Gravel 101
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What’s all the hullabaloo about gravel?
Gravel grinding is about getting out in nature and enjoying back roads or country roads which are for the most part gravel. These roads are traditionally less trafficked, save for the occasional herd of goats or dog that may want to pace you on your bike. Whether enjoying scenic views through state parks, or riding on country roads we probably have a route for you to explore at your leisure. Do you like to bike pack? Check out the bike packing routes which provides an opportunity to travel on your bike on gravel roads and trails for overnight or multi-day trips.
What does Ohio Gravel Grinders offer?
We have three main components;
INFORMATION: The Ohio Gravel Grinders (OGG) website. (you are already here). Our site offers gravel routes (but not all of them, see #2), recaps, photos and tips and tricks. We hope you take some time to review the website because we have put a lot of time and care into the content.
ROUTES: The OGG Ride with GPS Club Account powered by Paradise Garage hosts hundreds of regional gravel routes in varying lengths and elevation providing great riding options for beginners and experienced gravel grinders alike. It’s FREE to join and gives immediate access to the route on your favorite GPS or app on an iPhone or Android device. The route library can be sorted for altitude gained, mileage and area. There is also a nifty map feature to see where routes are located.
DISCUSSION: We know you have questions about gravel riding and you are in the right place. But, before you join the Facebook group check out the FAQ, recaps and events section. What should you expect in the FB group?
Search the group first before asking a question. A lot of conversation has already taken place over the last ten years. Admins may delete your question if it was recently asked.
Ask about upcoming rides if you don’t see something on the events calendar. You want to ride, right? We all ride different paces and have different schedules. We recommend asking if anyone will be riding a <insert type of route here> anytime soon. Example: I am a new gravel rider and would like to ride Homer (it’s a beginner route) this week. Is anyone riding Homer and can I join you?
Sharing your experience. The group has thousands of members and we would love to have people offer to lead rides or partner with others to ride. Don’t be shy!
Now head over to the Ohio Gravel Grinders group on Facebook to connect with gravel enthusiasts and share your own love of gravel road riding.
What do we expect from you?
Recognize that OGG isn’t a cycling club. We have built resources; website, routes and discussion to support your journey.
A sense of adventure. Otherwise you wouldn’t be here.
Being self sufficient on rides. Even when riding with others. [scroll down for some skills to learn)
Drop the entitlement. Everything we offer is FREE. We have done the hard work. Now it’s up to you to explore. See #1.
Support our sponsors and partners. OGG routes, website and the club account is FREE for a reason.
Grace and kindness to admins. We are volunteers. No one is getting rich off sharing our routes and recaps.
Where is gravel located in Ohio?
Do you live in Columbus, Cleveland or Cincinnati? I have bad news for you. There are no gravel routes in any major metropolitan areas because all of the roads have been paved. You may find some small gravel sections in metro parks or alleyways, but for the most part you are going to have to drive to find gravel routes. And trust us when we say we looked. There isn’t a secret stash of routes in metro areas that we are keeping to ourselves.
If you live on the eastern side of Ohio, gravel is going to be readily accessible. Western side of Ohio is mostly paved and again gravel is few and far between. The map gives a general idea of where gravel roads are more likely to be found. Check out the Ohio Gravel Roads Map for our routes.
Thanks to Matt Kretchmar for the “Where is Gravel Map”
What’s in a name?
Ohio Gravel Grinder route names in our Ride with GPS Club Account may use several terms to describe conditions or status of the route.
Explorer - Used when we are testing out a new route or possible new additions to a route. Also may contain unknown gravel category. Once the route is “explored” an established route will be created with notes of any hazards, supply stops and parking.
Grinder/Rambler - established gravel route that most likely has Category 1 or 2 roads.
Adventure - established gravel route that most likely has Category 2 or 3 roads.
Monster - a gravel route 70 miles or longer usually pulling together multiple shorter routes.
Dirty Road - a route with less than 50% gravel roads, but usually in the 20-30% range.
Check out the gravel conditions page to learn more about categorization.
Considerations for gravel riding
Tire pressure may need to be lower than you think or that you may be used to riding. Check out these resources for some guidance.
Bicycle gearing. Depending on your style of riding you may find the steepness of climbs and looseness of gravel a challenge. Lower gearing may be something to investigate. Check out Bicycle Gear Calculator for some guidance.
Elevation gain! The majority of OGG routes will gain approximately 100 feet per mile in elevation gain (1000 feet per 10 miles). The few exceptions are Homer and Centerburg routes.
Remoteness of routes. Many gravel routes have no cell service. Ride with a friend or pickup a Garmin InReach or equivalent for remote communications.
Gravel float. Your bike may wander a lot while riding gravel. Try some beginner gravel routes to get used to the uncertainty. Also drop your air pressure on your tires. This ain’t your momma’s road ride.
Gravel Tax: Gravel roads are more challenging to navigate and may be slower due to shifting gravel road conditions than on pavement.
Gates: ODNR changed their rules for bicycle access. We have tried to update our routes to remove any gated roads. We have seasonal routes in some areas like The Wilds, because during the summer if the gate is open roads can be accessed. If you do come across a gated road you should not go beyond the gate or risk being fined. Please respect the gates and keep ODNR happy.
Ride pace
Most of our rides draw multiple rider experience and capability levels.
Beginner’s may average 5-10mph
Regular rides average 10-12mph
Faster riders average 13mph+
What should I bring on a ride?
Wheel/tire repair
Spare tube(s). Some of us carry two, but carry at least one, even if you ride tubeless.
Pump / CO2 cartridges. Make sure to test your pump occasionally. You don’t want to be out on a ride with a non-functional pump. Trust us, we’ve been there.
Small bottle of tire sealant if you are tubeless
Tire boot. Park Tools sells a boot product to repair a tire sidewall.
Tools
Two tire levers.
Multi-tool with allen keys specific to your bike. Some more popular sizes are 4mm, 5mm and 6mm.
Chainbreaker and spare chain-link come in handy. Make sure to get the correct chain-link for your chain model!
Spare Parts
Spare derailleur hanger specific to your bike or generic replacement hanger. Muddy gravel roads gobble up derailleurs.
Wrap some duct tape or electrical tape on your seat post. It works handy when marking your seat post height. Avoid this tip if you have a dropper post.
Zip ties.
Safety gear to consider
Basic first aid kit at a minimum
HALT in case of animal (or bad human) encounters
Garmin InReach or similar satellite based communications. Some of our routes are remote, especially our bikepacking routes.
Riding in winter? Pack a small puffy jacket in case you have a breakdown. Stay toasty!
Colorful clothing for hunting seasons
Some of our routes are in state parks and natural areas that also allow hunting. Please check the ODNR website for hunting seasons and how he can prepare.
What skills should I learn to be self-sufficient on a ride?
Some bike repair skills that may help you on your bicycle adventures include; replacing a tube in a tire, repairing a tubeless tire and fixing a chain. Check out the Park Tools instructions videos below. Do you want to learn hands-on? Many of the local bike shops offer classes. If you are in the Columbus, Ohio area our friends at Franklinton Cycle Works offer repair classes at their Bike School.
Are there any beginner gravel routes?
Yes, there are a number of gravel route options for beginners who may want to try out gravel riding.
Route notes: The Homer route is relatively flat with over 50% gravel roads. The Shauck Back route adds some miles and more elevation. The lower loop can be cutoff to make it a 26 mile route. The OGG Centerburg 42 is also a relatively flat route with a rail-trail running through the center of the route for bail out points. After you have some miles under your belt try out Scioto Trail State Park. There are a lot of low traffic gravel roads in the park but be prepared to climb. Scioto Trail SP does have the most flexibility for mileage since loops can be added based on how much of a challenge you are looking for.
Fine print
By participating in any offline arranged ride or activity, you, your heirs, executors, administrators and representatives do hereby agree and will absolve and hold harmless Ohio Gravel Grinder organizers, it's corporate sponsors, cooperating organizations, and any other parties connected with this web site in any way together with their respective successors from and against any blame and liability for any and all losses, damages, rights, claims, and actions of any kind including, without limitation, personal injuries, death, and property damage, or any other damage of any kind whatsoever either directly or indirectly related to or arising from your participation in any such offline Ohio Gravel Grinder organizers arranged ride or activity.
User assumes all risk and liability for any action in relations to usage of information and routes on ohiogravelgrinders.com, including if actions result in injury, death, loss or damage of personal property or other complications. Ohio Gravel Grinders, its partners, associates, and contributors accept no liability. Route information and advice is provided as a planning resource only, and is not guaranteed to be accurate or complete, and in no way should replace your own due diligence, research, and safety precautions. All users are advised to check current conditions before embarking on any route, including weather, surface conditions and closures. Riders should obey all laws including public and private land usage restrictions and guidelines and carry adequate safety and navigational equipment.