At Hotchillee we don’t think cycling has to end where the road does so we’ve embraced gravel riding to see where the path leads us. We’ve explored the leafy trails in Surrey, the canal paths of Amsterdam, coral tracks on Barbados and the stunning trails in the Atlas Mountains in our search for gravel Nirvana.
You can’t help but notice the rise in adventure and gravel Instagram posts, freedom to ride over almost any terrain, true exploration. There’s been a huge rise in popularity for good reason, it’s extremely fun.
In April, we made our way into Morocco to experience the unknown. Marrakesh is already known for it’s awe-inspiring Atlas Mountains, popular with road cyclists for a while, but what about the lesser ridden gravel tracks? It was Hotchillee’s first time visiting Morocco, some of us equipped with road bikes, some with gravel machines. After a thoroughly enjoyable road experience on day one, it was time to really explore and take on the road less travelled.
We tackled four seasons, gravel, mud, boulders, Jedi, football games in the street and dangerously poured tea - that was it, we were addicted to gravel, addicted to the adventure. See things from a different perspective, views only seen from gravel or towpaths, we think this is a natural evolution from road cycling, what’s not to like?! (maybe bike cleaning). We loved it so much we’ve launched the Hotchillee Atlas Mountains. We’re also organising free monthly gravel rides - keep an eye on our monthly rides page for information about 2018 rides.
A gravel bike (or adventure bike as it’s also known), compared to a standard road bike, generally has a longer wheelbase, with a taller head tube and slacker head tube angle. They are strong, comfortable and handle well on a variety of surfaces. Gravel bikes have clearance for a variety of tyre types and widths, allowing you to tailor your bike to ride on the road, off road or both. We’re big fans of the Specialized Diverge which we took out to the Atlas Mountains earlier this year.
If you have a road bike with good tyre clearance and could fit a 30mm tyre then this would also be suitable. You could also use a mountain bike with less aggressive knobbly tyres.
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Register for 7-day priority access to enter The LONDON-PARIS by Tour de France 2023.
You’ll also be entered into a prize draw for 2 x tickets to the Tour de France 2023 route launchon 27th October 2022 at Palais des Congrès, Paris.
Your priority access will start on Tuesday 26 July 2022. We’ll be in touch then, keep an eye on your emails, or the Hotchillee companion app.
The LONDON-PARIS by Tour de France 2022 road route has sold out. Join the waiting list to be contacted when cancelled places become available.
Glen is usually behind the scenes making sure that the Hotchillee Ride Captains and event participants have fully functioning bicycles to ride but he occasionally makes an appearance in front of the camera to share his wisdom. If he’s not fixing or building bikes he’ll be out riding in #SweetSussex. If you want to know anything about Cyclocross, Glen is the man to ask.
Website: www.aeightbikeco.com
Instagram: @aeightracer
Consultant with British Cycling and author of the Road Cycling Performance Manual. Lover of cobbles, gravel and Siberian Pine - not so keen on climbs! Nik is the author of all of the Hotchillee Training Plans, Zwift workout files and regularly posts tips and advice on the Hotchillee app. He’s also the evil genius behind the now infamous Hotchillee Gain Train.
Twitter: @nikalascook
Instagram: @nikalascook
Adele has worked within the health and fitness industry for over 25 years starting with a ballet and dance background herself, she has progressed to training and teaching all styles of fitness and offers Pilates, barre & yoga. As a keen runner, Adele appreciates the need for a strong healthy body and mind and incorporates many elements of Pilates, yoga and barre into her own training to ensure her strength and stamina remain.
Website: www.purebodybyadele.co.uk
Instagram: @purebodybyadele
