GRAVEL RIDES LAUNCHED AT CRW

By:

Rami Haddad

Gravel Rides offer fun on paved and gravel surfaces, as well as maximum fresh air and minimum traffic.

Gravel roads are less trafficked, more scenic, and can be more technically challenging. They are a great change of pace if you’re used to pavement. and seeking a different experience.

You are welcome to participate in the program, meet other members interested in gravel rides, and plan the season during the Zoom call on 6 May 2021 19:00. Register in advance at https://zoom.us/meeting/register/tZYkcu-rrTMiGNfInW4wW99r2GRODEta0GQG

1. SCOPE

A. Gravel roads, double track, & rail trails that are made primarily of soft surface, stone dust, & packed dirt.

B. Avoid single track trails, bicycle portage, mountain bikes, roots, & rocks.

C. Wide 32–35mm tires will be most suitable. Wider 40mm tires will not be required, although may be more comfortable on longer days and bikepacking tours.

D. Many rides will require remote start either from commuter rail station around Boston or car drive to neighboring regions in New England.

2. LIBRARY

We continue to build our library of gravel routes on Ride with GPS club account. Access the full list of routes with #gravel tag at https://ridewithgps.com/organizations/5-charles-river-wheelers/routes?ta...

Map, stories & pictures for some of these routes are at https://mcccxxv.wordpress.com/2021/03/29/ne-gravel

Share your one favorite routes with the club on any of the club forums.

3. COMMUNICATION

The club has several forums for members to interact https://www.crw.org/content/forums

Share your favorite routes, write a story from your recent trip, & invite others to join your ride on any forum of your choice.

There is a dedicate #gravel channel on Slack. Join the conversation at https://www.crw.org/content/slack

We may organize some reconnaissance rides to explore new routes. They will not be official CRW club rides nor covered by insurance. They will not be listed in the club calendar. Join at your own risk to enjoy ride, explore the area, & experience a new route.

4. BUDGET

A. Program has $1,000 budget to spend for the benefit of club members.

B. Raffle custom CRW Buff neck wrap for ten of total program participants: five in July & five in September.

C. Treat participants to a drink or ice cream on a ride.

D. Social event over drinks or casual dinner for program ride leaders.

5. APPROACH

A. Attend CRW ride leader training

B. Consider leading a ride of your choice

C. Cyclocross webinar & clinic coming this summer.

Copy of this program description at https://crwheelers.sharepoint.com/:w:/g/EelmAMdpGdxPiUz39UBKJacBZKKf3ZT0GL2rBbekMU3EJg

Rami Haddad is CRW President.

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Comments

Phillip Stern

Apr 27, 2021

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I’m excited about the gravel

I’m excited about the gravel rides program. I will check out the gravel library and probably have some routes to add.

mcccxxv

Apr 27, 2021

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Thank you Phil. Please do tag

Thank you Phil. Please do tag rides with #gravel where applicable on RWG library. Keep in mind the intent of these routes as described Scope section items A–C of this article. Where there are more rough mixed terrain routes with single track, roots, & rock, please label or describe them accordingly.