There are a variety of issues to consider when getting ready on your first gravel race: gearing, tyre alternative, tyre stress, clothes, spares. However arguably crucial factor to get proper is your vitamin and hydration.
Gravel races are normally longer than highway occasions and, by definition, will take you away from civilisation. That signifies that there could also be lengthy stretches the place it’s possible you’ll not be capable of tackle additional foods and drinks.
At in style races feed stations could also be crowded and, though the feed stations on the Soiled Reiver had been effectively stocked, it’s not unknown at some occasions for the feed stations to expire. It’s additionally vital to just be sure you know that what you’re consuming and ingesting received’t disagree with you.
So carrying sufficient with you to maintain you going is significant. Luckily, Camelbak has a bottle or a bag for each eventuality. Sam had the prospect to make use of some nice Camelbak merchandise on the Soiled Reiver.
Camelbak bottles
Camelbak has a variety of bottles, however Sam selected the Podium Metal for one in every of his bottles. Whereas plastic bottles normally put on out in a few years and could be troublesome to maintain clear, the Podium Metal will final you for years.
Its intelligent cap design signifies that you get an important stream of water with out squeezing and it advantages from Camelbak’s leakproof lockout.
On many rides, your drinks can get uncomfortably heat, not offering nice refreshment while you’re working exhausting. Alternatively, they develop into painfully chilly or could even freeze on winter rides.
Not with the Podium Metal. Its double walled vacuum insulation will hold your drink on the proper temperature for as much as 14 hours. It’s very easy to wash post-ride and it is available in an important vary of six colors too. There’s a brand new 650ml dimension simply out alongside the usual 530ml bottle.
Sam’s second bottle was the Podium Titanium. It shares all of the options of the Podium Metal, solely lighter. At 240g and holding 530ml, in truth it’s not rather a lot heavier than a plastic bottle, however will nonetheless hold your drink on the proper temperature for hours and final for years.
Camelbak bike baggage
Camelbak additionally has a model new vary of motorbike baggage out. The M.U.L.E. on-bike vary (it stands for Medium to Extremely-Lengthy Endeavours) features a handlebar pack, a stem pack, a body pack with a built-in 2 litre reservoir and two saddle pack choices. All are made with recycled sailcloth and different recycled supplies and use environmentally secure DWR remedies.
Sam selected the M.U.L.E. 1 saddle pack for the Soiled Reiver. With 1 litre of adjustable capability, it’s an important dimension for a gravel race and means that you can stash meals, instruments and different gear in your bike, relatively than needing to hold it in pockets or a pack. It weighs simply 160g, is IPX5 waterproof, reflective and has safe attachments to your saddle rails and seatpost.
If you happen to want extra carrying capability, the M.U.L.E. 9 saddle pack shares the M.U.L.E. 1’s eco credentials and is made with related supplies. As you would possibly guess, it holds 9 litres and incorporates a bungee wire to hold much more on its prime.
Sam’s M.U.L.E. Stem Pack provides a helpful 1 litre. It would match any Camelbak Podium bottle, however its drawcord prime makes it a very good place for a cellphone, keys, pockets – or but extra easy-to-reach snacks.
The M.U.L.E. on-bike vary additionally features a 12 litre handlebar pack and a 2.5 litre body pack with a 2 litre reservoir, so there’s a whole set-up for bikepacking. If you happen to want extra room, Camelbak additionally sells M.U.L.E. hydration packs with 9 or 11 litre capability and a 3 litre reservoir and a M.U.L.E. waist pack which carries 3.5 litres and features a 1.5 litre reservoir.
The Camelbak Podium bottle vary and the brand new M.U.L.E. packs make nice additions for any gravel race or different biking journey. Go to Camelbak to see the entire vary.
