Events
Get Into Gravel Biking on The Range
Editor’s Note: This blog about gravel biking on the Range was written by Scott Dahlquist and Sarah Priest of Mesabi Recreation in Virginia, MN
What’s to Love About Gravel Biking on The Range?
The gravel biking in our area is superb. Our rural setting and the roads in and around the national forests allow us hundreds of miles of low traffic gravel roads that offer scenery and wildlife opportunities. A day of gravel allows for multiple adventures around every turn and when it’s time for a break there is always a quiet spot for a picnic lunch.
What Is a Gravel Bike?
Gravel bikes are the choice for human powered overlanding. They offer deep off-road gearing with chunky tires, disc brakes, and plenty of real estate for packs, navigation, lights, and hydration. These bikes have excellent geometries made for long days in the saddle over adventurous terrain. Mesabi Recreation carries gravel bikes from California company Marin. The gravel models are the Nicasio, Gestalt, and Headlands. They range in price from $1,000 – $3,000.
Can I Join A Gravel Bike Ride?
Mesabi Recreation has a group no-drop/all-welcome ride on Thursdays at 5:45pm, leaving from Mesabi Rec. This ride is typically on the Mesabi Trail, however we have also played around with gravel and mountain bike trail rides. Folks interested in joining are always welcome to drop-in and/or contact us about getting added to our interest lists so we can let them know when we schedule a gravel specific ride. Meeting new people on a ride is some of the most wholesome fun! This winter’s Fat Bike ride was a blast!
If you want to have some fun, race-style, sign up for the GRIND: Giants Ridge Iron N Dirt event for all ages, held in August. Find more info about gravel biking on The Range by reading this blog by local rider Frank Roark. See you on the gravel!
