Cate Doucette | OSI Communications

The rise of gravel biking offers a promising alternative to many would-be cyclists that worry about sharing roads with distracted drivers or tackling overly technical trails. Gravel riding makes it easy to get off the pavement and into the big outdoors where you can ride two abreast and chat with a friend, smell the big pines, or stop to watch a turtle ease into a stream at the edge of the road. Bikers can scan the wetlands for moose, dunk their heads in a stream, and maybe ride just fast enough to outpace the deerflies and mosquitos-- all without the worry of regular traffic. Exploring rural areas becomes more comfortable and sociable than ever before. It turns out that gravel riding in Maine has grown in popularity for a few good reasons.

With the increase in cell phone use, many feel road riding has become more dangerous. Getting off the asphalt and into the woods offers a safer, more relaxing riding option. Pair the safety concern with the pandemic push to recreate outside and you have a surge in interest. Gravel riding is also more companionable than single track or road riding. Abe Furth, an avid gravel rider and owner of Orono Brewing Co, who sponsors cycling events around the state of Maine, says that gravel riding “changes the social nature of riding.” Often, you can ride side by side with a friend and converse during the ride. It offers a sense of comradery and adventure – and some find that it can build community and companionship more readily than many other outdoor pursuits.

In terms of gear and skill level, gravel biking is accessible. Brian Threlkeld, another enthusiast, rider, adventure photographer, and the Membership Director at Maine Outdoor Brands, said “the best bike is the one you have with you.” Does your bike have pedals? Do you know how to ride? Hah! You’re good to go! These are the gateway qualifications for starting on a gravel riding adventure. But with this simplicity in mind, especially in Maine where access to the wilderness, remote settings, and solitude can happen fast, take a buddy along. Abe also notes that gravel riding “typically exposes you to beautiful areas—wilderness—without the vehicle traffic.” This ability to escape into the forest is another positive of the gravel riding experience.

Unfamiliar with outdoor sports that take you further afield? Gravel riding is a terrific introduction to the backcountry with opportunities to build community and find adventure. It’s family and beginner friendly. These pluses, paired with Maine’s incredible and accessible wilderness, add up to an easy getaway. One rider called it a “moving meditation” when describing the benefits and ease of travel through the wilderness.

Speaking of moving through the wilderness, expanded trail opportunities have also led to a rise in bike packing routes and trips. One route worth mentioning, the approximately 5,950-mile Eastern Divide Trail, connects Newfoundland to Key West, passing through the heart of Northern Maine. This trail brings the sport right through the Katahdin Region and has piqued interest locally as well as from avid riders around the country and the world.

The Eastern Divide Trail is the longest contiguous off-road-focused trail in the world. With about 68% of the route unpaved, the design was based on the Appalachian Trail to foster a trails community, trail towns, and support access to public lands and wild and scenic places. This gravel biking route takes you off the pavement and into a self-supported, bike camping journey that traverses the length of the east coast. Read more about the Eastern Divide Trail here.

It’s no wonder Maine is a part of this enormous route. Brian told me, “Maine is incredibly suited for gravel riding.” The state is uniquely positioned to foster an uptick in the sport for a variety of reasons. Liability laws are exceptional in Maine, allowing public access without complicated land-owner liability concerns. Another advantage for gravel cyclists in Maine is the state’s historic logging industry. Thousands of miles of byways carved through the state’s forests bring tremendous potential for gravel riding routes, particularly in rural Maine. These roads, often following the contours of the land, lead to an intimate experience of nature. You can smell the forest, enjoy the lakes and rivers, and engage in the wilderness adventures that are iconic Maine.

Looking to tackle your first gravel ride? Organized rides can be a great way to do so, and more grassroots events are popping up every year across rural Maine. One such event, The Maine Woods Rambler, is entering its fourth year in Maine’s Katahdin Region. On this one day, exclusive access is opened to a gravel route with gorgeous lake, river, and mountain vistas. There are options for beginners and more seasoned riders with a variety of distance choices; the longest includes a ferry ride and all of them guarantee adventure. This experience is not a race, instead, the organizers invite you to ramble, enjoy a comfortable pace, and support a good cause (The Bicycle Coalition of Maine and Katahdin Area Trails). Erik DaSilva, a route designer for the event, says of the participants, “They want to ramble, take their time, relax, and take in the natural parts of the route.” For more information about this event or how to volunteer, click here.

The Rambler is just one example of a gravel-focused event. Across the state you’ll find unique opportunities to explore by bike. If you’re willing to travel to the farthest reaches of Northern Maine, there is still time to sign up for the Ploye Pedaler Gravel Ride in Madawaska, ME taking place in August. More events can be found on the events calendar of the Bicycle Coalition of Maine webpage, here. The Appalachian Mountain Club (AMC) also offers gravel riding loops and lodge to lodge riding options throughout Maine. For more information on those biking routes, read more here.

Gravel bike riding is gaining popularity throughout the nation, and Maine is uniquely suited to accommodate and grow this burgeoning cycle sport. Adventure, community, accessibility and the wilderness experience are all factors in the boom. Maybe you’re ready to tackle the Eastern Divide Trail, or maybe exploring the gravel pathways of rural Maine with a friend seems just right. Either way, with the expanding community, resources, and routes around Maine and up and down the East coast, the time is now!

The Rise of Riding Gravel