The United States is gravel riding paradise: endless backroads through farmland, abandoned mining routes, desert tracks, and forest service roads that see more elk than cyclists. Unlike European gravel, American gravel means bigger distances, deeper solitude, and total self-sufficiency. Out here, the next town might be 100 miles away.

Frame and Geometry: For American-style gravel, comfort trumps speed. Look for relaxed geometry with a longer wheelbase for stability during all-day epics. You'll need clearance for at least 40mm tires—wider is better for the varied terrain you'll encounter.

Tire Selection by Region: Getting your rubber right is crucial—terrain varies wildly across America. 

Midwest (Kansas, Nebraska, Iowa): 

• 38-42mm with moderate tread 
• Puncture protection essential (those flint rocks are brutal) 
• Go-to choices: Continental Terra Trail, Specialized Pathfinder Pro 

Rocky Mountains (Colorado, Montana, Wyoming): 

• 35-40mm for hardpack gravel roads 
• Fast-rolling for long climbs 
• Top picks: Schwalbe G-One Speed, Panaracer GravelKing 

Southeast (Georgia, North Carolina, Tennessee): 

• 40-45mm with aggressive tread for mud 
• Self-clearing knobs are your friend 
• Best bets: WTB Resolute, Maxxis Rambler 

Southwest (Arizona, Utah, New Mexico): 

• 38-42mm with bombproof casing (goathead thorns are real) 
• Tubeless is non-negotiable 
• Proven performers: Maxxis Receptor, Continental Terra Speed 

Pacific Northwest (Oregon, Washington): 

• 40-45mm for loose conditions and rain 
• Deep tread for traction on wet gravel 
• Solid choices: Teravail Cannonball, Donnelly EMP 

Flatland/Midwest: Standard compact (50/34) with 11-32 cassette handles rolling terrain fine. 

Mountain Country: Sub-compact (48/32) or 1x setup with 40-42T chainring and 11-42 cassette. You'll thank yourself on those 12% grades at 10,000 feet. 

Bikepacking Essentials: Since gas stations can be 200+ miles apart, cargo capacity matters.

• Frame bag for tools and emergency snacks 
• Seat pack for extra layers 
• Handlebar roll for sleeping gear (multi-day adventures) 
• Minimum two bottle cages, preferably three or four 
• Top tube bag for easy-access fuel

Base Building and Region-Specific Prep

American gravel events go long—really long. Build your aerobic base systematically:

• Weeks 1-8: 3-4 hour steady rides 
• Weeks 9-16: 4-6 hours with tempo blocks 
• Weeks 17-24: 6-8 hour race simulations 

• Heat Training (Southwest events): Train in extra layers or heated rooms to adapt to 100°F+ temps. Heat illness is no joke out there. 
• Altitude Preparation (Rocky Mountain events): If you're not a mountain dweller, arrive 7-10 days early. Altitude sickness can ruin your day at 11,000 feet. 
• Navigation Skills: Practice with GPS units and offline maps. Cell service? You're on your own out there. 
• Mental Game: Long solo miles test your head as much as your legs. Practice positive self-talk and problem-solving under fatigue.

Midwest: Gravel's Heartland 
Kansas and Iowa birthed modern gravel racing. The vibe here is blue-collar tough—it's about gutting it out through endless headwinds and finding beauty in simplicity. Folks will give you the shirt off their back. 

Rocky Mountains: Adventure First 
Colorado and Montana attract the adventure-seekers. Bikepacking culture runs deep, and multi-day epics are the norm. Expect craft beer, sustainability talk, and killer Instagram shots. 

West Coast: Tech Meets Trail 
California and Oregon blend gravel with mountain bike DNA. Events often include singletrack sections and technical challenges. The scene's progressive and gear-obsessed. 

East Coast: Traditions Run Deep 
Vermont and Massachusetts bring old-school cycling culture to gravel. Events are often impeccably organized with New England hospitality and fall foliage that'll stop you in your tracks. 

Southeast: Hospitality and Grit
Georgia and the Carolinas serve up Southern charm with challenging terrain. Expect red clay, creek crossings, and post-ride barbecue that's worth the suffer-fest.

Gateway Events 

Grinduro Series (Multiple Locations) 

• 25-40 miles of mixed terrain 
• Timed segments, not overall time 
• Festival atmosphere with food trucks and bands 
• Perfect for testing the gravel waters 

SBT GRVL Green Course (Colorado) 

• 37 miles, 2,000 feet of climbing 
• Silky smooth "champagne gravel" 
• Top-notch organization and beginner support 
• Gateway drug to harder stuff

Step-Up Challenges 

Mid South (Oklahoma) 

• 107 miles through rolling ranch country 
• Red dirt, creek crossings, and weather roulette 
• Legendary hospitality and post-race party 
• Tests your grit without breaking you 

Gravel Worlds (Nebraska) 

• 150 miles of honest Midwest gravel 
• Minimal support, maximum challenge 
• True test of self-sufficiency 
• Where gravel legends are made

Epic Sufferfests 

Unbound 200 (Kansas) 

• 200 miles of Flint Hills brutality 
• Minimal support, maximum exposure 
• The Kentucky Derby of gravel racing 
• Mental game more important than fitness 

Crusher in the Tushar (Utah) 

• 69 miles with 10,500 feet of climbing 
• Highest point: 10,500 feet elevation 
• Weather can change from desert heat to snow 
• Technical descents test bike handling skills 

Tour Divide (Continental Divide) 

• 2,745 miles from Canada to Mexico 
• Self-supported bikepacking epic 
• Takes weeks, not hours 
• Ultimate test of everything

Navigation and Communication 

• GPS computer with preloaded route (Garmin Edge series proven reliable) 
• Smartphone with offline maps as backup 
• Satellite messenger for emergencies (InReach or SPOT device) 
• Share your route with someone who cares 

Essential Kit 

Mechanical: 

• Multi-tool with chain breaker 
• Tubeless repair kit and plugs 
• CO2 cartridges or reliable mini pump 
• Spare derailleur hanger 
• Zip ties (the duct tape of cycling) 

First Aid: 

• Basic medical supplies 
• Pain relievers and anti-inflammatory 
• Emergency bivy for multi-day rides 
• Electrolyte tablets for heat exhaustion

Bear Country (Montana, Wyoming, Alaska): Carry bear spray, know how to use it, and secure food properly. 

Snake Territory (Arizona, Texas, Southwest): Closed-toe shoes always, watch where you step during breaks. 

Mountain Lion Country (Colorado, Utah, California): Don't ride alone, make yourself big if you encounter one, back away slowly. 

Cattle Guards and Loose Dogs: More common hazards than wildlife—know how to handle both.

The American gravel community takes stewardship seriously: 

• Pack out everything you pack in 
• Stay on designated routes and respect private property 
• Support local businesses in small towns 
• Use refillable bottles and minimize single-use items 
• Respect wildlife and livestock 
• Follow local regulations on public lands

Spring (March-May): 

• Southwest prime time (Arizona, Southern California) 
• Midwest can be muddy from snowmelt 
• Texas wildflower season is spectacular 

Summer (June-August): 

• Rocky Mountain high season 
• Midwest gets brutally hot and humid 
• Early morning starts in Southern states 

Fall (September-November): 

• East Coast peak season 
• New England foliage is unbeatable 
• Comfortable temps almost everywhere 

Winter (December-February): 

• Southern California and Arizona only 
• Perfect time for gear upgrades and planning

American gravel culture runs on mutual aid and shared stoke. Whether you're fixing someone's flat or sharing water in a crisis, the community's got your back. 

Unwritten Rules: 

• Help fellow riders with mechanical issues 
• Share water and food in emergencies 
• Respect slower riders' space 
• Celebrate everyone's finish, not just the winners 
• Leave places better than you found them 

Finding Your Tribe: 

• Join local gravel groups on social media 
• Attend shop rides and group events 
• Volunteer at races 
• Share beta (route info) generously

Gravel isn't just about events—it's about discovery. Those back roads lead to ghost towns, hidden hot springs, roadhouse diners, and sunrise views that'll change your perspective. It's about finding out what you're made of when the going gets tough, and celebrating the simple joy of rolling down a perfect gravel road with good friends. 

Whether you're chasing podiums or just chasing sunsets, American gravel riding offers something you can't find anywhere else: the freedom to explore, the challenge to grow, and the community to support you every mile of the way. 

Get out there and find your gravel. The roads are waiting.