The trend is fueled by the popularity of gravel cycling, a growing niche within the cycling world. Gravel cycling, unlike traditional road cycling, involves riding on unpaved surfaces like gravel roads, fire roads, and even dirt trails. This shift in cycling culture has led to a surge in demand for gravel bikes, which are specifically designed for rough terrain.
The popularity of gravel riding is also driven by its versatility. It can be enjoyed by people of all ages, fitness levels, and skill levels. It’s a great way to explore new places and experience different landscapes. Gravel riding is also gaining popularity due to its accessibility. It’s relatively inexpensive to get started with gravel riding, and there are plenty of resources available to help beginners.
The Vermont Overland is a challenging and demanding race, known for its extreme terrain and demanding conditions. It is a grueling test of endurance, strength, and mental fortitude. The race is organized by the Vermont Overland Race Committee, a non-profit organization dedicated to promoting the sport of ultra-running.
In the U.S., gravel has “easily become the most popular segment of cycling,” which Dickey attributes in part to an American road infrastructure that is unfriendly to bicycles. He calls it “the friendliest segment of the sport,” for its emphasis on community and events that aren’t focused on solely racing. It was the sense of community that attracted Chris Brits, 49, of Bristol, Conn., to the sport in 2018, after a lifetime of road cycling. “It broadens your spectrum within the sport, and lets people come in with different abilities,” he said. Brits competed in the Overland race this year and is a regular visitor to the region, which is “a special place and a great community for biking,” he said.
The article discusses the rise of bikepacking, a growing trend where cyclists travel long distances on bicycles equipped with camping gear. This trend is gaining popularity, particularly in areas like Vermont, where the landscape offers a perfect setting for such adventures. The article highlights the shift from traditional road bikes to bikepacking bikes, which are specifically designed for off-road adventures.
“It’s a constant change, and that’s what makes it so fascinating.”
This quote from a renowned naturalist, Dr. Jean-Pierre Gauvin, perfectly encapsulates the dynamic and ever-evolving nature of the natural world. From the subtle shifts in color and texture of a leaf to the dramatic transformations of a forest after a storm, the natural world is a tapestry woven with threads of constant change.
* The company offers gravel bike trips. * The company’s first gravel bike trip in 2019 was unsuccessful. * The company now offers a variety of gravel bike trips in the Green Mountain State. * The company’s gravel bike trips are popular in North America. **Detailed Text:**
The company, known for its traditional offerings, ventured into the world of gravel biking in 2019.
While the industry is booming, it’s hard to pinpoint the exact number of gravel bikes sold. The lack of standardized metrics makes it challenging to compare the growth of gravel biking with other cycling disciplines. This lack of data also hinders the growth of the gravel biking community.
This is because bike sales are a significant driver of demand for bike maintenance, repairs, and accessories. The increase in bike sales can be attributed to several factors, including the rise of cycling as a mode of transportation, the growing popularity of e-bikes, and the increasing awareness of the environmental benefits of cycling. The rise of cycling as a mode of transportation is a significant factor in the growth of the bike sales market.
“The Overland is the most economically impactful event that we do,” in terms of revenue, Peter Varkonyi, owner of the Brownsville Butcher and Pantry in West Windsor said recently. His store provides the post-race meal for riders and spectators. It is also a popular stopping place for cyclists exploring the area’s back roads. Varkonyi calls cycling visitors the “tip of the spear” of what he calls a new “agrarian tourism economy,” fueled by adventure-seeking outdoor enthusiasts. They are tourists who “care about the preservation of the spaces” that they enjoy, he said. Sharing the road Occasionally the presence of bikes where they haven’t been seen in great numbers can be a source of friction.
The reasons for this increase in shared use of unpaved roads are multifaceted, Briscoe explained. First, the growing popularity of equestrian activities, particularly trail riding, has led to a greater demand for access to unpaved roads. Second, the increasing awareness of the benefits of off-road riding, including its potential for physical and mental health benefits, has contributed to its popularity.
In the past, the event was held in other towns, and the support wasn’t as strong. The organizers of the event have been working to build stronger relationships with the host towns, and they have been successful in doing so. This has led to a more positive and supportive environment for the event, which has resulted in a more successful and enjoyable experience for participants and spectators alike.
With gravel bike sales a growth niche in the bike industry, and electric bikes making remote cycling outings accessible to more riders, “gravel is here to stay,” Fergus said. Christina Dolan can be reached at cdolan@vnews.com or 603-727-3208. CORRECTION: Sal Cania is a member of the sales team at Omer and Bob’s in Lebanon. A previous versio n of this story included a misspelling of his last name.