What Motivates You To Tackle Gravel Cycling?

Why in the world would you want to ride a bicycle on gravel roads? And given that you can ride any time you like for free, why pay to ride with others?

These are the two questions I put to folks ages 12-70 at Grassroots Gravel in Pueblo, Colorado.
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[GravelRacer]

Should do more of these for each event. Without regular people attending, there is no event.

[markhagen]

So thank you for being the ambassador, you are, please continue videos like this I suspect you may explore the mindset surrounding all kinds of cycling that draws us to it All the best in your continued recovery

[TZZZ]

Hey Ben, your broken arm has been a blessing in disguise! This is excellent.
Why Gravel cycling? As most you spoke to said, Gravel is immersion in Nature, not fighting against it. Gravel is all about variety of terrain and circumstance. Gravel is away from traffic. Gravel is fun. Gravel is inclusive, not elitist, and in general more friendly.
Why Gravel Events / Racing with groups of people? The Spirit of Gravel which embodies all of the above and a whole lot of intangibles that are difficult to describe, but are at some risk of dilution as a result of the pro gravel scene; yet as you show in this video it’s not the 1% (pro’s) whose stories are the most interesting, but the 99%. In fact I would argue that if it’s only the 1% racing an event, it’s NOT Gravel (UCI take note).
Why do Gravel? …because the inclusive diversity and Spirit of Gravel remains resistant to being diminished by the monotonous conformity of money and winning as motivation in life.

[woolfel]

great to see people out riding and enjoying themselves.

[karlevans]

Great video, and it looks like a fantastic time. I love your approach here with the inclusiveness, which seems to be something Grassroots really promotes.
I was on my way there and ran into vehicle problems. I emailed Adam with a picture of the situation, and he was cool enough to defer me to next year, which he didn’t have to do.
Very much looking forward to being a part of all the fun next year!

[theonlyDougBlack]

Awesome, awesome, awesome. I can’t tell you how much your thoughtfulness for all of us out here means. Some of us are enthusiasts, not pros or want to be. Not uncommon for me to come in dead last on events. But I go with my best friend for 30+ years and the camaraderie is what really matters to me.

[newttella]

This is probably your best gravel event video. The pros get enough (too much) coverage everywhere else and their motivation is simple: appease the sponsor who paid their entry fee, go fast, make money.

[jamessankey]

Best cycling content I've seen in ages. Thank you!

[jimsstuff]

It’s a great way to explore new and interesting areas. Less stressful than busy roads. Changing surface keeps it interesting. Love the channel!

[leoespinosa]

I signed up for The Half after your previous video on this race, so thank you for covering it. It was my first gravel race and I loved every second of it! Shout out to organizers and volunteers at the aid stations.

[Pandapanda]

Love to see this side of gravel! We all love seeing those pros push the limits of the sport but the reality is that most of us are just like these folks wanting to get out and enjoy our time on the bike.

[AdventuresWithDaniel]

Thanks for bringing Pueblo and Grassroots to This is a keystone event for our community.

[JMacGyver]

Love the idea of more inclusive ride / race events and gravel naturally allows for a somewhat slower (compared to pure road biking) ride. Keep up the good work Ben and hopefully your arm will get back to ride-ready for the new year.

[lazlo]

Ben.. this post reminds when you went around asking about people’s rides, it’s so great they you are interacting with gravel riders from all walks of life. You are an ambassador to the sport, never forget that. Wishing your arm better strong days. Appreciate the upload.

[TheVintagesteal]

Awesome video. Perfect way to start my day. Lots of good lookin rides, maybe more bike checks when time permits. Although I ride non-seriously, I Love serious bikes.

[erich]

It would be great to see events from different regions covered. Perhaps you could travel to some East Coast events too.

[BradSumrall]

Interviewing riders is an great feature. It’s nice to see my gravel companions in their element having fun. Scenic vistas build character!

[vaughanwatson]

I love your normal content, but I’ve also been loving the Broken Ben sideline insights into gravel, great work🙌

[tommays]

We have to swap shoulder rehab stories

[outerbike]

Hallelujah! GREAT video highlighting the CONSUMERS of Gravel! More of this please! 👍 ❤ 👊