Riding a motorcycle over gravel makes for a bumpy ride. These unpaved roads are covered in millions of tiny rock fragments that can damage your bike and throw you off your balance. They tend to be common in the Pacific Northwest and rural areas that see less traffic. In fact, 2.2 million miles (54 percent) of the 4.1 million miles of federal and state highways in the U.S. are unpaved, meaning gravel. If you’re new to this type of terrain, it can easily throw you for a loop. You can adjust your riding style to reduce your risk of falling. Before you put on your motorcycle helmet speakers and tune out on the road, here’s everything you need to know about riding over gravel on a motorcycle.
What Is a Gravel Road Made Of?
A gravel road is an unpaved road lined with broken-down rock materials, usually obtained from a rock quarry. The size of each particle varies but they are generally no larger than 2 cm in diameter.
Counties line roads with gravel instead of concrete in areas that see less traffic as a way of saving money. It may not be feasible to seal or repair the road over time due to its remote location.
Most gravel roads are narrower than paved surfaces, but they usually allow for two-way traffic. Many tend to see traffic from off-road trucks, tractors and construction vehicles that are larger than your average car.
Riding on Gravel: What Are the Risks?
It’s always safer (and easier) to drive on a smooth, paved surface because the asphalt won’t move out of place while you’re riding. Any loose patch can cause your tires to slip. The rocks on gravel roads tend to be jagged and uneven, which makes it hard to get a firm grip. The same is true of riding over grass, sand, dirt or any other slick surface.
The condition of these roads varies based on the location. All these loose bits can also fly through the air, potentially hitting you in the leg, side or face. If you fall, you will land on a pile of rocks instead of a flat surface, which can increase the risk of injury.
Tips for Riding Over Gravel
You never know when you might encounter a gravel road on a long road trip. Keep these tips in mind to stay safe:
- Wear the Proper Safety Gear
It’s always important to wear a helmet, long sleeves, pants, gloves and boots when riding a motorcycle. But it becomes even more crucial when riding over gravel. Cover every part of your body to protect your skin from ricocheting rocks and wear durable layers that can absorb the impact. Use a full-face helmet instead of a half-face helmet or skull cap in this situation and consider adding knee, shoulder and elbow pads to your outfit to shield your limbs from scrapes and cuts.
- Stay Vigilant
Gravel is anything but predictable. Rocks can easily shift out of place, giving you less traction in some spots. Poorly maintained roads or those that have been affected by storms may even be unpassable due to various obstacles. Keep your head up and your eyes on the road. Avoid sharp rocks that can pop a hole in your tires and larger chunks that can knock you off balance.
Pair your helmet with a motorcycle helmet communication system to keep in touch with your fellow riders so you can give each other a heads-up when the road gets tough. You can also use it to interact with your mobile device hands-free while riding. You shouldn’t be distracted with your phone or GPS in the heat of the moment. Use your voice to bring up the features you need to navigate to your destination without taking your eyes off the prize. If the road looks unsafe, come to a stop and look up an alternate route.
Find a headset with quality motorcycle helmet speakers to hear what your companions are saying even when you’re a mile away from each other. Knowing what to expect gives you more time to adjust your riding style so you don’t get caught off guard.
- Relax Your Muscles
You could run into trouble at a moment’s notice, so try to loosen your arms and shoulders so you can respond to sudden turbulence. Get ready for unexpected shifts to the right or left and recenter the bike after every bump. Keep your weight in the middle of the bike by engaging your core.
- Lean Opposite of the Turn
Instead of leaning your body into the turn like you would when riding on the street, lean in the opposite direction of where you’re trying to go to keep the motorcycle balanced.
- Reduce Your Speed
Going fast reduces your ability to control the bike. Don’t accelerate on the approach so you can keep your speed under control. Avoid braking too fast on the gravel to avoid skidding on the rocks. Give yourself more time to stop, turn and slow down when driving on gravel. Gently apply pressure to the brake to maintain traction. If possible, pull off onto the side of the road when you need to come to a complete stop.
Gravel roads aren’t going anywhere any time soon. It comes with the territory when you’re biking around less populated areas and scenic trails. Practice driving over this terrain before you set off on your next quest to master the art of gravel motorcycle riding.