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7 Reasons to Stow Your Road Bike and Pick Up Gravel Riding

When the bicycle was invented way back in 1817, most roads weren’t paved. In fact, the asphalt we have such a love/hate relationship with today didn’t become common outside of city centers until the 20th century.

Put in that context, riding gravel is cycling in its purest form—it’s where it all began. And luckily for us, the U.S. Department of Transportation estimates that nearly 1.4 million of the country’s 4 million miles of public roads are unpaved.

So what are you waiting for? It’s time to throw some wide tires on and hit the (unpaved) road.

About the Author

Melanie Clancy

Melanie J. Clancy is the editor-in-chief of ACTIVE.com and an avid cyclist and triathlete. When she’s not writing, editing and consuming content of all shapes and sizes, Clancy is passionate about getting more women on bikes. She rides a black and magenta Liv Envie named Black Betty, and can be found tearing up Dallas roads with a fierce group of fellow female cyclists. Follow Melanie on StravaInstagram or Twitter.
Melanie J. Clancy is the editor-in-chief of ACTIVE.com and an avid cyclist and triathlete. When she’s not writing, editing and consuming content of all shapes and sizes, Clancy is passionate about getting more women on bikes. She rides a black and magenta Liv Envie named Black Betty, and can be found tearing up Dallas roads with a fierce group of fellow female cyclists. Follow Melanie on StravaInstagram or Twitter.

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