A weekend at Lauf Gritfest reminded me why I love gravel — here’s why you should consider the rougher stuff too

I recently rode the Lauf Gritfest: two days, over 120km of gravel and nearly 3,000m of climbing. With six timed segments and plenty of drama in between, it got me thinking: what is it about gravel riding that keeps me coming back?

The Lauf Gritfest is a three-day gravel event set in the Cambrian Mountains in mid-Wales, kicking off with an optional Friday evening prologue before two full days of timed stages.

My bike of choice was a Specialized Diverge. Specialized first introduced its Diverge in 2014, and for the 2018 model year it gave the Diverge a complete overhaul. The bike is designed for road and off-road riding, featuring Future Shock suspension which provides 20mm of basic suspension.

I opted for Scribe’s Race Disc wheels, a durable aluminium wheelset that balances weight and stiffness well, paired with WTB Resolute 42mm tyres which are an all-weather option. The groupset was a mix of SRAM mechanical components: Red chainset, Force 1 shifters and callipers, and a Rival rear mech.

​Kit-wise, I wore Velocio’s Women’s Adventure Cargo Bib Shorts with the Merino Luxe Colourblock Jersey on day one, and their Concept Bibs and Jersey on day two. With the weather looking unpredictable both mornings, I started each ride with an extra layer – either Velocio’s Ultralight Vest or their Ultrapack Jacket. Both offered enough extra protection without feeling bulky, and were easy to stash. 

Day 1 covered 73km with 1,700m of elevation and three timed segments — 9.4km, 19km, and 6.7km. It brought both mechanical issues and a stage win — a pretty good summary of gravel: highs and lows in a single ride.

Day 2 was a slightly more forgiving 55km, 1,300m of climbing, and three more timed segments – 6.8km, 7.2km, and 6.7km, offering a mix of fast, undulating and technical stages. 

Gritfest wasn’t my first big weekend on the bike. I’ve spent years racing on the road and track, and at one point, cycling was almost a full-time commitment. I still enjoy riding and training – just not quite in the same way or with the same goals.

Over time, road riding has come to feel less appealing. Risk is always part of the sport, but recent incidents involving people close to me have made it harder to ignore how vulnerable you are in traffic. There were periods of riding mostly indoors which is effective, but as good as that is, it didn’t feel very sustainable. 

This year, gravel has been a welcome change. Living in South Wales, there’s no shortage of off-road options within easy reach. I realise that it might not be that easy for everyone, but for most UK riders, there’s usually a hidden network of bridleways or forest tracks not too far away.

So, why do I love gravel riding? Here are a few reasons I came up with…

1. More sociable 

There’s a noticeably different ethos in gravel racing compared to road racing. It’s much more relaxed – wear what works, ride at the pace that suits you, and enjoy the experience.

Take Gritfest, for example. Most of the route is untimed, since racing on UK bridleways isn’t allowed. That turns the transfers between stages into rolling social rides – no scrambling for position or elbows-out chaos first thing in the morning.

With no phone signal at the campsite, the social side carries on into the evening, with people sitting around and sharing stories from the day. It feels more like a weekend away than a race weekend.

2. Less traffic 

One of gravel’s biggest draws is how little time you spend thinking about cars. Aside from the occasional farmer or forestry vehicle, it’s virtually traffic-free. You can ride as a group, hold a conversation, and go for hours without feeling the need to glance over your shoulder.

Most gravel rides are non-stop too. Without junctions, traffic lights or roundabouts, you keep moving and the only pauses are for gates, photos, or the all-important café stop.

3. Lower risk

Crashing on gravel still hurts, but it often feels more within your control. You’re choosing your lines, setting your own pace, and riding solo or in small groups.

At events like Gritfest, timed segments are solo efforts – you’re racing the clock, not a peloton. That means no bunch sprints, fewer pile-ups, and generally fewer unpredictable moments.

On the road, the biggest danger often comes from things you can’t control and gravel takes much of that worry away. The adrenaline is still there, but it usually comes from chasing a descent or targeting a stage, not dodging traffic.

4. Better scenery 

I’ve been lucky enough to see some incredible places on my road bike, from coastal climbs to alpine passes, but sometimes, road cycling in the UK can feel a bit monotonous. 

Even though the Cambrian Mountains are just an hour away, the riding at Gritfest had a totally different feel – quiet valleys, remote tracks and views over Llyn Brianne reservoir.

5. Better races

One of the things I love most about gravel racing is the freedom it offers. Unlike traditional road races, where strict regulations dictate everything from tyre width to handlebar size, gravel races welcome all kinds of bikes and setups. You’ll see riders on everything from lightweight carbon rigs to rugged steel frames, all competing on a relatively level playing field.

Many gravel events also avoid open roads, which cuts down on traffic and makes racing feel safer. And the format of timed stages broken up by social transfers means you can chase results or enjoy riding the route. 

I had a few mechanicals that put the overall out of reach, but the nature of gravel means you’re never really out of it. You can go stage-by-stage, target a segment, or just enjoy pushing yourself. 

6. It’s just more fun

Ultimately, all of this adds up to one key thing: for me, gravel is simply more fun. Whether you’re lining up for a race, heading out solo, or riding with a group, gravel rides always seem to come with a story: a fallen down tree blocking the route, a surprise stretch of hike-a-bike, or an unexpected encounter with a territorial farm dog.

There’s also a different atmosphere compared to road. The vibe is more relaxed, the stakes feel lower, and the focus shifts from averages to enjoyment. You’re still pushing yourself and taking on a challenge, but without the pressure that often comes with riding or racing on the road. 

Here’s the full list of Velocio kit I used for the event:

• Women’s Ultrapack Jacket
• Women’s Merino Luxe Colorblock Jersey
• Women’s Adventure Cargo Bib Short
• Women’s Concept Jersey
• Women’s Concept Bib Short
• Women’s Ultralight Vest
• Women’s Ultralight SL Base Layer
• Arm warmers
• Ultralight glove
• ONE Sock

What’s your reason for riding off-road? Let us know in the comments section below.