grăv-əl ep-ik
noun
A lengthy, challenging cycling route that incorporates gravel roads
Example usage: The gravel-epic was a great adventure and a real test of my cycling skills.
Most used in: Rural cycling areas.
Most used by: Experienced cyclists looking for a new challenge.
Popularity: 8/10
Comedy Value: 4/10
Also see: Gravel Grinder, Gravel Fondo, Adventure Cycling, Gravel Racing,
Gravel-Epic: A Definition
Gravel-epic is a term used in the cycling world to describe a unique type of cycling experience. It is a combination of road and off-road cycling, with the emphasis on riding on gravel roads. This type of cycling is becoming more and more popular, with cycling tours and races specifically tailored to gravel-epic rides.
Gravel-epic rides usually take place over long distances, typically at least 100km. They are often set in off-road trails or on gravel roads in rural areas, and can take riders through stunning countryside and challenging terrain. The popularity of gravel-epic rides has seen an increase in the number of dedicated gravel-epic races, with events in the UK, US, and Europe attracting hundreds of riders.
Gravel-epic rides are becoming increasingly popular due to the challenge they provide. They require a combination of endurance, skill, and tactics to complete. The terrain can also be varied, with riders having to navigate a range of surfaces and gradients. The experience is often described as a unique and rewarding one, and is seen as a great way to explore the countryside.
.The Origins of the Term 'Gravel-Epic' in Cycling
The term 'gravel-epic' is used in cycling to describe an especially long and challenging ride, usually involving a combination of paved and unpaved roads in rural areas. It is thought to have originated in the mid-2000s in the Midwest United States, particularly in the states of Iowa and Kansas. The term was most likely coined by cyclists in the area who were looking for a way to capture the unique experience of exploring the region's rural, gravel roads.
In the years since, the term has gained popularity and is now used by cyclists around the world to describe their own long, challenging rides. Gravel-epic rides are now popular in many countries, with cyclists taking on routes of varying lengths and difficulty levels. The popularity of gravel-epic cycling is only growing, with more and more cyclists around the world discovering the joys of exploring rural roads on two wheels.
