descending techniques on grades as steep as +/- 12%
• Modulate speed, navigate turns, and avoid obstacles safely
• Choose the right gear and equipment for different riding conditions
• Communicate effectively with other cyclists and road users

Prerequisites

You do not have to be an experienced gravel rider to participate. However, this course is designed for cyclists who are already comfortable riding in mixed-use environments. If you experience a mechanical issue, it is assumed you will be able to resolve the issue yourself or call a friend to pick you up. Class will not be paused to resolve mechanical issues you encounter. We recommend taking one of our Bike Maintenance classes if you are unsure how to fix-a-flat or other basic bike maintenance issues. We will pause for First Aid care.

You should already be able to:

• Ride confidently around other cyclists on multi-use pathways
• Perform emergency maneuvers such as quick stopping and obstacle avoidance on paved surfaces
• Ride with one hand to signal and control the bike
• Ensure their bike is in safe, ridable condition
• Address minor mechanical issues on their own (flat fixes and minor shifting adjustments)

Appropriate Bikes for this Class

There's no strict rule, but here are some guidelines: don't expect your highly specialized road-specific bike and tires to get you far. Mountain bikes, hybrid bikes with gravel tires, and gravel bikes are a good place to start. Wider tires (for example, around 35mm) will be very useful for handling different types of gravel, dirt, and rocks. We highly recommend a bike that you have ridden on a bit of gravel before, that is the right size, and correct fit for you. 

Recommended bikes include:

• Gravel-specific bikes
• Mountain bikes (hardtail or full suspension)
• Road bikes with a minimum tire size of 35mm

Location

Unlike our other classes, Gravel Cycling Techniques will take place on a real-life gravel trail system, not at the Cascade office.

Parking

Tolt Pipeline Avondale Trailhead
15001 Avondale Rd NE
Woodinville, WA 98077

Backup Parking
If Avondale Trailhead parking is full, you may park at Bear Creek and bike to the Avondale Trailhead
15000 Bear Creek Rd NE
Woodinville, WA 98077

Class Size

Minimum: 2, maximum: 15

Youth Attendance

We do not permit students under the age of 18 due to the difficulty of this class.

Contacts

Email adultclasses@cascade.org