Gravel grinding
Meaning: Cycling on unpaved gravel roads, often over long distances.
Gravel grinding (or gravel cycling) is the fastest-growing segment of cycling. It sits between road cycling and mountain biking — you ride on unpaved rural roads, through farmland, forests, and countryside. 'Gravel grinder' describes both the rider and the events. Races like Unbound Gravel (200 miles on Kansas gravel) draw thousands. The appeal is adventure cycling without the technical demands of mountain biking, combined with the freedom of exploring roads less traveled.
Examples
- We did a 60-mile gravel grind through the Vermont countryside. 我们在佛蒙特乡间完成了60英里的碎石路骑行。Hicimos una ruta de grava de 100 kilómetros por la campiña de Vermont.バーモントの田園地帯を60マイルのグラベルグラインドをした。버몬트 시골을 60마일 그래블 그라인드를 했다.
- Gravel grinding is my favorite type of cycling — no cars, just open roads. 碎石路骑行是我最喜欢的骑行方式——没有汽车,只有开阔的道路。El ciclismo de grava es mi tipo favorito de ciclismo — sin coches, solo caminos abiertos.グラベルグラインディングは一番好きなサイクリングだ――車がいなくて、ただ開けた道があるだけ。그래블 그라인딩은 가장 좋아하는 자전거 타기다 — 차도 없고, 그냥 탁 트인 길뿐이다.
- She just finished the Unbound Gravel 200 — that is insane. 她刚完成了Unbound Gravel 200英里赛——太疯狂了。Acaba de terminar la Unbound Gravel de 320 kilómetros — eso es una locura.彼女がアンバウンドグラベル200を完走した――正気じゃない。그녀가 언바운드 그래블 200을 완주했다 — 정말 대단하다.
Pronunciation
Usage Guide
Context: cycling, adventure, outdoors
Tone: enthusiastic, rugged
✓ Do Say
- I am into gravel grinding.我喜欢碎石路骑行。Me va el ciclismo de grava.グラベルグラインディングにハマってるんだ。나는 그래블 그라인딩에 빠져 있어.
- Want to do a gravel ride this weekend?这周末去骑碎石路吗?¿Quieres hacer una ruta de grava este fin de semana?今週末グラベルライド行かない?이번 주말에 그래블 라이드 할래?
✗ Don't Say
- Gravel cycling requires specific bikes and tires.碎石路骑行需要专用的自行车和轮胎。El ciclismo de grava requiere bicicletas y neumáticos específicos.グラベルサイクリングには専用の自転車とタイヤが必要。그래블 사이클링에는 전용 자전거와 타이어가 필요하다.
Origin & History
Gravel cycling emerged as a distinct discipline in the 2010s. The Dirty Kanza (now Unbound Gravel) race, started in 2006, helped define the sport.
Cultural Context
Era: 2015–present
Generation: Millennials, Gen X
Social background: Middle to upper class
Regional notes: Midwest, Northeast, Mountain states — rural road areas
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