Gravel bikes crap at gravel!

Sensationalist headlines! But actual fact. Took the Dawes on a little flurry today before it starts to get its upgrade package. To a big ol pile of gravel.

This pile of gravel is about 20ft high and connects 15th century fort Hurst Castle to the mainland at Milford on sea in Hampshire. Imagine a pebble beach, and how hard that is to walk on. Now think about taking a bike on it.

So I’m being a bit harsh on the gravel bike. This is not a crushed gravel roadway, it’s a pebble runway. The bike sinks like in sand and it’s just as hard going. Luckily I had a 40mph wind at my back to help me along…… that was until I had to turn around.

Turning around it was impossible to get going. Wind at my face and gravel too deep I had no choice but to run back to a section that was more solid. Disappointed that I had to turn round, but time was of the essence. I will make it to the end one day!

I can’t slag the gravel bike too much, this was obviously far too much for it. Maybe an ebike? Or a fat bike next time. Anyone want to lend me one?

BC