It’s a new trend (an old one for a few) and it’s definitely hot: Gravel riding. While there has arguably always been an area scene (think ‘Death Ride’ in the Flint Hills), you can now find an event on weekends throughout the calendar year. Equpment? Early on it was all Mountain bikes, then a scattering of Cyclocross bikes, now there are specific models for the chunky stuff.
Next up for gravel: January 26th Lake Dabinawa. Chris Locke’s Guru’s Gravel Grinders page is a good resource.
Upcoming big regional events are the reworked from road stage race to gravel: Tour Of Herman in April.
There’s even an upcoming gravel riding clinic put on by Family Bicycles in February to help newbies understand the nuances. Details on their Facebook page (and yes, they’re located on KC’s bit of urban gravel…the Trolley Trail.