Why Gravel Cycling has taken over?

You know that feeling when you turn off the main road onto a dirt path and suddenly everything just feels different? The crunch of gravel under your tires, the landscape opening up around you, that sense you're actually going somewhere new instead of just doing another loop. That's what got me hooked on gravel years ago, and honestly, it's what keeps my tours full every season.

I've been guiding bespoke tours and lead bike rides in Tuscany with Asimismo for many years now, and I've watched this whole gravel thing explode. Even the most hardcore Belgians and Dutch who wanted to come riding the Strade Bianche with their road bikes are now convinced of doing a proper gravel tour. So what has changed?

It's still cycling, just better

Here's the thing: if you've been riding road bikes forever, you probably know your local routes inside and out. Every hill, every corner, every place to grab an espresso. Gravel doesn't ask you to give up all of that. You're still on a drop-bar bike, you're still getting a great workout and some espresso on the way, but suddenly there are hundreds of roads you've been riding past for years that you can actually explore now.

I see this all the time with guests on my tours. The ones that are trying a gravel bike for the first time, they show up a bit nervous about the "off-road" part, then realize within the first hour that it's just riding bikes on quieter, prettier roads. The skills transfer over easily. You might go a bit slower, handle corners differently, but you're still just pedaling and enjoying yourself. And if help is needed, I’m always by their side as a guide to share technique tips and all the possible knowledge.

Getting away from cars (finally)

Every time I chat with a fellow cyclist I hear: “Look, I love road cycling, but dealing with traffic sucks.” Well, on gravel roads here in Tuscany, you might see a farmer on a tractor or maybe another cyclist, perhaps some cars too, but the dust and the noise they create will let you know about them far in advance. That's it. You can actually relax, look around, let your mind wander without constantly worrying about getting buzzed by some driver who's not paying attention.

This is huge for a lot of my guests. They might come here stressed from work, from city life, whatever. Two hours on gravel roads and they're different people. No checking over your shoulder every ten seconds. Just riding!

One bike that does everything

Most people can't justify owning five different bikes. A gravel bike though? It makes sense. You can ride it on the road when you need to, commute on it, but then take it on trails and dirt roads when you want adventure. My own bike has taken me on everything from morning coffee runs to week-long trips through the mountains.

When I'm planning routes for tours, this versatility is gold. I don't have to stress about that stretch of dirty road connecting two perfect sections of pavement. We just ride it. Simple. Riding on gravel is not just about the bike you have, but also the approach while you are doing it.

A different kind of competition

Don't get me wrong, gravel racing has blown up. You've got these ultra-endurance events and pros setting crazy standards in races all over the world. The competitive side of gravel is definitely there and getting more serious every year.

But here's what I've noticed with my tour guests: they're not training for Unbound or trying to beat anyone's time. They just want to ride beautiful gravel roads and maybe imagine themselves as a pro hitting those final white sectors into Siena during the Strade Bianche. You know, that fantasy where you're grinding up the last climb with the Piazza del Campo waiting at the finish.

That's the sweet spot for most people. They want to feel the same roads the pros race on, get a taste of that adventure and challenge, but then stop for lunch at a family-run trattoria and take photos in a medieval village. It's competitive in your own head if you want it to be, but there's no pressure. We stop when we want to stop, taste local wine, and enjoy the day. That's what makes these tours work.

Bikepacking and real adventures

Gravel bikes opened up a whole new world of bike travel. You can throw some bags on, carry camping gear or extra clothes, and actually go somewhere. Weekend trips, longer expeditions, whatever, and you're not limited to paved roads, so the possibilities are endless.

You might not see them advertised but I runned in the past and subject to request I still organize a few bikepacking-style tours where we cover serious distances and see parts of Tuscany most tourists never get near. Some people ask for my guidance and my presence with them during those trips to feel 100% comfortable during all the time, some others are just happy to rely on my planning and then they ride at their own pace for the whole length. I have seen a strong tendency actually in going towards that direction lately probably for the reason that you can really decide your own terms for the whole journey. In case you would like to discuss your ideal trip through Tuscany, feel free to get in touch.

Why Tuscany and Gravel are made for each other

Alright, I'm obviously biased, but hear me out. Tuscany has these white gravel roads called Strade Bianche that have been here for centuries, some of them are actually old pilgrim routes. They were built by farmers and pilgrims, and they go everywhere – through vineyards, past old farmhouses, connecting tiny medieval villages that you'd never see from the main roads.

The terrain is perfect too. Nothing too technical (unless you specifically ask for that) or scary for beginners, but interesting enough that experienced riders never get bored. The climbs give you these incredible views over the hills, the descents are flowing and fun, and around every corner is another view that makes you want to stop and stare.

Now, can you explore Tuscany on your own? Sure. But here's the reality: you'll probably waste time on roads that look good on a map but turn into dead ends or private property. You might find yourself face-to-face with a shepherd's dogs protecting their flock on some remote trail. And honestly, you'll miss a lot of the best stuff because you just don't know it's there.

That's where having a certified guide makes all the difference. With Asimismo, I've spent years figuring out which roads are the gems and which ones aren't worth your time. I know where to go for the views, where to stop for the best food, and how to string it all together so you're actually riding instead of checking your GPS every five minutes. You get more riding, better routes, and none of the hassle.

There's a pro race called Strade Bianche that happens here every spring, and there's a reason it's become one of the most loved races in cycling. These roads just look and feel special. But here's the thing: the Siena area where that race happens is just one small part of Tuscany. There are so many other areas that are just as beautiful, if not more so, and way less crowded.

At Asimismo, we run several different gravel tours across the whole region. From the hills around Volterra to the wine devoted landscapes of the Chianti area, to also the quietest part of Val d’Orcia and Val di Chiana. Each area has its own character, its own gravel roads, its own stories. When I'm out there on a guided tour and we roll through these landscapes, I still get excited about it. That doesn't get old.

What this all means

The gravel boom isn't just a trend or marketing thing. People are drawn to it because it brings back what's great about cycling in the first place: freedom, exploration, being outside in beautiful places, going at your own pace.

Whether you've been cycling forever or you're pretty new to it, gravel works. It's accessible but still challenging when you want it to be. And if you're going to try it anywhere, why not do it in one of the most beautiful places on earth?

I can tell you that people who come for one gravel tour in Tuscany usually start planning their next trip before they even leave. Once you experience riding these roads through these hills, eating this food, meeting the locals in small villages – you get why this has become such a thing and you'll want to come back and do it again.

Here's something else that makes Asimismo different: we're the only tour guide in the region that combines professional photography with our rides. While you're focused on enjoying the experience, I'm capturing those magic moments – you cresting a climb with the valley behind you, rolling through a medieval village, or laughing with the group over lunch. You'll go home with a selection of quality photos. No blurry selfies or missed shots because you were too busy riding.

So if you're curious about gravel, or if you're already into it and want to ride somewhere truly special, come check out Tuscany with Asimismo or drop me a message to plan something custom.

I promise you won't be disappointed.

The success of gravel