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Monthly Saturday Gravel Ride

December Gravel Ride 12/16/23
By Craig D Smith
Posted: 2023-12-12T04:22:00Z

Will will ride on Sat December 16th. This one will be a little different. It will be a multi-surface ride in the White Rock Lake area, similar to what we did in September.


Yes, there will be some gravel, but we will also ride on regular streets, bike paths, alleyways, and single track paths in various parks. Portions may be challenging to some, with some climbs and descents. This would not be considered a "beginner gravel ride", however one can always dismount and walk your bike if needed.


Meeting place and time:

Saturday 9/9/23, rolling at 8:30 a.m.

Dallas Bike Works (parking lot behind the building)

4875 W Lawther Blvd

Dallas, TX 75214


Equipment:

Any bike with at least a 35 mm knobby tire will work. A gravel Bike, hybrid bike, or mountain bike. Bring an spare inner tube, even if you run tubeless.


Route:

23 Miles. Overall average will be about 10 mph, but speeds will vary greatly depending on surfaces. Rest stop at 10 miles. Note I don't have unpaved surfaces tagged in this route.

White Rock Mult-Surface


Additional 10 miles:

If 23 miles isn't enough, we have an option for an additional 10 miles, up to Harry Moss park, in which we'll ride a "gravel bike friendly" portion of the Harry Moss DORBA trail.

White Rock Extra 10


Riding Skills

As mentioned, this is a multi-surface ride. Transitioning to/from paved and unpaved surfaces will be common. Also, portions on the bike path will have pedestrians and other bikers since we'll be riding on a Saturday morning. Pedestrians are very good about staying on the right side of the path, but we need to be careful when passing. When riding off pavement, one must be very attentive, watch for tree branches and items that can cause peddle strike.


Skills that help, but not required

--Any MTB experience

--Being able to hop up a curb and ride down a curb

--If you clip in, being able to unclip from the "other foot"

--Moving to the drops when going downhill on rough surfaces (better grip than the hoods)


Weather

We will watch the weather. The route were using has a lot of dirt paths, so if we have substantial rain on Friday, we'll cancel or choose an alternate gravel ride.