Gravel Cycle around the Carron Valley
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A gravel cycle around Carron Valley
Hoping this event will be popular given the current trend for gravel/adventure bikes and also the likelyhood of many people owning hybrid and mountain bikes.
Scotland has a huge amount of Forestry Commission tracks that are open to the public and closed to cars. Also there are many tracks up to wind turbines that offer demanding but rewarding rides.
Carron Valley is fairly close to the central belt so I have chosen this for the first event. The trails are well sign posted and has a dedicated car park.
The route is not set in stone and there are options to explore further. The total elevation gain is fairly low, but the hilly parts can be short and steep.
I have given the event a 4 hour window, but it is likely to finish well before that. The route shown below should take less than 2 hours.
The general route is shown on the Strava link below. However there are options along the way and at the end to do some different things.
What to bring
Bike: A bike that is suitable for non tarmac conditions. A commuting type hybrid, a dedicated gravel/adventure bike or a mountain bike. (road bikes with 700x25C type tyres are really not suitable)
Helmet: OutdoorLads requires you to wear one
Clothing: lightweight and layered, colourful and/or reflective clothing will make you more visible to other road users
Footwear: suitable for your bike and pedals
Gloves: cycle gloves help avoid blisters, and are good in the cold
Punctures: spare inner tube, bike tyre pump and tyre levers
Tools: any special tools that your bike needs
Small snacks: such as chocolate or energy bars
Plenty of water: in bottle/s on your bike or in a daysack/bladder
Medicines: if you have hay fever, diabetes, minor ailments etc.
Eye protection: avoid getting grit or insects in your eyes, sunglasses are OK if they are not made of glass and not too shaded
Sun cream: take care, even on overcast days
Bike lights: be seen and safe
Storage: small day-sack or a bag on your bike
Mobile Phone: keep it in a waterproof bag for use in emergencies
Food & drink
Water, snacks and a packed lunch as there are no shops or cafes close by.