Cyclocross - Loose Gravel

The race I did this week had a stretch of freshly poured gravel. I'm not sure if they did that just for the race or if it was coincidental trail maintenance. Anyway, it was very loose and about an inch or two thick.

Riding across this stuff was, for me at least, a lot like riding across sand. The bike was floating pretty freely and I just took the approach of maintaining as much momentum as I could and letting the bike pick its own line for the most part, since it clearly didn't want to let me be in control.

Did I do this right or is there some trick to finding a solid line through a patch of gravel?

Sounds about right to me Andy. Just pick the line and go, loose grip on the bars. Let the bike feel it's own way. It's the initial entry that is the important part.

About 3-4 times a year they put down fresh "gravel" on my commute. For the purposes of this road, gravel is defined as any rock smaller than 3", and having sharp edges. I ride it about the way you described. I find I can't grip the bars too hard with my fingers crossed :).

Same here. Loose grip and more weight towards the back tire. Light front tire. Same way I ride through sand.

I'll be the third to say it, "loose grip". It works wonders in anything loose like sand, gravel or like my race this weekend wood chips. Also, pedal through 'cause balance is easier to maintain while pedaling.

I tried it and had a bad wipeout. Loose gravel is slick - in places the rear wheel won't hold traction and you'll go down hard. I wouldn't recommend riding on loose gravel.