Over the past couple of years, we've been quietly building a series we're really proud of: our Global Gravel Guides.
At the heart of these guides lies an optimistic idea—that just about every urban centre has some kind of access to the outdoors, and with that, at least a hint of gravel. So wherever we've travelled as a team, we've brought bikes, chased local intel, and pedalled out in search of good dirt. Along the way, we've taken notes, snapped photos, and tried to soak in what makes each place tick.
These guides aren't meant to be an exhaustive deep-dive into every gravel option in a given city or region. They're a start point—a nudge in the right direction for anyone thinking about bringing a bike on their next trip, or for locals looking to reconnect with their own backyard in a new way.
We're proud as hell of these guides and of the riders and writers who've put in the hours to scout, test, and document each one. So far, we've covered parts of the USA, Canada, Australia, and Europe, and we've got more in the works.
1. Graz, Austria: Europe's Emerging Gravel Hub
Gravel Guide Graz: Europe's Emerging Gravel Hub dives into the surprisingly rich gravel riding scene in one of Austria's most underrated cities. Known for its alpine backdrop, strong MTB heritage, and cultural charm, Graz has quietly become a top spot for European gravel—and it's all rideable straight from town.
Local rider Gerald Haueisen guides us through three accessible loops, each starting from the banks of the River Mur and delivering a different flavor of adventure: forest climbs, vineyard views, lakeside cruising, and even a visit to the Arnold Schwarzenegger Museum. From riverside paths and hilltop panoramas to quiet woodland trails, Graz hits the sweet spot between city access and rural freedom.
This isn't about ultra-epic routes or max elevation—it's about discovering the off-pavement potential just outside your door. And while these loops are ideal for visitors or newer riders, locals will find plenty to love in the mix of scenery, culture, and pure Austrian flow.
2. London, United Kingdon: Pavement to Pathways
Gravel Guide London: Pavement to Pathways is our take on one of the world's most iconic cities—and one that might not immediately scream gravel riding. But dig a little deeper (and ride a little further north), and you'll find a surprisingly rich network of dirt paths, forest trails, and rural backroads just waiting to be explored.
Longtime BGDB contributor Barry Lachapelle returns to London with fresh eyes and a gravel bike in tow. From the classic tree-covered singletrack of Epping Forest to the more ambitious loops curated by gravel cycling collective, North London Dirt, this guide is all about tapping into the lesser-known routes that mix urban grit with old-world charm. Expect ancient woods, muddy corners, winding laneways, and the kind of scenery that feels unmistakably British.
3. Montreal, Canada: City Streets to Scenic Peaks
Gravel Guide Montreal: City Streets to Scenic Peaks is your launchpad into one of North America's most charming and surprising gravel scenes. With vibrant urban energy, a deep cycling culture, and trail access that starts right from downtown, Montreal delivers a unique mix of history, scenery, and accessibility—all wrapped in that unmistakable Québecois flair.
In this guide, Trevor Browne explores a range of mixed-surface rides, from city-adjacent loops like the Three Peaks and Estacade, to further-flung options like the Trans Terrebonne and P'tit Train du Nord. All are car-free accessible and laced with cultural landmarks, leafy trails, and the kind of riding that pairs perfectly with a café stop or riverside picnic.
Whether you're a local looking to mix up your routine or visiting with a bike in tow, these routes are designed to get you rolling fast and far—with just enough charm to keep you coming back.
4. Paris, France: Urban Parks & Protected Forests
Gravel Guide Paris: Urban Parks & Protected Forests is a love letter to the hidden rideable dirt of one of Europe's most iconic cities. Paris might be known for its boulevards, bakeries, and museums—but it also happens to be a sneaky-good gravel destination.
During a family trip, Barry Lachapelle packed his bike and set out to explore the capital by two wheels, uncovering a series of forested parks, protected greenspaces, and surprisingly rugged trails all reachable without a car or train. From the all-conditions mud-fest of Meudon Forest to the historic aqueduct lines east of the city, this guide links together four day rides that offer just the right blend of culture, challenge, and off-pavement escape.
Paris' cycling infrastructure has exploded in recent years, and this guide taps into that momentum. Expect cobbles, canals, buttery singletrack, royal gardens, and the occasional bonk-saving baguette—all within riding distance of the Eiffel Tower.
5. Portland, USA: Urban Dirt to Country Gravel
Gravel Guide Portland: Urban Dirt to Country Gravel explores the wild, rideable pockets tucked between neighborhoods, parks, tunnels, and ridgelines in one of North America's most bike-friendly cities. Whether you're weaving through Forest Park's misty singletrack or blasting gravel farm roads out in North Plains, Portland proves that you don't need to leave town to get a proper dirt fix.
Abe Alkhamees, who's spent the last decade living and riding in the Pacific Northwest, guides us through three of his favorite front-door-accessible routes—plus a bonus banger for those willing to venture east of the Willamette. From secret train tunnels and mossy forest lanes to punchy climbs and views of volcanic peaks, each ride highlights what makes Portland's gravel scene so unique: flowy terrain, access to nature, and a riding culture that thrives on the in-between.
Portland might be a big city, but when you're on the bike, it rides like a small town—with hidden trails, quiet climbs, and enough burrito stops to keep things interesting. Whether you're a local or visiting for the first time, these rides deliver the perfect mix of grit, charm, and off-pavement adventure.
6. Sydney, Australia: Gondwana Grinding
Gravel Guide Sydney: Gondwana Grinding takes you beyond the city's urban sprawl and deep into the ancient bushland that surrounds Australia's largest metropolis. While Sydney itself may be a tough nut to crack for everyday cycling, it's a launchpad to some of the most rewarding gravel riding on the continent—if you know where to look.
Longtime Sydney local Matthew Crompton shares his go-to gravel and bikepacking routes, each starting with a quick train trip out of the city and ending in wild, wide-open landscapes. Expect eucalyptus forests, craggy escarpments, steep fire roads, and the occasional echidna crossing your path. From the iconic Narrow Neck ridgeline to the lush trails of Royal National Park, these rides blend big nature, classic Aussie scenery, and a healthy dose of Type 2 fun.
This isn't a guide to urban cycling—it's a guide to escaping it. With tips on gear, tire choice, and navigating Sydney's surprisingly accessible transit system, this is your entry point to the vast riding potential of the region. Bring your sense of adventure (and a repair kit), and you'll be rewarded with unforgettable views and a true taste of the bush.
7. Vancouver, Canada: Three Hot Loops
Gravel Guide Vancouver: Three Hot Loops is your quick-start pass into one of North America's most scenic and unexpectedly rideable cities. Known for its mountains, rain, and coastal views, Vancouver also happens to have a surprisingly rich network of gravel routes—some wild, some chill, all reachable from the city centre without a car.
In this edition of our Global Gravel Guides, Barry Lachapelle spends three days exploring the city by bike, linking up iconic North Shore loops, sneaky urban trails, and dreamy coastal greenways. From loamy forest climbs to seaside singletrack and flowy multi-use paths, these routes showcase just how much variety is packed into Vancouver's compact urban footprint.
Whether you're visiting and debating if it's worth bringing your bike, or a local looking to branch out from your usual weekend loop, these rides offer a solid intro to gravel in and around the city.
