Callistus Valerius wrote:
I people walking a lot, but I've always just ridden over gravel
(parking lots and such). What's the motivation to walk or even carry
your road bike?


I'd rather have my tires on gravel than my cleats.

It's an economic decision. New Look cleats cost less than the Brave
Soldier dressing that you'll have to use to patch that hole in your knee and
elbow. We all use to ride on gravel too, we just a little smarter after
that happens. Your turn will come some time too.

This is really surprising. I'm 35, and have been riding seriously for
15 years. I've taken my road bike on easy single track, gravel roads,
etc. and never gone down. Just lucky? Dunno.

I also have done that Hell of North Boulder road race (still going?),
and that's on a lot of gravel. No crashy.

I've crashed plenty on my MTB off road because I'm pushing the limits,
but on the skinny tires I'm more conservative.

I still currently scoot across the gravel parking lot for the Austin
Veloway a couple times a week. I rarely slow below 10mph, and that's
just to squeeze through the 3' wide entrance gate.

I guess my bike handling skills are above average, but I'm not a
miracle worker. I can trials up stairs (on my road bike) and onto
picnic tables (MTB), and trackstand all day long. I'm mediocre at
descending and cornering.