[et_pb_section fb_built=”1″ _builder_version=”4.27.4″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_row column_structure=”1_2,1_2″ _builder_version=”4.27.4″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_column type=”1_2″ _builder_version=”4.27.4″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.27.4″ _module_preset=”default” hover_enabled=”0″ global_colors_info=”{}” sticky_enabled=”0″]
Gravel riding is all about adventure—let’s keep it green.
Gravel cycling takes us to beautiful, remote places—but with more riders hitting the trails, we
must think about our environmental impact. Here’s how to enjoy the ride
without trashing the planet.[/et_pb_text][/et_pb_column][et_pb_column type=”1_2″ _builder_version=”4.27.4″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_image src=”http://thegravelriders.com/wp-content/uploads/MeRiding/gravel-summer-2015-eric-norris1-e1452742345923.jpg” alt=”image of rider on a gravel road approaching” title_text=”gravel-summer-2015-eric-norris1-e1452742345923″ _builder_version=”4.27.4″ _module_preset=”default” border_radii=”on|15px|15px|15px|15px” box_shadow_style=”preset1″ global_colors_info=”{}”][/et_pb_image][/et_pb_column][/et_pb_row][et_pb_row _builder_version=”4.27.4″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}” column_structure=”1_2,1_2″][et_pb_column type=”1_2″ _builder_version=”4.27.4″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.27.4″ _module_preset=”default” hover_enabled=”0″ global_colors_info=”{%22gcid-e6cfbbec-e8c3-4b42-b501-9190e00705ff%22:%91%22text_text_color%22%93,%22gcid-c8892ea1-ac8f-4e99-9717-32c3d6dc856a%22:%91%22text_text_color%22%93,%22gcid-d2fcafda-476d-48fd-86f9-ed65af67b464%22:%91%22link_text_color%22%93}” text_text_color=”gcid-c8892ea1-ac8f-4e99-9717-32c3d6dc856a” link_text_color=”gcid-d2fcafda-476d-48fd-86f9-ed65af67b464″ sticky_enabled=”0″]
1. Choose Eco-Friendly Gear
Not all gear is created equal. Some brands prioritize sustainability—here’s what to look for:
- Recycled Materials: Brands like Patagonia and Pactimo use recycled fabrics.
- Biodegradable Chain Lube: Squirt Lube is plant-based and eco-friendly.
- Durable Tires: Longer-lasting rubber means fewer tires in landfills.
[/et_pb_text][/et_pb_column][et_pb_column type=”1_2″ _builder_version=”4.27.4″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_image src=”http://thegravelriders.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/gravel-rider-sustainable.png” _builder_version=”4.27.4″ _module_preset=”default” alt=”man riding a gravel bike” title_text=”gravel-rider-sustainable” border_radii=”on|15px|15px|15px|15px” box_shadow_style=”preset1″ hover_enabled=”0″ sticky_enabled=”0″][/et_pb_image][/et_pb_column][/et_pb_row][et_pb_row _builder_version=”4.27.4″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}” column_structure=”1_2,1_2″][et_pb_column type=”1_2″ _builder_version=”4.27.4″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.27.4″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{%22gcid-e6cfbbec-e8c3-4b42-b501-9190e00705ff%22:%91%22text_text_color%22%93,%22gcid-c8892ea1-ac8f-4e99-9717-32c3d6dc856a%22:%91%22text_text_color%22%93,%22gcid-d2fcafda-476d-48fd-86f9-ed65af67b464%22:%91%22link_text_color%22%93}” text_text_color=”gcid-c8892ea1-ac8f-4e99-9717-32c3d6dc856a” link_text_color=”gcid-d2fcafda-476d-48fd-86f9-ed65af67b464″ hover_enabled=”0″ sticky_enabled=”0″]
2. Ride (and Maintain) Your Bike Responsibly
A well-maintained bike is a
green bike. Neglected drivetrains waste energy, and leaking fluids harm trails.
- Use a biodegradable cleaner (like Muc-Off Bio Bike Cleaner).
- Dispose of used chains, tires, and tubes at recycling centers.
- Fix flats instead of tossing tubes—tubeless sealant helps!
[/et_pb_text][/et_pb_column][et_pb_column type=”1_2″ _builder_version=”4.27.4″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_image src=”http://thegravelriders.com/wp-content/uploads/Cyclocross/mud-bike.jpg” _builder_version=”4.27.4″ _module_preset=”default” alt=”muddy gravel bike” hover_enabled=”0″ sticky_enabled=”0″ border_radii=”on|15px|15px|15px|15px” box_shadow_style=”preset1″][/et_pb_image][/et_pb_column][/et_pb_row][et_pb_row _builder_version=”4.27.4″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}” column_structure=”1_2,1_2″][et_pb_column type=”1_2″ _builder_version=”4.27.4″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.27.4″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{%22gcid-e6cfbbec-e8c3-4b42-b501-9190e00705ff%22:%91%22text_text_color%22%93,%22gcid-c8892ea1-ac8f-4e99-9717-32c3d6dc856a%22:%91%22text_text_color%22%93,%22gcid-d2fcafda-476d-48fd-86f9-ed65af67b464%22:%91%22link_text_color%22%93}” text_text_color=”gcid-c8892ea1-ac8f-4e99-9717-32c3d6dc856a” link_text_color=”gcid-d2fcafda-476d-48fd-86f9-ed65af67b464″ hover_enabled=”0″ sticky_enabled=”0″]
3. Respect the Trails (Leave No Trace)
Stay on designated paths—cutting switchbacks or riding on protected land causes erosion.
- Avoid muddy trails (riding them widens ruts).
- Pack out all trash (yes, even gel wrappers).
- Yield to hikers and wildlife.
[/et_pb_text][/et_pb_column][et_pb_column type=”1_2″ _builder_version=”4.27.4″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_image src=”http://thegravelriders.com/wp-content/uploads/GranFondos/erock-style-2.jpg” _builder_version=”4.27.4″ _module_preset=”default” title_text=”20220303_170849″ alt=”cyclist standing on a long gravel road” sticky_enabled=”0″ border_radii=”on|15px|15px|15px|15px” box_shadow_style=”preset1″][/et_pb_image][/et_pb_column][/et_pb_row][et_pb_row _builder_version=”4.27.4″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}” column_structure=”1_2,1_2″][et_pb_column type=”1_2″ _builder_version=”4.27.4″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.27.4″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{%22gcid-e6cfbbec-e8c3-4b42-b501-9190e00705ff%22:%91%22text_text_color%22%93,%22gcid-c8892ea1-ac8f-4e99-9717-32c3d6dc856a%22:%91%22text_text_color%22%93,%22gcid-d2fcafda-476d-48fd-86f9-ed65af67b464%22:%91%22link_text_color%22%93}” text_text_color=”gcid-c8892ea1-ac8f-4e99-9717-32c3d6dc856a” link_text_color=”gcid-d2fcafda-476d-48fd-86f9-ed65af67b464″ hover_enabled=”0″ sticky_enabled=”0″]
4. Support Local & Sustainable Brands
Buying from
small brands and
local shops reduces carbon footprints. Some great eco-conscious companies:
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4. Support Local & Sustainable Brands
Buying from small brands and local shops reduces carbon footprints. Some great eco-conscious companies:
[/et_pb_text][/et_pb_column][et_pb_column type=”1_2″ _builder_version=”4.27.4″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_image src=”http://thegravelriders.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/20250111_121030-scaled.jpg” _builder_version=”4.27.4″ _module_preset=”default” alt=”local bike shop mtbhq snoqualmie washington” title_text=”20250111_121030″ sticky_enabled=”0″ border_radii=”on|15px|15px|15px|15px” box_shadow_style=”preset1″][/et_pb_image][/et_pb_column][/et_pb_row][et_pb_row _builder_version=”4.27.4″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}” column_structure=”1_2,1_2″][et_pb_column type=”1_2″ _builder_version=”4.27.4″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.27.4″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{%22gcid-e6cfbbec-e8c3-4b42-b501-9190e00705ff%22:%91%22text_text_color%22%93,%22gcid-c8892ea1-ac8f-4e99-9717-32c3d6dc856a%22:%91%22text_text_color%22%93,%22gcid-d2fcafda-476d-48fd-86f9-ed65af67b464%22:%91%22link_text_color%22%93}” text_text_color=”gcid-c8892ea1-ac8f-4e99-9717-32c3d6dc856a” link_text_color=”gcid-d2fcafda-476d-48fd-86f9-ed65af67b464″ hover_enabled=”0″ sticky_enabled=”0″]
5. Advocate for Sustainable Riding
Get involved! Join (or donate to) groups like:
- IMBA (International Mountain Bicycling Association)
- Leave No Trace (education on outdoor ethics)
- Local trail maintenance crews
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Ride Green, Ride Forever
Gravel riding is about exploration, freedom, and connection with nature. Let’s keep it that way by making small, smart choices. The planet (and future riders) will thank you.
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