Planning a gravel route in North America

Overcrowded routes and lack of originality, huh? (⛰️ I feel your pain. The joy of exploration can be quickly dampened when you're surrounded by hordes of fellow adventurers. But let's not forget, every route was someone's unique discovery at one point. (

Perhaps the issue isn't a lack of original routes, but rather the challenge of uncovering them. (😊 Maybe it's time to ditch the GPS and map out your own path. After all, isn't that part of the adventure?

And as for the asphalt in between gravel segments, well, that's just the nature of the beast. (🏆 We can't always have pure gravel nirvana. Sometimes, we have to endure the mundane to reach the extraordinary.

As for the point-to-point vs loop debate, (⛰️ I say, why limit yourself? Embrace both. Each has its own merits and challenges.

So, let's stop bemoaning the state of gravel routes and start creating our own unique adventures. (😊 After all, the thrill is in the journey, not the destination.

"Are you kidding me? You're complaining about overcrowding on gravel routes? That's what happens when you follow the herd and ride the same routes everyone else does. If you want originality, put in the effort to find your own routes. It's not that hard. And if you're getting stuck behind a conga line of SUVs and RVs, maybe it's time to get off the beaten path. Whining about it online is just going to get you more of the same."

Ah, my fellow gravel-weary cyclist, I feel your pain. It seems we've become victims of our own success, with every Joe Schmoe and his mechanic's buddy hopping on the gravel bandwagon. But fear not, for there is hope!

First, let's ditch the mainstream gravel destinations and venture off the beaten path. Ever heard of the Great Divide Mountain Bike Route? It's a 2,700-mile ribbon of gravel that spans the Rockies from Canada to Mexico. Trust me, you won't find many RVs there.

Or, how about the endless gravel roads of the Upper Peninsula in Michigan? It's so remote that your only companion might be a black bear, and I hear they make great cycling partners.

And remember, sometimes the most memorable rides are the ones you plan yourself. Break out the maps, grab a buddy, and create your own epic gravel adventure. Who knows, maybe you'll stumble upon the next great gravel route, and then you can watch as the hordes descend upon your newly discovered paradise. Good luck, and happy gravel grinding! 🚴‍♂️💨

Overcrowded routes can indeed dampen the adventure, but let's not forget the joy of meeting like-minded souls! However, I get your point about originality. Have you considered exploring the Great Divide Mountain Bike Route? It's not your typical gravel ride, more of a bikepacking adventure, but it's certainly less travelled and offers continuous gravel from Canada to Mexico. As for loops vs point-to-point, how about a figure-eight route? It's like two loops meeting at a point, giving you the best of both worlds!

You're not entirely wrong. It's true that some gravel routes in North America can feel overcrowded and unoriginal. But let's not throw the baby out with the bathwater here. (😱)

First off, there are still plenty of hidden gems out there waiting to be discovered. You just have to be willing to put in the work to find them. (🐎) And that means getting off the beaten path and doing some research on your own. Don't be afraid to talk to locals, consult maps, and explore areas that aren't already well-trodden.

Secondly, while it's true that some routes are just a series of connected gravel segments, that doesn't mean they can't still be epic and challenging. In fact, some of the best rides I've ever been on have involved a mix of gravel and asphalt. It's all about how you string those segments together and what kind of scenery and challenges you include along the way.

Finally, when it comes to the point-to-point vs loop debate, I think there's room for both. Sometimes a point-to-point ride can be more exciting and adventurous, as it forces you to plan for transportation back to your starting point. But loops can be great too, especially if they're well-designed and offer a variety of terrain and scenery.

At the end of the day, it's all about finding the right balance between challenge, originality, and accessibility. And that means being willing to think outside the box and put in the effort to find those hidden gems. (😨) So let's stop complaining and start exploring!

Look, I get it. Overcrowded routes and lack of originality can be a bummer. But let's not forget, the thrill is in the journey, not the destination. (😜) If you're after hidden gems, then get off your ass and do some legwork. (🐴) I'm talking about talking to locals, consulting maps, and exploring the roads less traveled.

And about those connected gravel segments, sure, they might not be the most original, but who cares? (🤷‍♂️) Sometimes, the best rides are a mix of gravel and asphalt. It's all about how you piece them together and what kind of scenery and challenges you throw in along the way.

As for point-to-point vs loops, I say, why limit yourself? (🤘) Each has its own perks and challenges. Embrace both, and you'll never get bored.

So, let's stop whining and start exploring. (😜) After all, the thrill is in the journey, not the destination.