The change of start times for the elites was the big push for safety, more so than the aerobar rule. Exactly to remove the temptation of a lot of strong journeyperson riders trying to hang onto the pros as long as possible. The race has gotten super chaotic at the start in the last few years due to this phenomenon. Plus this gets all the extra media vehicles and personnel out of the way of the mass start, again hopefully helping safety.
Banning aero bars is dumb. As a mid pack age grouper, I use them to reduce the pressure on my hands as well as go a little faster. Don't understand the perceived safety issue, as no one is required to use them 100% of the time. There are plenty of crashes (including 'elite' riders) of riders on drop bars. At the last two editions of Unbound, after the first hour or so I've ridden pretty much solo anyway.
Rules: if you are competing for a prize or winnings then rules are a good thing. If you are riding just to complete the event then anything should go. Simply create two categories: competitive (with rules) and non competitive (no rules).
I'd love it if events like Unbound only gave you and official "Finisher" result, and simply refused to keep time. A bunch of the elites might wander back to wherever they came from and let people just ride for epic fun in peace.
@@KenSmith-bv4si My EXACT instant thought, no rules no cheating, but I do get the sense that just ride the route, no sabotage, motors, rides in a farmers truck, would be the 'cheating' to avoid. Basic everyday courtesy.
was absolutely priceless to see the pros riding road bikes with wide tires. the industry must have been livid. you dont need a gravel boys, the pros dont even ride em
The 30 days challenge is a game changer! I do 20 kms a day; it's short enough so I don't get bored and the daily training is slowly pumping my FTP. My girlfriend asked why I was doing that specific challenge. I told her that a complete bunch of strangers from TH-cam challenged me to do it. Needless to say, she was speechless.
I was a marshall (volunteer road guard) in Boston for the 1990 final stage of the Tour deTrump. I think Raul Alcala won the stage. I recall seeing Dag Otto Lauritzen and Steve Bauer at the finish.
The "safety" argument against aero bars reminds me of similar arguments in the early days of disc brakes. The dangers seem entirely theoretical and woefully short of real-world examples.
See the Mohoric supertuck. It was banned on the same "reasoning", that it might be dangerous for people in the peloton. Even though nobody even did it and nobody crashed because of it for that very reason.
I agree. Show me the data of all the poor riders gored as if by bulls. Must be a ton of one eyed riders, as Kabush indicates it took 4-5 years to finally get the ban in place.
Just inflated a new mattress--complete with box springs--that would easily fit into your old Polo, and certainly the Ikea delivery bike. These vacuum packed mattresses are pretty amazing for not just fitting into easily mailed/delivered boxes, but are very comfy, too. Gold water bottles: reach into a box blind and whatever color bottle comes out is awarded that week.
it's not so much vehicle size here in the U.S. that is a problem regarding unsafe roads, it's the entitlement mentality, aggressive behavior and distracted driving that's been an increasing problem. I lived in Southern California between 2016 and 2021 and the last few years I lived there, I would rarely ride out on the roads solo, generally only in a group as it often felt like I was taking my life in my hands every time I was on the road by myself. I've been hit by a car nearly head on over 10 years ago and countless close calls of getting buzzed by drivers, in which some would seemingly go out of their way to pass close. Over the years, I've had items thrown at me (one time got hit in the back by an unopened can of soda being throw at me), had someone drive up alongside me and try to throw a pen into my spokes in hopes of getting me to flip over my handlebars (the guy hung out the passenger window aiming the pen like a dart, and seemed unhappy that the pen just bounced off my spokes), got hit in the eye by a small rock descending a hill at 40 mph (that one hurt) that someone threw from a yard. Yep, riding on the road can be quite hazardous if you spend enough time doing so. Anyway, I won't say that it was always the "cars fault" during my time in SoCal, as I'd routinely witness fellow cyclists on group rides (and also when it was just me and another rider or two) impeding traffic when they could have easily moved over out of the way and/or rode single file.
I feel this is currently accurate in Washington State, at least in my experience. I live in rural area and have had any number of things thrown at me, big trucks getting too close for comfort that you see laughing in their rearview as they drive away, jerks in diesels “rolling coal”, jerks pulling onto the shoulder in front of me and suddenly hitting the brakes then taking off again, have been pushed off the road at least three times, and one person who let an angry (or just really excited at the chance to maybe eat a cyclist?) dog out of their yard to chase me (surprisingly the scariest experience so far). It gives the impression of deep hatred for cyclists and disregard for other’s lives. Crazy that these people don’t seem to think twice about the behavior or that it could literally end someone’s life. I see a LOT of distracted drivers wavering around clueless, but at least they they aren’t deliberately trying to kill me! I have not yet had any problems out on the forest roads though.
These are fine... my only idea that was so cool about Unbound or similar rides- was that you COULD be a regular joe riding next to a tour pro... and that all were welcome. That can't really happen anymore. (*not that many weekend warriors were at the front and competing)just the idea that you were all in the same event was really cool. Can't do that with any other big time races except gravel events.
One issue I have with the unbound rules is how common mechanicals were in unbound gravel. Doing Wave starts AND aerobars for select groups means that you immediately introduce bias between riders when someone has a mechanical and thus gets held back which means you now have two people gunning at the same pace with a different set of rules being applied to them. Now if mechanicals weren't as rampant I might change my mind but that is out of the question. You can't have "safety" mean a different thing to two separate groups. I would personally do no aerobars for all so that you can't purchase your way to a faster time. Wave starts is a little bit more iffy I'd say fine do them, it is inevitable. Just keep the delta between first and last rider within a reasonable time frame like 30 minutes. As well as some way of making it clear which wave each rider is to help organizers with timekeeping and stuff.
Unbound definition from the Unbound Gravel web sight, “To be unbound is to be untethered and unrestrained.” Oops lol of course you need rules for a race or competition.
Amazing to see the comeback of Fem van Empel in this CX race. And Puck. And Shirin. Women's CX rocks this year, so many talents, great races. Everyone deserves to win, love it. Bought GCN+ just to watch it. Men's CX is WvA and MvdP with Tom Pidcock doing crazy and impressive things occasionally. TL;DR Cyclocross is awesome!
"Don't be and ass" is a great all-around rule for life, not just gravel events. Note I said event, and note race. For a lot of people (in fact the majority of participants) who aren't an ex-road racing peloton- rats... It IS about the journey not the "finish line" Gravel is an idea of going places, and having fun. Not adding another "rainbow jersey" to your closet full of other jerseys. So to speak. I plan to do Unbound Gravel one day, but it'll be for the satisfaction of completing a difficult course , not to win or anything - I don't care about that I am only competing against myself - so none of those rules bother me. "Elite" folks racing for money and accolades should have rules. I don't really give a crap if people on gravel e-bikes use em either, but it seems they've been banned.
Hear me out. Two Races, one week apart! First race governed by the UCI and their many rules. Second races, No Rules!! Absolutely no holds barred! Ride any bike you want, super tuck, superman, knee high socks, aero bars, Mario Kart like weapon (banana peels, oil slick, turtle shells), anything goes!
I would like to see them focus on having "Gravel" in the event. I do like the separate starts. Maybe publish a set of "Guidelines" for promoters to have more successful event for everyone else to come away happy. Growing Pains happen in every new sport discipline.
I just used bike grease and chain oil to refurbish a 50-year old camera. Turns out bike lubricants are on the high end of things. For reference, Triflow and Park Polylube 1000. Polyurea greases are better than the original lithium grease in a lot of ways!
10:06 90% if Ikea's product range is stuff that fits in a small bag. I'm talking about stuff like pots, pans, cushions, clocks and dying plants. I doubt you can fit, say, a bed frame.
I don't see why wearing an helmet is such a problem. And in here in Geneva, Switzerland, if I'm not mistaken, S-Pedelecs (45km/h ebikes) riders are required to wear an helmet and that seems logical...
It was during the '89 Tour de Trump that Greg LeMond, nearly three years after his Tour win and hunting accident, got a good result in a stage, third in the Washington DC stage held as a back-and-forth on a highway in Northern Virginia between the Pentagon and Rosslyn. And I wanted to see it and got there just before the start, not pleased about that as I had wanted to meet Greg. Yet, incredibly, with a crowd of race fans gathered at the start-finish line, Greg was nearly alone at the side of his minivan, only a few fans were there and he was amicably chatting with them. And I couldn't believe it, I expected a big crowd around him, hanging on his every word and move. But no, just a few loyal fans for the '86 Tour de France champion before a weekday stage on a stretch of highway along the Potomac River and only a couple of months before his return to the Tour and a three-week duel with his former Renault teammate, Laurent Fignoun.
In 1991 or 1992, me and a group of graduate school classmates followed a Tour de Trump stage from Blacksburg Virginia to Beech Mountain North Carolina (about 125 miles). It was great fun watching the peloton zoom by then racing to the next view point. Today the route contains busy roads not fit for cycling.
Once Gravel riding became a competitive sport, it was inevitable that rules would be necessary. Its the same with all competitions. Yet you don't need to enter races to enjoy gravel riding, or any sort of cycling for that matter.
What if a non-elite field rider(s) catches the elite pack…does that mean age-groupers will be riding in their aero bars as elite riders are not allowed?
Funnest race I ever had was against my cousin in Ohio in '78, drag racing our motocross motorcycles on a backstreet at night after an afternoon of riding. He had a 250 Yamaha and I rode a 125 Elsinore, so no doubt about the outcome, but it was great fun, winding out those bikes in the dark and racing just to be a little raggedy and ridiculous. 😀
What fun could be had creating new gravel rules. Max and min tyre width, Max/min bar width. Max/ min course distance, Max gradients, Max paved secty, the list is endless.
Happy Birthday, Si, and what is 40 now, the new 20 or something? And I know Ollie is getting all the press as the fastest in the corral, but I'm sure it's actually still you. With Dan a close second on his cool vintage Raleigh moped as he holds those high-rise chrome bars and whistles Born to be Wild. 😀
The Life Time Grand Prix is the gravel world championships! Banning aero bars good, but to be a gravel race they should specify 30% grade 2 gravel which means at least 35 mm types needed.
Unfortunately you can't have a DBaA rule and make money. One thing is always true - it only takes a few idiots to ruin it for everyone. The ban on aero bars for elite gravel riders is understandable however for a few reasons. They go faster and they go in a tight bunch. Because they are able to draft at 20mph it won't be as big a deal. I however will not do Unbound without them (as I no longer attend BWR) because 90% of my race is done alone and I make it a point to not use them when I am around others - even when leading a group. For me aero bars are an extra hand position which greatly helps me with comfort on any endurance event over a few hours long.
That ebike looks like an updated version of the Honda Motocompo! It was a folding scooter from the early 80s that fit in the back of a Honda City or a Honda Today. Madness (the ska band, "One Step Beyond", all that) featured in ads for it. There have been a few updates over the years, always love to see it.
Some of the speed gains in aero bikes are due to the increased weight by way of inertia, but they're still light enough to only slightly penalize you up steep climbs. Still prefer rim brakes on any tire size less than a 30.
Gravel rules - If you are going to make it a race you need rules but if it is just a ride then you do not. Gravel used to be rides and therefore did not need rules. Perhaps split gravel events in to the race and the ride?
A comment on 'bike danger'. regarding ebikes, ESPECIALLY with 'senior' riders. I got my ebike June 16 2021, and it is blast to ride and at full assist I ride twice as fast as I do on my regular bike. I do see a safety problem for older folks who may not have ridden in 20-30-40 years, and want an ebike to take to the load off. Great idea in concept, but for sure they need a mindset to go along with it. It is easy (relatively speaking, I am in decent shape) to hit 40kph on the slightest incline. For some older riders that will be dangerous because they aren't thinking in terms of how fast they are going. Picture a 65 year old lady who has not been on a bike since her 20's, blasting along at 30+kph and hits a pot hole or a dog runs out or car pulls out. She would not respond well and it could end badly. It wasn't an issue for me as I have ridden every year since my first bike in '68. I rip around exactly as I did as a teenager. I have also ridden a motorcycle for a couple of decades, so my awareness and reaction are as good as ever. Some type of awareness campaign for older riders getting back into bikes and especially ebikes would be a good idea. If there is an uptick in actually deaths due to ebike riding, it must be related to people not thinking about the huge increase in average cycling speed and the additional awareness needed to manage that. The danger is in the brain controlling the bike, not the bike itself. I love my ebike and rode 4000km in 2022, put studded tires on to ride all winter and I say everyone should get one, ( I rode more than I drove for the first time ever) but there are some who should maybe not get one, or at least consider a trike.
Road running vs Trail Running, is like Road Riding to Gravel Riding and to extent Mountain Bike riding (But what they are doing is changing). The Road Event's are usually Very Quiet, and Good luck anyone just saying hi whilst in the event. The Gravel and Trail event's are about the journey, and not so much about Power to the pedals or ground, and it's simply the people that make these events so much more fun. On the bike I cannot match the roadies for Power, but on fast gravel, I'm faster with bike handling, and with running, I'm slow going up, but when I am going down, I'm as quick as anyone. It's Great having the various conversions, and amusement of the completely different strengths and weakness's of all the different athlete's, and the goal of just finishing and enjoying the journey. As far as Aerobars are concerned, I've had them on my hybrid, and so long as the bike balance is good, and the riders are sensible, they are very helpful. Like anything there are some riders that don't look where they are going, but just the back wheel of other riders, and being on Aerobars here is going to cause problems, for both themselves and others. (Elites, are going the be worst for doing this...Unfortunately, particularly if they are usually from the Road scene, where cycling is a close contact sport.)
Thanks for the comment Glen! Nice comparison, one that GTN would appreciate 🙌 Gravel racing has a great community around it, we don't think that the new rules will diminish it's appeal. Long live the cycling community! 🎉
For me, each day 15 mins of simple back and leg strength exercises are really the key for pain-free rides. Also, swimming once a week can help to open up the chest and increase overall strength.
The only category rules should be that there are no pros, ex-pros, or elites allowed. The only aero rules should be that a minimum of 50% of a rider's kit should be comprised of Flannel. And all participants must maintain a blood alcohol level above zero.
I'll be using my Aerobars this year at the Unbound 200...just like in 2016. Elites don't need them - keep them safe while they are motoring at such high speeds and in often groups. Us regular 'joes' enjoy the different hand positions (and trying to avoid the wind as best as possible) during our longer day in the saddle. I don't think it should become a standard rule...let each race organizer decide! Cheers!
The carbon shoes would be very uncomfortable because your feet swell when you exercise. Also, the carbon doesn't have give the way most other shoes that are just carbon plated so your feet hurt a lot.
8:25 Low rolling resistance but that is more than made up for by the extra weight you will soon have to move unless you only ride them on an indoor track.
if you guys ever get the golden bottles, dan's caption from last week about a "race van der poel could never win" should retroactively be given the first win
So I'm in the market for a new road bike and this has raised a question for me...if the GCN were buying their own bikes and not ones you've acquired through your job, what would you each own? How much would you be willing to spend? Which groupset would you go for?
Think this might be hard to answer honestly with current sponsor deals. Can’t imagine the sponsors being super happy if they admitted to only using a bike cause they are paid to. So i think the answer would conveniently be a shimano groupset and one of the sponsors frame.
Helmet obligation would not make any difference. Lights are mandatory as well, and still possible to cycle without them at night, and many cyclist have no lights in dark. You might get a 60 euros ticket in a year or two, but more likely not.
Just saw the tweet by Kabush, basically stating: safety first, after 4-5 years, they are finally banning aero bars in mass start events. So can anyone point me to the stats of all the tragic injury from aero bars? Yes safety in general is an OK concept, but when it comes to adults, these committees act like we are children who need protected from hang nail. Show me the stats or get out of the way
Maybe it is because at age 63 I'm at the mentoring age or whatever, but I wear a helmet if only to be a good example for the little tykes on bikes. On my commute on country roads, I still get surprised during the warm months with a cheery hello from kids playing outside and it does make me think, you know, it is good to set a good example for them and it is better for me to wear a helmet in case of a fall and we never know when we're going down for the count.
When's Dan doing a gravel race. I think I've come up with 4 he could do. 1) Unbound Gravel, 2) SBT GRVL, 3) Belgian Waffle Ride Michigan and 4) Belgian Waffle Ride Kansas. I did think the Belgian Waffle Ride Arizona would be a good one. But I think Dan maybe hopping mad with that one as it's on the 4th March.
Breck Epic has my fav rules: So. Three rules; - 1. Don’t be a dick. (This really covers a lot of ground.) - 1. (subsection 1): are you now serving or have you ever served a USADA or WADA suspension? Yes? You’re out. - 2. Wear your helmet. - 3. Don’t litter in our beautiful backcountry. Seriously. That about covers it.
I'm not sure we need to worry so much about aerobars in any world be it gravel, UCI, or the local group ride. Using aerobars safely is a personal responsibility much the same as everything else in life. Common sense dictates you don't use them in the middle of a group ride. Doesn't mean you have to ban them or make people not ride if they happen to have aero bars.
#captioncomp surely doing the limbo going under this bit of rope while in bike shoes and not falling over will be enough to get me on the GCN caption contest.
Before the rule of allowing Aerobar was not unfair. People could chose or not to use it. By the way, the Pros, theoretically, are the one that know better how to use it in a safe way. I never saw a Pro in the middle of a group on the aerobars. Safety, I don't know about that. I think it was ore like pressure to protect the so called "spirit" of gravel. At least they gave a 1 year heads up for the age groupers not to invest to much on aerobars because I believe they will prohibit it next year for all of us. With or without, we will have a good time in Emporia anyways!
Maybe after the death of Sule Kangangi, in a Vermont gravel race, some safety concerns are due review. I never learned the details. Were aero bars a factor? After the initial news, crickets.
Modest Proposal" Put 10 rules in a hat before th4 race, randomly select 5 the night before (over beer & pot) then announce the at midnight before the start. That is the true spirit of Gravel.
the whole point of gravel was the lack of rules. Everybody already knows not to use aero bars in a peloton. Banning aerobars defeats the entire point of gravel being a rules free, non traditionalist sport.
What do you make of these new gravel rules? 🧐
The change of start times for the elites was the big push for safety, more so than the aerobar rule. Exactly to remove the temptation of a lot of strong journeyperson riders trying to hang onto the pros as long as possible. The race has gotten super chaotic at the start in the last few years due to this phenomenon. Plus this gets all the extra media vehicles and personnel out of the way of the mass start, again hopefully helping safety.
Banning aero bars is dumb. As a mid pack age grouper, I use them to reduce the pressure on my hands as well as go a little faster. Don't understand the perceived safety issue, as no one is required to use them 100% of the time. There are plenty of crashes (including 'elite' riders) of riders on drop bars. At the last two editions of Unbound, after the first hour or so I've ridden pretty much solo anyway.
Banning the clip on aero bars is stupid. They don't cause crashes!!
Oldan Slo they clearly stated just for the elite riders. So the weekend warriors can still run aero bars.
@@vancelray I can see the "Time Trail Gravel Bike" are coming for a revenge! 😂
Rules: if you are competing for a prize or winnings then rules are a good thing. If you are riding just to complete the event then anything should go. Simply create two categories: competitive (with rules) and non competitive (no rules).
I'd love it if events like Unbound only gave you and official "Finisher" result, and simply refused to keep time. A bunch of the elites might wander back to wherever they came from and let people just ride for epic fun in peace.
I’ve got a great idea: just show up and ride and don’t worry about the fast guys/gals , cracks me up when people think racers ruin their “ride”
Nice idea 🙌Would you enter the non competitive or competitive side?
Some rules might serve to avoid accidents (using aero bars in peloton).
@@gcn non competitive, but not bc of the rules. I am more interested in the experience.
When I promoted the first mountain bike race in North Carolina, 1982, we had two rules: 1. First to the finish line wins, 2. No cheating.
If there are no rules how do you cheat?
Back then, Competitors had Honor. Not so much today.
@@KenSmith-bv4si My EXACT instant thought, no rules no cheating, but I do get the sense that just ride the route, no sabotage, motors, rides in a farmers truck, would be the 'cheating' to avoid. Basic everyday courtesy.
How do yo cheat with no rules 👀?
@@irfuel At least not until the first "safety stop."
Maybe the UCI will have a rule that the course should be gravel
Would be a good start having a gravel course that is rougher than the roads in my state.
Are we being catty about last Octobers UCI Bike Path World Championship?
@@oldanslo I just want to know why Backwards Hat Dylan didn't get an elite starting position for the Bike Path World Championship
was absolutely priceless to see the pros riding road bikes with wide tires. the industry must have been livid. you dont need a gravel boys, the pros dont even ride em
@@cypriano8763 did they use CX tires, or wider?
The 30 days challenge is a game changer! I do 20 kms a day; it's short enough so I don't get bored and the daily training is slowly pumping my FTP. My girlfriend asked why I was doing that specific challenge. I told her that a complete bunch of strangers from TH-cam challenged me to do it. Needless to say, she was speechless.
That's what we like to hear 🙌 We like to think we're more than strangers 👀
Great to see Jeremy Powers back on GCN!
We love powers 💪
I was a marshall (volunteer road guard) in Boston for the 1990 final stage of the Tour deTrump. I think Raul Alcala won the stage. I recall seeing Dag Otto Lauritzen and Steve Bauer at the finish.
The "safety" argument against aero bars reminds me of similar arguments in the early days of disc brakes. The dangers seem entirely theoretical and woefully short of real-world examples.
See the Mohoric supertuck. It was banned on the same "reasoning", that it might be dangerous for people in the peloton. Even though nobody even did it and nobody crashed because of it for that very reason.
They have been banned at a 40 year old event due to the fact you can't brake fast enough. Put brake levers on the bars....haven't seen that yet.
I agree. Show me the data of all the poor riders gored as if by bulls. Must be a ton of one eyed riders, as Kabush indicates it took 4-5 years to finally get the ban in place.
I don't want someone riding behind me without a brake lever at their fingers 100% of the time.
@@AlexandarHullRichter No one is on the aero bars in the bunch; the whole point is to have an aero advantage when drafting isn't possible.
Just inflated a new mattress--complete with box springs--that would easily fit into your old Polo, and certainly the Ikea delivery bike. These vacuum packed mattresses are pretty amazing for not just fitting into easily mailed/delivered boxes, but are very comfy, too. Gold water bottles: reach into a box blind and whatever color bottle comes out is awarded that week.
it's not so much vehicle size here in the U.S. that is a problem regarding unsafe roads, it's the entitlement mentality, aggressive behavior and distracted driving that's been an increasing problem. I lived in Southern California between 2016 and 2021 and the last few years I lived there, I would rarely ride out on the roads solo, generally only in a group as it often felt like I was taking my life in my hands every time I was on the road by myself. I've been hit by a car nearly head on over 10 years ago and countless close calls of getting buzzed by drivers, in which some would seemingly go out of their way to pass close. Over the years, I've had items thrown at me (one time got hit in the back by an unopened can of soda being throw at me), had someone drive up alongside me and try to throw a pen into my spokes in hopes of getting me to flip over my handlebars (the guy hung out the passenger window aiming the pen like a dart, and seemed unhappy that the pen just bounced off my spokes), got hit in the eye by a small rock descending a hill at 40 mph (that one hurt) that someone threw from a yard. Yep, riding on the road can be quite hazardous if you spend enough time doing so. Anyway, I won't say that it was always the "cars fault" during my time in SoCal, as I'd routinely witness fellow cyclists on group rides (and also when it was just me and another rider or two) impeding traffic when they could have easily moved over out of the way and/or rode single file.
I feel this is currently accurate in Washington State, at least in my experience. I live in rural area and have had any number of things thrown at me, big trucks getting too close for comfort that you see laughing in their rearview as they drive away, jerks in diesels “rolling coal”, jerks pulling onto the shoulder in front of me and suddenly hitting the brakes then taking off again, have been pushed off the road at least three times, and one person who let an angry (or just really excited at the chance to maybe eat a cyclist?) dog out of their yard to chase me (surprisingly the scariest experience so far). It gives the impression of deep hatred for cyclists and disregard for other’s lives. Crazy that these people don’t seem to think twice about the behavior or that it could literally end someone’s life.
I see a LOT of distracted drivers wavering around clueless, but at least they they aren’t deliberately trying to kill me!
I have not yet had any problems out on the forest roads though.
There’s nothing like a tough season of winter cyclocross to make you LEAN!
1 hour or pure hell 😈
Porte on aluminum wheels too. Awesome I feel like a (retired) pro!
These are fine... my only idea that was so cool about Unbound or similar rides- was that you COULD be a regular joe riding next to a tour pro... and that all were welcome. That can't really happen anymore. (*not that many weekend warriors were at the front and competing)just the idea that you were all in the same event was really cool. Can't do that with any other big time races except gravel events.
Some "gravel races" should be renamed to "gravel rendez-vous". No competition, pure socialising.
One issue I have with the unbound rules is how common mechanicals were in unbound gravel.
Doing Wave starts AND aerobars for select groups means that you immediately introduce bias between riders when someone has a mechanical and thus gets held back which means you now have two people gunning at the same pace with a different set of rules being applied to them. Now if mechanicals weren't as rampant I might change my mind but that is out of the question.
You can't have "safety" mean a different thing to two separate groups. I would personally do no aerobars for all so that you can't purchase your way to a faster time.
Wave starts is a little bit more iffy I'd say fine do them, it is inevitable. Just keep the delta between first and last rider within a reasonable time frame like 30 minutes. As well as some way of making it clear which wave each rider is to help organizers with timekeeping and stuff.
Unbound definition from the Unbound Gravel web sight, “To be unbound is to be untethered and unrestrained.” Oops lol of course you need rules for a race or competition.
Amazing to see the comeback of Fem van Empel in this CX race. And Puck. And Shirin. Women's CX rocks this year, so many talents, great races. Everyone deserves to win, love it. Bought GCN+ just to watch it. Men's CX is WvA and MvdP with Tom Pidcock doing crazy and impressive things occasionally. TL;DR Cyclocross is awesome!
Great to hear you are getting full value out of GCN+ 🎉
"Don't be and ass" is a great all-around rule for life, not just gravel events. Note I said event, and note race.
For a lot of people (in fact the majority of participants) who aren't an ex-road racing peloton- rats... It IS about the journey not the "finish line"
Gravel is an idea of going places, and having fun. Not adding another "rainbow jersey" to your closet full of other jerseys. So to speak.
I plan to do Unbound Gravel one day, but it'll be for the satisfaction of completing a difficult course , not to win or anything - I don't care about that
I am only competing against myself - so none of those rules bother me. "Elite" folks racing for money and accolades should have rules.
I don't really give a crap if people on gravel e-bikes use em either, but it seems they've been banned.
Hear me out. Two Races, one week apart! First race governed by the UCI and their many rules. Second races, No Rules!! Absolutely no holds barred! Ride any bike you want, super tuck, superman, knee high socks, aero bars, Mario Kart like weapon (banana peels, oil slick, turtle shells), anything goes!
Looks like the corporate takeover of Unbound and gravel in general is nearly complete
I invite you to join the real world. You are welcome.
Did you prefer the underground days of gravel? 👀
@@gcn Undergravel days of gravel 😁
Years behind the times.
I would like to see them focus on having "Gravel" in the event.
I do like the separate starts.
Maybe publish a set of "Guidelines" for promoters to have more successful event for everyone else to come away happy.
Growing Pains happen in every new sport discipline.
Caption Comp: Demonstrating the new CX aero position…use it before being banned by the UCI.
I just used bike grease and chain oil to refurbish a 50-year old camera. Turns out bike lubricants are on the high end of things.
For reference, Triflow and Park Polylube 1000. Polyurea greases are better than the original lithium grease in a lot of ways!
I thought there was only 1 rule needed in Gravel and that' Enjoy. Great to hear Jeremy Powers is back, he always has good content.
Keep it up
First rule or gravel is ... don't talk about the rules of gravel 👀
Si’s mockery of the spirit of gravel made me laugh out loud😂
10:06 90% if Ikea's product range is stuff that fits in a small bag. I'm talking about stuff like pots, pans, cushions, clocks and dying plants. I doubt you can fit, say, a bed frame.
The sun coming up, the sun going down, and Geoff Kabush complaining about something, constants of the world.
briefly looked into the guy.....oucheDa (pig latin) was my first thought....even looks the part....
I don't see why wearing an helmet is such a problem. And in here in Geneva, Switzerland, if I'm not mistaken, S-Pedelecs (45km/h ebikes) riders are required to wear an helmet and that seems logical...
#CaptionCompetition Most rider think Zonhoven is a pretty hard race, but for Lauren Molengraaf it was a pretty laid-back affair.
#CaptionCompetition: Lauren Molengraf bending over backwards to string together another victory in the Juniors at Zonhoven.
Just did a mountain bike race that had a long section of open road, so they allowed aero bars. 3 people had them and NOBODY DIED.
😅
It was during the '89 Tour de Trump that Greg LeMond, nearly three years after his Tour win and hunting accident, got a good result in a stage, third in the Washington DC stage held as a back-and-forth on a highway in Northern Virginia between the Pentagon and Rosslyn. And I wanted to see it and got there just before the start, not pleased about that as I had wanted to meet Greg. Yet, incredibly, with a crowd of race fans gathered at the start-finish line, Greg was nearly alone at the side of his minivan, only a few fans were there and he was amicably chatting with them. And I couldn't believe it, I expected a big crowd around him, hanging on his every word and move. But no, just a few loyal fans for the '86 Tour de France champion before a weekday stage on a stretch of highway along the Potomac River and only a couple of months before his return to the Tour and a three-week duel with his former Renault teammate, Laurent Fignoun.
#captioncompetition: This just in, new rules have now stated you must be under this tall to embody the spirit of gravel.
In 1991 or 1992, me and a group of graduate school classmates followed a Tour de Trump stage from Blacksburg Virginia to Beech Mountain North Carolina (about 125 miles). It was great fun watching the peloton zoom by then racing to the next view point. Today the route contains busy roads not fit for cycling.
Once Gravel riding became a competitive sport, it was inevitable that rules would be necessary. Its the same with all competitions. Yet you don't need to enter races to enjoy gravel riding, or any sort of cycling for that matter.
What if a non-elite field rider(s) catches the elite pack…does that mean age-groupers will be riding in their aero bars as elite riders are not allowed?
That's exactly what will happen.
As soon as we saw the big Ford truck we knew Jeremy Powers was back!!!! Awesome, we have missed him.
Everyone loves Powers 🙌
Do we have to race everything?
Funnest race I ever had was against my cousin in Ohio in '78, drag racing our motocross motorcycles on a backstreet at night after an afternoon of riding. He had a 250 Yamaha and I rode a 125 Elsinore, so no doubt about the outcome, but it was great fun, winding out those bikes in the dark and racing just to be a little raggedy and ridiculous. 😀
What fun could be had creating new gravel rules. Max and min tyre width, Max/min bar width. Max/ min course distance, Max gradients, Max paved secty, the list is endless.
Happy Birthday, Si, and what is 40 now, the new 20 or something? And I know Ollie is getting all the press as the fastest in the corral, but I'm sure it's actually still you. With Dan a close second on his cool vintage Raleigh moped as he holds those high-rise chrome bars and whistles Born to be Wild. 😀
Gravel has officially jumped the shark now, without aero bars it's just mountain biking.
even some mountain bikers use aero bars smh.
Are you a gravel rider? 👀
Of all the trends Ive seen in cycling gravel and fatbikes are silliest. Even the name is dumb. Try riding on real gravel sometime.
The Life Time Grand Prix is the gravel world championships! Banning aero bars good, but to be a gravel race they should specify 30% grade 2 gravel which means at least 35 mm types needed.
Rules are good as long as they allow some freedom in bike and component choices. I like to see the variety of bikes at events .
Great point! Gravel racing has given us so much in the way of tech, do you think aero bars were the next tech advancement? 🔎
@@gcn YES. But only if the bike is equipped with full (I mean front and rear) panniers full of pickles (for Manon, of course).
#caption competition:
UCI makes gravel statement - Backstreet's back. Alright!
Unfortunately you can't have a DBaA rule and make money. One thing is always true - it only takes a few idiots to ruin it for everyone. The ban on aero bars for elite gravel riders is understandable however for a few reasons. They go faster and they go in a tight bunch. Because they are able to draft at 20mph it won't be as big a deal. I however will not do Unbound without them (as I no longer attend BWR) because 90% of my race is done alone and I make it a point to not use them when I am around others - even when leading a group. For me aero bars are an extra hand position which greatly helps me with comfort on any endurance event over a few hours long.
#captioncompetition As Lauren thought to herself, "This new cx obstacle has me in limbo!"
That ebike looks like an updated version of the Honda Motocompo! It was a folding scooter from the early 80s that fit in the back of a Honda City or a Honda Today. Madness (the ska band, "One Step Beyond", all that) featured in ads for it. There have been a few updates over the years, always love to see it.
That's madness .... 🥁 Ba dum shhhh
Some of the speed gains in aero bikes are due to the increased weight by way of inertia, but they're still light enough to only slightly penalize you up steep climbs. Still prefer rim brakes on any tire size less than a 30.
#captioncontest "This must be how Conor feels walking into a room"
Gravel rules - If you are going to make it a race you need rules but if it is just a ride then you do not. Gravel used to be rides and therefore did not need rules. Perhaps split gravel events in to the race and the ride?
A comment on 'bike danger'. regarding ebikes, ESPECIALLY with 'senior' riders.
I got my ebike June 16 2021, and it is blast to ride and at full assist I ride twice as fast as I do on my regular bike.
I do see a safety problem for older folks who may not have ridden in 20-30-40 years, and want an ebike to take to the load off. Great idea in concept, but for sure they need a mindset to go along with it.
It is easy (relatively speaking, I am in decent shape) to hit 40kph on the slightest incline. For some older riders that will be dangerous because they aren't thinking in terms of how fast they are going.
Picture a 65 year old lady who has not been on a bike since her 20's, blasting along at 30+kph and hits a pot hole or a dog runs out or car pulls out. She would not respond well and it could end badly.
It wasn't an issue for me as I have ridden every year since my first bike in '68. I rip around exactly as I did as a teenager. I have also ridden a motorcycle for a couple of decades, so my awareness and reaction are as good as ever.
Some type of awareness campaign for older riders getting back into bikes and especially ebikes would be a good idea. If there is an uptick in actually deaths due to ebike riding, it must be related to people not thinking about the huge increase in average cycling speed and the additional awareness needed to manage that. The danger is in the brain controlling the bike, not the bike itself.
I love my ebike and rode 4000km in 2022, put studded tires on to ride all winter and I say everyone should get one, ( I rode more than I drove for the first time ever) but there are some who should maybe not get one, or at least consider a trike.
Well done shoe - maker! Cycling shoes are all ridiculously narrow. I’m keen to try that.
#Caption Comp; From jumping planks to limbo dancing - cyclocross as it all!
Road running vs Trail Running, is like Road Riding to Gravel Riding and to extent Mountain Bike riding (But what they are doing is changing). The Road Event's are usually Very Quiet, and Good luck anyone just saying hi whilst in the event. The Gravel and Trail event's are about the journey, and not so much about Power to the pedals or ground, and it's simply the people that make these events so much more fun. On the bike I cannot match the roadies for Power, but on fast gravel, I'm faster with bike handling, and with running, I'm slow going up, but when I am going down, I'm as quick as anyone. It's Great having the various conversions, and amusement of the completely different strengths and weakness's of all the different athlete's, and the goal of just finishing and enjoying the journey. As far as Aerobars are concerned, I've had them on my hybrid, and so long as the bike balance is good, and the riders are sensible, they are very helpful. Like anything there are some riders that don't look where they are going, but just the back wheel of other riders, and being on Aerobars here is going to cause problems, for both themselves and others. (Elites, are going the be worst for doing this...Unfortunately, particularly if they are usually from the Road scene, where cycling is a close contact sport.)
Thanks for the comment Glen! Nice comparison, one that GTN would appreciate 🙌 Gravel racing has a great community around it, we don't think that the new rules will diminish it's appeal. Long live the cycling community! 🎉
For me, each day 15 mins of simple back and leg strength exercises are really the key for pain-free rides. Also, swimming once a week can help to open up the chest and increase overall strength.
The only category rules should be that there are no pros, ex-pros, or elites allowed. The only aero rules should be that a minimum of 50% of a rider's kit should be comprised of Flannel. And all participants must maintain a blood alcohol level above zero.
Wow! congrats on the new channel: Gravel Cycling Network... now what was the road specific one called again?
I'll be using my Aerobars this year at the Unbound 200...just like in 2016. Elites don't need them - keep them safe while they are motoring at such high speeds and in often groups. Us regular 'joes' enjoy the different hand positions (and trying to avoid the wind as best as possible) during our longer day in the saddle. I don't think it should become a standard rule...let each race organizer decide!
Cheers!
I turned 35 on Sunday so don’t feel to bad Simon
The carbon shoes would be very uncomfortable because your feet swell when you exercise. Also, the carbon doesn't have give the way most other shoes that are just carbon plated so your feet hurt a lot.
8:25 Low rolling resistance but that is more than made up for by the extra weight you will soon have to move unless you only ride them on an indoor track.
if you guys ever get the golden bottles, dan's caption from last week about a "race van der poel could never win" should retroactively be given the first win
No favouritism here! 👀
Caption comp “Sportive saboteurs up their game and target the pros”
Met Alex at the TDU village yesterday (stoked) even though its not officially open yet. Looked fit but melting in the Adelaide heat.
So I'm in the market for a new road bike and this has raised a question for me...if the GCN were buying their own bikes and not ones you've acquired through your job, what would you each own? How much would you be willing to spend? Which groupset would you go for?
Think this might be hard to answer honestly with current sponsor deals. Can’t imagine the sponsors being super happy if they admitted to only using a bike cause they are paid to. So i think the answer would conveniently be a shimano groupset and one of the sponsors frame.
Is Jeremy back with GCN? I've been missing him.
I would disagree, the Tour de Pont was the US stage race. Still have the clothing from the races.
Helmet obligation would not make any difference. Lights are mandatory as well, and still possible to cycle without them at night, and many cyclist have no lights in dark. You might get a 60 euros ticket in a year or two, but more likely not.
Gravel should be set up like the America's Cup sailing race, where the winner gets to choose the rules that govern for the next year.
The carbon shoes were great. Function before fashion!
What if an amateur with aerobars catches up with the pro field. Will he/she have to take off the aerobars?
We think the world explodes if this happens 🤯
if an amateur is catching up with pros, then they should consider going pro themselves...
@@vittocraziaero bars are a huge advantage, 40-50Watts, could be the difference between pro and really good amateurs.
#captioncompetition Overwhelmed by all the 'fence' around her
Lachlan Morton at Leadville 100 springs to mind regarding the aero bar ban.
IKEA mattresses come in rolls so they would fit easily.
I’m going to dress up as The Spirit of Gravel for Halloween
Heading out to scare the roadies 👻
Caption competition: bunny hops are so last year, I’m going to limbo the hurdles…
Just saw the tweet by Kabush, basically stating: safety first, after 4-5 years, they are finally banning aero bars in mass start events. So can anyone point me to the stats of all the tragic injury from aero bars?
Yes safety in general is an OK concept, but when it comes to adults, these committees act like we are children who need protected from hang nail. Show me the stats or get out of the way
Speaking of martini thingy shakers....would be nice if you guys have stainless steel retro style bottles as a tribute to Lloydie's pro cycling career.
gravel thing became huge community because has no rules 😂
Will rules ruin that? 👀
@@gcn nope, just do a simple thing change the name to "ATB" aka all terrain bike lol
Caption competition: Rider wonders: "Who ropped me into this?"
Si. You should have gotten your mattress from IKEA. Their memory foam mattresses are rolled up and sealed in a vacuum bag.
Maybe it is because at age 63 I'm at the mentoring age or whatever, but I wear a helmet if only to be a good example for the little tykes on bikes. On my commute on country roads, I still get surprised during the warm months with a cheery hello from kids playing outside and it does make me think, you know, it is good to set a good example for them and it is better for me to wear a helmet in case of a fall and we never know when we're going down for the count.
That someone is Lauren Molengraaf, winner of the U19 womens at Zonhoven ;)
When's Dan doing a gravel race. I think I've come up with 4 he could do. 1) Unbound Gravel, 2) SBT GRVL, 3) Belgian Waffle Ride Michigan and 4) Belgian Waffle Ride Kansas. I did think the Belgian Waffle Ride Arizona would be a good one. But I think Dan maybe hopping mad with that one as it's on the 4th March.
"Don't be lame!" It's a pretty basic rule. Kind of encompasses it all really ;)
- the pirate cycling league
I'm gonna have to start watching these again, Dan and Si go together soo very well!
I had to check what 5 bucks would have been worth today and it's 12. Bit less than 50.
Breck Epic has my fav rules:
So. Three rules;
- 1. Don’t be a dick. (This really covers a lot of ground.)
- 1. (subsection 1): are you now serving or have you ever served a USADA or WADA suspension? Yes? You’re out.
- 2. Wear your helmet.
- 3. Don’t litter in our beautiful backcountry. Seriously.
That about covers it.
Gorge Gravel Grinder in Oregon: please don’t pee in people’s yards.
I'm not sure we need to worry so much about aerobars in any world be it gravel, UCI, or the local group ride. Using aerobars safely is a personal responsibility much the same as everything else in life. Common sense dictates you don't use them in the middle of a group ride. Doesn't mean you have to ban them or make people not ride if they happen to have aero bars.
#captioncomp surely doing the limbo going under this bit of rope while in bike shoes and not falling over will be enough to get me on the GCN caption contest.
Before the rule of allowing Aerobar was not unfair. People could chose or not to use it. By the way, the Pros, theoretically, are the one that know better how to use it in a safe way. I never saw a Pro in the middle of a group on the aerobars.
Safety, I don't know about that. I think it was ore like pressure to protect the so called "spirit" of gravel.
At least they gave a 1 year heads up for the age groupers not to invest to much on aerobars because I believe they will prohibit it next year for all of us.
With or without, we will have a good time in Emporia anyways!
@ Dan. Buy a pair of airless tyres (UK version of tires) check them out and do a piece on GCN for the masses.
Caption completion: Gravel sock height check
This one is good!
#captioncompetition
Prologo’s new vibrating bar end plugs are going down well with the pro’s
Maybe after the death of Sule Kangangi, in a Vermont gravel race, some safety concerns are due review. I never learned the details. Were aero bars a factor? After the initial news, crickets.
Modest Proposal" Put 10 rules in a hat before th4 race, randomly select 5 the night before (over beer & pot) then announce the at midnight before the start. That is the true spirit of Gravel.
Dry chain lube is perfect for door hinges, doesn't attract dust like oil or grease and lasts forever.
the whole point of gravel was the lack of rules. Everybody already knows not to use aero bars in a peloton. Banning aerobars defeats the entire point of gravel being a rules free, non traditionalist sport.
9:23 - Manon riding the moped -- what video is that from?
Could you please do an episode on the aero cost of Peter Stetinas mustache?
I can hear it now: yes, that caption is "nice", but is it "super-nice"? Maybe announce the gold bidon winner along with a shake of a cowbell?