The Gravel Stack
@thegravelstack.substack.com
Gravel Dad (©HSOG)
🎙️ Talking gravel racing on the Gracing podcast.
✍️ Author of the (meme-)award-winning The Gravel Stack newsletter.
🔗 https://linktr.ee/thegravelstack
🎙️ Talking gravel racing on the Gracing podcast.
✍️ Author of the (meme-)award-winning The Gravel Stack newsletter.
🔗 https://linktr.ee/thegravelstack
Tiffany Cromwell on hosting gravel races, the upcoming UCI World Champs in Australia, safety, and creating our own gravel "rulebook".
Road veteran, gravel pioneer: Tiff Cromwell wants gravel racing to keep evolving
'Love it or hate it, the UCI coming in definitely helped grow' gravel racing, says the multidiscipline star.
escapecollective.com
November 18, 2025 at 6:49 PM
Tiffany Cromwell on hosting gravel races, the upcoming UCI World Champs in Australia, safety, and creating our own gravel "rulebook".
Apparently you can now ride (segments of) the Life Time Grand Prix races indoors. At least if you use Rouvy, that is.
If anyone of you does, lmk if riding Little Egypt on the trainer is any good. (Shd nxt gen trainers simulate bumpy gravel?)
If anyone of you does, lmk if riding Little Egypt on the trainer is any good. (Shd nxt gen trainers simulate bumpy gravel?)
Rouvy brings Life Time’s elite gravel courses indoors - BikeBiz
Rouvy is bringing spring and summer gravel riding indoors this winter, offering riders specific trai
bikebiz.com
November 18, 2025 at 5:55 PM
Apparently you can now ride (segments of) the Life Time Grand Prix races indoors. At least if you use Rouvy, that is.
If anyone of you does, lmk if riding Little Egypt on the trainer is any good. (Shd nxt gen trainers simulate bumpy gravel?)
If anyone of you does, lmk if riding Little Egypt on the trainer is any good. (Shd nxt gen trainers simulate bumpy gravel?)
I had Joe Laverick on the pod. We talked about the beginning of gravel's "team era", why he's working on his own team and how he's going about it, and we went deep on the current state of the Gravel Pie 🥧
Gracing Podcast: Building a Gravel Team with Joe Laverick
open.spotify.com
November 18, 2025 at 11:00 AM
I had Joe Laverick on the pod. We talked about the beginning of gravel's "team era", why he's working on his own team and how he's going about it, and we went deep on the current state of the Gravel Pie 🥧
I'm glad to see that gravel bikes in the most important segment, entry level, are taken seriously and capable.
I'd still love to see more releases in the 999-1,499€ range—which Cues enables—but there's plenty of bike to be had for less than €2k.
I'd still love to see more releases in the 999-1,499€ range—which Cues enables—but there's plenty of bike to be had for less than €2k.
Why 2026 will be the year of the affordable gravel bike – whatever kind of rider you are | BikeRadar
Finally, it appears the bike industry is giving this huge affordable end of the gravel market the respect it deserves.
www.bikeradar.com
November 18, 2025 at 7:03 AM
I'm glad to see that gravel bikes in the most important segment, entry level, are taken seriously and capable.
I'd still love to see more releases in the 999-1,499€ range—which Cues enables—but there's plenty of bike to be had for less than €2k.
I'd still love to see more releases in the 999-1,499€ range—which Cues enables—but there's plenty of bike to be had for less than €2k.
An update on the situation around The Rift and the Gravel Earth Series:
The Rift gets a cuckoo's egg from the Gravel Earth Series. escapecollective.com/the-rift-get...
The Rift gets a cuckoo's egg from the Gravel Earth Series. escapecollective.com/the-rift-get...
The Rift gets a cuckoo's egg from the Gravel Earth Series
The Rift and the Gravel Earth Series are parting ways, and a new race in Iceland has taken The Rift's place in the series.
escapecollective.com
November 18, 2025 at 6:31 AM
An update on the situation around The Rift and the Gravel Earth Series:
The Rift gets a cuckoo's egg from the Gravel Earth Series. escapecollective.com/the-rift-get...
The Rift gets a cuckoo's egg from the Gravel Earth Series. escapecollective.com/the-rift-get...
Does this qualify as a gravel bike in 2026?
40 mm tire clearance is where road bikes are headed. That bike _may_ have its purpose for sponsored pros who can pick race-specific bikes. But for normie riders it makes little sense, imho.
40 mm tire clearance is where road bikes are headed. That bike _may_ have its purpose for sponsored pros who can pick race-specific bikes. But for normie riders it makes little sense, imho.
MERIDA MISSION 10K 2026 on Test – Gravel Racer or All-Road on Steroids?
The new MERIDA MISSION 10K 2026 aims to blur the lines between all-road and gravel racing – but can it really strike the perfect balance between off-road grit and on-road speed?
granfondo-cycling.com
November 17, 2025 at 4:33 PM
Does this qualify as a gravel bike in 2026?
40 mm tire clearance is where road bikes are headed. That bike _may_ have its purpose for sponsored pros who can pick race-specific bikes. But for normie riders it makes little sense, imho.
40 mm tire clearance is where road bikes are headed. That bike _may_ have its purpose for sponsored pros who can pick race-specific bikes. But for normie riders it makes little sense, imho.
Good piece on the adventure of AliExpress bicycle shopping by Iain Treloar. (An activity I haven't yet engaged in myself, but we'll get there.)
I bought a frame from AliExpress. It didn’t go very well.
A haven for the bargain-hunter or a disaster waiting to happen? Time to investigate.
escapecollective.com
November 16, 2025 at 2:40 PM
Good piece on the adventure of AliExpress bicycle shopping by Iain Treloar. (An activity I haven't yet engaged in myself, but we'll get there.)
Bike racing as a means of integration? Why not?! (The very talented) Cecile Lejeune shares her story of discovering the vastness and variety of the USA by racing the Life Time Grand Prix. substack.com/home/post/p-...
Americanization through racing
Racing all over the country has been tremendously valuable to me for developing a deeper understanding and appreciation of the US.
substack.com
November 15, 2025 at 3:54 PM
Bike racing as a means of integration? Why not?! (The very talented) Cecile Lejeune shares her story of discovering the vastness and variety of the USA by racing the Life Time Grand Prix. substack.com/home/post/p-...
That's a sick bike. I wonder if Chase Wark would cut off the drops for a 372 km ride, but besides that, it's pretty much an aero dork's gravel bike wet dream, I guess?!
Dan Bigham and REAP combine on wild aero gravel time trial bike mashup
Dan Bigham and REAP combine on wild aero gravel time trial bike mashup
Dan Bigham and REAP combine on wild aero gravel time trial bike mashup
A 'celebration of British Engineering' sees aerodynamics expert collaborate with Reap and Detail Bike Tech to come up with an FKT-focused aero gravel machine
www.cyclingnews.com
November 14, 2025 at 8:38 PM
That's a sick bike. I wonder if Chase Wark would cut off the drops for a 372 km ride, but besides that, it's pretty much an aero dork's gravel bike wet dream, I guess?!
Dan Bigham and REAP combine on wild aero gravel time trial bike mashup
Dan Bigham and REAP combine on wild aero gravel time trial bike mashup
As sports in general, and cycling in particular, become platforms for nation states and political actors, sports writing has to venture into new realms, too.
This is a prime example of how to do it well:
This is a prime example of how to do it well:
Israel grew toxic in pro cycling; will the UAE?
A growing humanitarian disaster with ties to cycling raises questions almost identical to those the sport faced about Gaza.
escapecollective.com
November 14, 2025 at 6:35 PM
As sports in general, and cycling in particular, become platforms for nation states and political actors, sports writing has to venture into new realms, too.
This is a prime example of how to do it well:
This is a prime example of how to do it well:
Lael Wilcox will attempt the ride around the world faster than anyone (including any man) has ever done.
The current, fully supported, record is at 78 days and 14 hours. She'll have to ride upwards of 230 miles/370km per day to break it. Pretty badass.
The current, fully supported, record is at 78 days and 14 hours. She'll have to ride upwards of 230 miles/370km per day to break it. Pretty badass.
'Physically, I can do this' - Lael Wilcox to attempt the ride around the world outright record in 2026
American ultra-endurance cyclist aims to beat Mark Beaumont's supported record of 78 days, 14 hours, and 40 minutes set in 2017
www.cyclingnews.com
November 14, 2025 at 7:03 AM
Lael Wilcox will attempt the ride around the world faster than anyone (including any man) has ever done.
The current, fully supported, record is at 78 days and 14 hours. She'll have to ride upwards of 230 miles/370km per day to break it. Pretty badass.
The current, fully supported, record is at 78 days and 14 hours. She'll have to ride upwards of 230 miles/370km per day to break it. Pretty badass.
Just filed a solid 4,500 words on the new faces in next season's Life Time Grand Prix rosters.
Who are you most excited to see next year?
Who are you most excited to see next year?
November 13, 2025 at 9:30 PM
Just filed a solid 4,500 words on the new faces in next season's Life Time Grand Prix rosters.
Who are you most excited to see next year?
Who are you most excited to see next year?
Thank you, Lifetime, for selecting so many new riders to the Life Time Grand Prix. 6 new ladies, 9 new guys. That means writing my "new grand prix faces" pieces is actually quite a lot of work. Did somebody say off-season? Not on the content side at least 😅
November 13, 2025 at 6:10 PM
Thank you, Lifetime, for selecting so many new riders to the Life Time Grand Prix. 6 new ladies, 9 new guys. That means writing my "new grand prix faces" pieces is actually quite a lot of work. Did somebody say off-season? Not on the content side at least 😅
Whaddup, Spirit of Gravel? The question might seem a bit '24y, but the piece is quite good. Haley Hunter Smith, Pete Stetina, and Lachlan Morton on gravel's past, presence, and future.
Haley and I talked about her gravel paper in our pod. But I forgot to look it up after. Happy it's in there 😅
Haley and I talked about her gravel paper in our pod. But I forgot to look it up after. Happy it's in there 😅
What is the Spirit of Gravel?
Freedom. Challenge. Connection. Maybe that's all the definition it needs?
escapecollective.com
November 11, 2025 at 7:03 AM
Whaddup, Spirit of Gravel? The question might seem a bit '24y, but the piece is quite good. Haley Hunter Smith, Pete Stetina, and Lachlan Morton on gravel's past, presence, and future.
Haley and I talked about her gravel paper in our pod. But I forgot to look it up after. Happy it's in there 😅
Haley and I talked about her gravel paper in our pod. But I forgot to look it up after. Happy it's in there 😅
ICYMI: In the latest TGS, I compared the data of all major gravel live streams in 2025. How big is the gravel audience? Who has the sport's prime real estate?
Also, a first overview and analysis of the changes to Gravel Earth Series.
Also, a first overview and analysis of the changes to Gravel Earth Series.
The Gravel Live Stream Ranking & Gravel Earth Series Changes
Hi! I had aimed to do a short and fun one, looking and the data from Gravel Live Stream Views. But then the Gravel Earth Series 2026 schedule dropped...
thegravelstack.substack.com
November 10, 2025 at 5:15 PM
ICYMI: In the latest TGS, I compared the data of all major gravel live streams in 2025. How big is the gravel audience? Who has the sport's prime real estate?
Also, a first overview and analysis of the changes to Gravel Earth Series.
Also, a first overview and analysis of the changes to Gravel Earth Series.
Alex Hunt wrote a good piece on Cam Jones, retelling the history of his breakout season. Make sure to give it a read over on Escape Collective (🔒).
How Cam Jones went from wildcard to Life Time Grand Prix overall champion escapecollective.com/how-cam-jone...
How Cam Jones went from wildcard to Life Time Grand Prix overall champion escapecollective.com/how-cam-jone...
How Cam Jones went from wildcard to Life Time Grand Prix overall champion
In an exclusive interview, the Kiwi privateer talks about the unorthodox approach that toppled multi-time series champion Keegan Swenson and reshaped the gravel hierarchy.
escapecollective.com
November 10, 2025 at 4:33 PM
Alex Hunt wrote a good piece on Cam Jones, retelling the history of his breakout season. Make sure to give it a read over on Escape Collective (🔒).
How Cam Jones went from wildcard to Life Time Grand Prix overall champion escapecollective.com/how-cam-jone...
How Cam Jones went from wildcard to Life Time Grand Prix overall champion escapecollective.com/how-cam-jone...
You will also learn how pro racers s̶t̶a̶l̶k̶ research their competitors.
Who would have thought that photos on Instagram may matter more than PCS data?!
Who would have thought that photos on Instagram may matter more than PCS data?!
In the episode, you'll find out why she signed up literally last minute, how she dealt with her frozen bike and kit, why shoes (not hers) literally burnt, and if the camp vibes were any good.
Oh, and of course we also talked racing. All the stages, all the action.
It was a good one.
Oh, and of course we also talked racing. All the stages, all the action.
It was a good one.
Gracing Podcast: Gravel Burn Recap with Clara Koppenburg
Autsaid - Gravel Podcast · Episode
open.spotify.com
November 10, 2025 at 11:50 AM
You will also learn how pro racers s̶t̶a̶l̶k̶ research their competitors.
Who would have thought that photos on Instagram may matter more than PCS data?!
Who would have thought that photos on Instagram may matter more than PCS data?!
New Gracing pod out 🎙
Some news and a lot of Gravel Burn inside. Had the great Clara Koppenburg on who told us everything about her experience at Gravel Burn. And oh boy, was she stoked.
👇
Some news and a lot of Gravel Burn inside. Had the great Clara Koppenburg on who told us everything about her experience at Gravel Burn. And oh boy, was she stoked.
👇
November 10, 2025 at 11:04 AM
New Gracing pod out 🎙
Some news and a lot of Gravel Burn inside. Had the great Clara Koppenburg on who told us everything about her experience at Gravel Burn. And oh boy, was she stoked.
👇
Some news and a lot of Gravel Burn inside. Had the great Clara Koppenburg on who told us everything about her experience at Gravel Burn. And oh boy, was she stoked.
👇
Do we think it's a mere coincidence that Lauf is the main sponsor of the two prestige races no longer part of the Gravel Earth Series?
Gravel Worlds and The Rift both partner closely to the Icelandic brand.
Maybe nothing to see there but curious.
Gravel Worlds and The Rift both partner closely to the Icelandic brand.
Maybe nothing to see there but curious.
November 9, 2025 at 7:39 AM
Do we think it's a mere coincidence that Lauf is the main sponsor of the two prestige races no longer part of the Gravel Earth Series?
Gravel Worlds and The Rift both partner closely to the Icelandic brand.
Maybe nothing to see there but curious.
Gravel Worlds and The Rift both partner closely to the Icelandic brand.
Maybe nothing to see there but curious.
Is Victor Lafay joining the Unibet Rose Rockets the final puzzle piece to secure the TdF Wild Card?
November 5, 2025 at 9:25 PM
Is Victor Lafay joining the Unibet Rose Rockets the final puzzle piece to secure the TdF Wild Card?
Let's face it. Obama is still the best.
youtu.be/5ARj7iQDiW4?...
youtu.be/5ARj7iQDiW4?...
FULL REMARKS: Former President Barack Obama Speaks At Rally For Abigail Spanberger
YouTube video by Forbes Breaking News
youtu.be
November 2, 2025 at 8:35 PM
Let's face it. Obama is still the best.
youtu.be/5ARj7iQDiW4?...
youtu.be/5ARj7iQDiW4?...
The inaugural Gravel Burn edition is in the history books.
From the final stage's overall shakeup to takeaways from the race, there's a lot in my last recap of Gravel Burn Week.
open.substack.com/pub/thegrave...
From the final stage's overall shakeup to takeaways from the race, there's a lot in my last recap of Gravel Burn Week.
open.substack.com/pub/thegrave...
It's not over until it's over. An Eventful Gravel Burn Finale
Recapping the 2025 Gravel Burn. Including a magnificent come-from-behind victory.
open.substack.com
November 2, 2025 at 12:50 PM
The inaugural Gravel Burn edition is in the history books.
From the final stage's overall shakeup to takeaways from the race, there's a lot in my last recap of Gravel Burn Week.
open.substack.com/pub/thegrave...
From the final stage's overall shakeup to takeaways from the race, there's a lot in my last recap of Gravel Burn Week.
open.substack.com/pub/thegrave...
I made a mistake.
October 31, 2025 at 7:35 PM
I made a mistake.
Gravel Burn Stage 5 Update out.
Big movements in GC, apparently a crazy stage.
Also, as always, including more from yesterday's stage.
Big movements in GC, apparently a crazy stage.
Also, as always, including more from yesterday's stage.
Two Queen Stages in One. Gravel Burn Update.
Not one but two queen stages? All in one gravel-coded newsletter? I betcha.
open.substack.com
October 31, 2025 at 1:53 PM
Gravel Burn Stage 5 Update out.
Big movements in GC, apparently a crazy stage.
Also, as always, including more from yesterday's stage.
Big movements in GC, apparently a crazy stage.
Also, as always, including more from yesterday's stage.