This ride was a BITCH. 😂 I want to point out the 16% grade because I did that one ON THE BIKE. My power output is higher on the real bike.

Things that I knew about gravel:
1. The going is slower because of the rough terrain
2. Vibration from the gravel can take a physical toll at high speed.
3. Potholes. Undulations in terrain. Partially exposed pipes. It can be hard to take in the scenery because you have to watch the road like a hawk.

Things that I forgot:
1. It’s fucking DUSTY when it’s dry. I think I breathed in a kilo of dust out there.
2. Gravel flies when cars drive past. Fortunately, rural Loudoun County drivers slow down when passing and give a wide berth. They were lovely.

Things that I learned today:

1. Won’t be able to make up time on downhills: if you try to go too fast, you increase the likelihood of wiping out. My gravel tires are 35s…I suddenly understood why 38-45 is preferred. (I’d need a dedicated gravel bike to accommodate that size tire, which isn’t happening right now.)

2. Hills are 2x harder on gravel than road or single track. I *figured* they would be more challenging…but I didn’t think they would be *quite* that challenging. There was one 13% hill with loose chunky gravel that I had to get off with a “FUCK YOU” at the hill and hike it. 😂 The bike was sliding backwards!

3. Loudoun County main road drivers are AGGRESSIVE AF!!!! They do NOT give cyclists a berth at ALL. On the way back, had an entire line of massive trucks drive past me with only 6” between their rearview mirrors and my shoulder. Driving Old Frederick Rd from Utica Park has given me nerves of steel in that regard, so I was unfazed. But it doesn’t take away the fact that those trucks were dangerously close. Every car after that did exactly the same, too. They don’t care about cyclists. Definitely sticking to gravel out in Loudoun: no road riding out there for me.

4. Gravel tires are supposed to feel heavier and slower. I had no issues with them on the road; could still hit 23 mph pedaling no problem.

Other fun things:
1. This ride was supposed to be an was intro to gravel with 1700’ elevation. Well, my Wahoo got us lost and sent us through the hilliest possible alternate route, adding almost an extra 1000’. So much for “easy intro.”

2. I LOVE LOVE LOVE my cleats!! OMG I LOVE THEM SO MUCH!!!! I was able to pedal standing up when I needed to; it was a COMPLETELY different feel from no cleats. I wouldn’t have been able to do the hills today without them. Picking up speed with them feels like being slingshot. It’s SUCH a cool feeling! And yes: I’m 95% there when it comes to clipping and unclipping - I’ve practiced ad nauseum with the trainer at home.

3. It was a beautiful day out there. But I was stressing about how long it was taking - I had truly thought it would take 2 hrs tops. I had to be back home by 3:30 to shower before my bodywork appointment!

Note to self: factor in an extra hour of time for gravel rides.