Gravel Ride of the Week: Gravelocity 2021
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Wow! That was insane! The Blue Ridge Mountains delivered yet another absolutely incredible ride. In the latest Gravel Ride of the Week, I ascend mountains (twice!), traverse tricky snow covered descents, cross over icy parkways, zip along awesome gravel roads and soak in breathtaking mountain views. Gravelocity 2021 goes down as one of my most epic bike adventures to date. And yes, I say that each time, but they just keep getting better and more intense each time! It’s just all part of this wonderful sport of gravel/adventure cycling, which continues to provide new and interesting ways to explore the world around us. The highlights video from this ride is definitely something you don’t want to miss out on. Let’s dive into this unforgettable ride and take a look at how it all unfolded.
Ride Breakdown:
Gravelocity is a free event that the Virginia Endurance Series puts together each year in Troutville, Virginia. This event, the brainchild of Brian Lang, is not an official race or organized gravel grinder event. In fact, there are no route markings, no category winners, no finish line parties, no mass starts (at least for 2021), no course support at all. It’s basically you (+ some friends), a masterfully crafted GPS route (designed by Kyle Inman & Jeff Cheng) and the promise of a day that is bound to include endless adventure. There are route options that range from 26 miles (41Km) all the way to a whooping 95 miles (152km) of Blue Ridge awesomeness. Simply pick the route that works best with your fitness and go explore! Given the current health concerns and the uncertainty about whether races will continue in 2021, it is refreshing to know that outdoor exploration and adventure has not been cancelled. It simply requires a willingness to get out there and put in the effort.
I opted to go for the 62-mile (100km) route, which covered one truly unforgettable ride through the mountains. Looking at the route file, I could never have predicted that the course would be filled with so many constantly changing landscapes, each offering its own unique challenge. There was a bit of everything in this ride and it tested my riding skills on various different levels, like never before.
Greeted by friendly chickens, goats and donkeys at the Troutville start / finish estate, the route started with a fast-paced ride towards the mountains that included both paved roads and a few gravel sections. I was lucky to have a tail wind during this first part of the ride and the intro certainly flew by as I zipped over to the mountains. An extended stretch of gravel along the base of the mountain provided for some highly entertaining gravel riding. You’ll hear in the highlights video that I describe this section as “gravel riding heaven,” since the constant ups and downs, twists and turns in the road made it feel like a fun roller coaster ride. Good thing I got in the speed while I could, because ahead of me awaited some serious climbing to the top of the mountain.
The first real climbing challenge came as the route kicked up to the Blue Ridge Parkway on top of the mountain. The first trip up the mountain followed a challenging trail that led to the Bobblets Gap overlook. What a climb! As the elevation got higher, the temperatures began to drop and as a result we encountered the first snow and ice along the route as we approached the top.
The views from above surely included some of the most spectacular scenery along the route. On the parkway, riders encountered sections covered with snow, certainly adding a whole other dimension to the stretch that, on paper, looked like a straightforward road ride section. The road continued along the parkway and eventually climbed its way up to the Peaks of Otter’s Abbott Lake, which sits between three mountainous peaks. Just take a look at Christin’s photos, to get a sense of the awesome scenery that riders could behold around the visitor’s area.
Next up was one of the most exhilarating, but also hair-raising downhills I’ve ever attempted by bike! The snow and ice made it super treacherous and as my back wheel slid a bit while entering the first corner, I knew that the ride further down would require the highest level of focus. What followed was 10 minutes of heart-racing descending that left me freezing cold by the time I got to the bottom.
Fortunately, the route provided the perfect solution to thaw out quickly - another solid climb over Murrells Gap. Nothing warms you up like working hard on the uphills. Once over this climb, the views really opened up into some incredible sights of the valley tucked in between the mountains. I severely underestimated the section of gravel that ran along the valley floor. Not only was there more climbing along this stretch, but the tail wind, which had helped me earlier on the other side of the mountain, was now a headwind as I made my way to Montvale.
After reaching Montvale, the real fun began. We had to go back up to the top of the mountain. Yep, the Black Horse Gap Road (trail really) tested my ability to amass lots of elevation gain, as it traveled back up to the snow-covered Blue Ridge Parkway. I cannot tell you enough how thankful I was for the 36T(front)-40T(rear) gearing combo that I had on my bike. I don’t think I’ve ever spent this much time in my climbing gear during a single ride.
The climb was however, yet again, totally worth it with incredible views, while traveling along the Blue Ridge Parkway for the second time. There were once again some fairly challenging wintery sections along this part of the parkway, which required lots of concentration as the route led to the final challenge of the day - Salt Pond Road! Not only was this part of the route a combination of snow, ice and loads of bumpy rocks, but it also included a last leg-sapping climb before dropping down the mountain towards Troutville. I can assure you that the last 10 miles of this ride was also some of the most challenging. Best for last, I guess.
I rolled into the parking lot an hour later than anticipated, the time delay serving as proof of the amazing endurance challenge that I had just accomplished. The 7350ft (2240m) of elevation gain covered over the span of 5h13min does not even begin to summarize what a difficult, yet unbelievably rewarding, day it was. This 62-mile ride is not a beginner’s route, but should you ever want to try it out (or one of the other options available), then you can find the links to all the Gravelocity routes on their Facebook page. Keep in mind that there was absolutely no support out there. Even the restrooms, lodge and store at Peaks of Otter were all closed for the season. Additionally, there are sections of the ride without cellphone signal. So be sure to do your homework, pack all the supplies you’ll need and bring a friend or two along, for the buddy system and good company - you're gonna need it!
Wrap-Up
I went to this event with the single goal of having an adventure and Gravelocity surely delivered this in a big way! There was no need for prizes, category winners or finish line banners. The reward was simply to be out there and to complete a ride that led me through some of the most amazing scenery. It was about tapping into the unknown, both from an athletic standpoint, as well as in consideration of places that I've never been to before. It was about discovery and exploration. That, to me, is what this type of cycling represents. Motivated to plan out your next adventure yet? I know I am!
- Wiehan
