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Here we go; just like I promised, another video. And this time around, it’s my favorite gravel gear from the year.
If you missed my previous video, where I focused on my skinny(ish) tire favorites from the year, then please click here for my favorite road goodies of 2023. But, if you’re more gravel-orientated, then hit that play button below.
I think, just like the road video, I’ve scattered enough tasty treats in there for it to be interesting. There are a couple of stupidly expensive pieces, which isn’t usually my way, but you can’t help what your arse falls in love with, can you? There are items that are a little hard to get hold of, and gear that just keeps on truckin’, all of it deserves a light shining on them. All in all, I like to think of it as a grab-bag of goodies this year.
Though I highly recommend all the bits I’ve chosen, I have to admit that not all have had that much abuse throughout the year. Unfortunately, this year has not seen me hit the trails or the tarmac as much as I’d have liked; it’s been a funny old year. It’s felt like one of those trails that you sometimes find yourself on, where it’s not quite what you expected, a track you just want to get to the end of as quickly as possible. A track that you know at the end of, better roads start. There have been far too many epileptic fits, multiple dislocated body parts, and extreme fatigue built up for me to have ridden anywhere as much as I’d have liked, but that’s the way the cookie crumbles at times. 2023, in many ways, is a trial I’m happy to turn off; 2024, in comparison, is already looking more rosy; it’s a trial I’m ready to hit hard and see where it takes me.
The rides I have undertaken this year have meant a lot to me. You realize what a good bike ride can do for the soul when you can’t get out as much as you want. Plus, moving back to the French Basque region last year after seven years away, has added to the treat of getting out and about on gravel routes that I never knew existed before.
If you watched the Tour this year, where the Grand Depart rolled out of Bilbao, you’ll know it’s a road cyclist’s playground. From the coast to the foothills of the mountains you’ll find routes that always deliver you the beauty. It’ll also usually end up with you stopping on some remote area over looking a valley speckled with those solidly built white farmhouses with the vibrant red roofs, all nestled amongst the rolling green fields. It’s superb skinny tire territory, but for gravel, you have to do your homework; you have to hunt it out, ask the locals, nag the know-it-alls. But it’s worth the time and effort. I’ve found that it’s all quiet, picturesque and rougher than the gravel I used to ride (which is oddly perfect terrain for my bike of the year).
Anyway, I hope you enjoy this video. And if you do, go check out the road one too.
Thanks, and have a great new year.
Cheers, Dave