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WORLD ON WHEELS<br />
On Trend<br />
These once niche cycling segments have exploded in recent years as they provide<br />
riders an escape from traffic-heavy roads and a chance to get into deep nature.<br />
Bikepacking<br />
WHAT IT IS AND WHY IT’S HOT<br />
It’s all about escaping the crowds and immersing yourself in<br />
nature. This style of bike touring combines mountain biking with<br />
backpacking. Cyclists ride self-supported, filling bags on their<br />
bikes with food, clothes and camping equipment.<br />
THE BIKE<br />
Gravel bikes (see right) are some of the most popular models<br />
due to their durability and terrain versatility. A rigid mountain<br />
bike or hardtail mountain bike provide more comfort and<br />
stability on rocky descents. If you’ll only be riding pavement you<br />
can get away with a touring bike.<br />
Gravel Riding<br />
WHAT IT IS AND WHY IT’S HOT<br />
Low-traffic gravel routes feel safer to car-weary road cyclists,<br />
plus offer more opportunities for exploration since gravel bikes<br />
can roll on asphalt, soar on gravel and tackle lighter single<br />
tracks historically reserved for mountain bikes.<br />
THE BIKE<br />
Imagine a road bike with larger tyre clearance and a slightly<br />
relaxed geometry for added comfort over long distance. The tyre<br />
clearance allows you to ride impressively large tyres, with some<br />
bikes capable of running tyres up to 50mm (a typical road bike<br />
tire is 25mm-30mm, for reference).<br />
WHERE TO TRY IT<br />
Wilderness-rich Vancouver Island in British Columbia,<br />
Canada boasts the Tree to Sea Loop, a 1,000km gravel route that<br />
links deep fjords, seaside villages, soaring coastal mountains<br />
and lush valleys via a network of forest service roads. Added<br />
bonus: coastal campsites and whale-watching opportunities.<br />
bikepacking.com<br />
WHERE TO TRY IT<br />
Gravel Graceland, a three-day intro to gravel adventure in<br />
northern Colorado is hosted by professional cyclists Whitney<br />
and Zack Allison. Capped at <strong>20</strong> riders, each day covers between<br />
63 and 89 kilometres and routes include a mix of gravel,<br />
pavement, and beginner single-track terrain. bikesportsco.com<br />
ISTOCK<br />
Gear Obsessions<br />
Cyclists are notorious gearheads, spending millions on the newest equipment.<br />
If you want to be kitted out like the pros but don’t have time to read<br />
all the gear debates and reviews, we’ve got you covered. João Correia, former<br />
pro and owner of inGamba cycling tour company, shares his cheat sheet on<br />
the latest and greatest equipment you should invest in this season.<br />
GIRO ARIES SPHERICAL HELMET<br />
Giro’s lightest, coolest, most aerodynamic<br />
road helmet to date weighs in at just<br />
around 300 grams. Extra safety features<br />
include a unique ball-and-socket design<br />
powered by multidirectional impact<br />
protection system technology to redirect<br />
energy away from the brain in certain<br />
impacts. giro.com<br />
NIMBL CYCLING SHOES<br />
Handcrafted by skilled artisans in Italy, the super-stiff,<br />
light-as-air road cycling shoes from this new brand have<br />
already earned a loyal following from pros like Belgian<br />
racer Greg Van Avermaet. nimbl.cc<br />
CASTELLI UNLIMITED<br />
GRAVEL CLOTHING<br />
Italian brand Castelli recently<br />
debuted a collection of<br />
high-performance, extra-durable<br />
jerseys, bibshorts, gloves<br />
and other apparel designed<br />
for cyclists who dabble in<br />
both gravel and road riding.<br />
castelli-cycling.com<br />
COURTESY THE COMPANIES (3)<br />
50 NetJets
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