Marshall Opel is a cyclist and freelance writer from Montana. Marshall grew up road bike racing making his way to Europe to compete with the U.S. U23 National Team. These days, he’s a content contributor for Cyclingtips.com covering all things gravel. As an experienced stage racer, we asked Marshall to share some of his tips on how to optimize at the Gravel Royale.

Modern gravel bikes mark a return to the beginning when it comes to backcountry riding around here. Before suspension bikes and singletrack took off, people explored backroads with rigid bikes and wider tires that minimized punctures on alternative surfaces. That style faded as mountain biking took off but it never died. It’s 2020 and off road riding has grown and transformed and finds itself rediscovering its early days- when mountain biking simply meant going out exploring on your bike. In rural areas, where trails are limited, riders use what’s already there and end up spending most of their time on logging roads. Bikes have been capable of such travel for decades but innovations at every aspect of the sport means the technology now available makes riding dirt roads, well, delightful. They’re the human powered ace of covering long distances in rural settings. Efficiently rolling over rough terrain, gravel has opened up a style of riding that combines challenge and fun in a way that has changed the sport.

When we ride, our bodies metabolize more calories, turning them into energy as we traverse the landscape. Then, we rest. Our bodies and mind are restored for another day of travel. Add a few hundred other like minded people, hot showers, catered meals, stocked aid stations, expert mechanical support and traveling massage therapists, you’ve got the makings for an epic experience.

Not Bikepacking

While carrying all your camping equipment along with you is definitely a thing, it weighs the bike down considerably which affects its handling and is just a different genre of riding altogether. One of the sweetest aspects of a supported stage race is your stuff gets shlepped to the next camp. Your bike is freed up to surf the dirt in ways that seem naughty to the purest bikebacker. No matter, optimizing for such an experience is a matter of style. As long as you have the basic essentials dialed, the rest is up to you.

On The Bike:

At the Gravel Royale, you’ll have at least two, sometimes three aid stations per stage so you won’t have to load yourself down with food and water. Last year at the first stage of the Oregon Trail, I inadvertently left a water bottle at the first aid station. I noticed my mistake several kilometers down the road and ended up turning back to go get it. While I lost my position near the front, going on without my bottle was not the move. I chalked it up to a funny experience and enjoyed a new group of riding partners once I retrieved the bottle and turned back around for the rest of the stage. It was a good reminder that a gravel stage race, especially in the backcountry, isn’t always about racing. But I’ll get back to that.

Even though this ride is fully supported, gravel still has a strong ethos of DIY. Without a ‘follow car’ you’re left to the resourcefulness of yourself and those around you to figure things out beyond camp and aid stations. That can be scary or an exciting challenge depending on how you look at it and prepare your setup. Whatever you do, it’s paramount that you test out your gear on long rides before showing up at the start line in Panorama. Having the confidence that you can get yourself out of a situation is super rewarding when it’s viewed as a skill that, like anything, can be honed with experience. Practice is the new black.

What to carry on the bike:

Starting with number one, a helmet. If yours is old or has ever been in a crash, get a new one. For clothing, wool is my favorite breathable, quick drying, material. I love riding in a wool loose fitted top paired with comfortable bib shorts. Check out the Sportful SuperGiara line of gravel bibs. Socks, again wool is where it’s at for all day comfort.

Rather than carrying gear in your back pockets, use a handlebar or frame bag. For a long time, storing ride supplies in rear pockets was considered normal. Getting that stuff off your back also makes it easier to access.

Ok so what goes in your bag?

Tools: multi tool, quick link chain tool, tube, pump, Co2, tire plugs/patch kit.

Layers: waterproof jacket, emergency blanket, long finger gloves, buff.

Food: A few of your favorite candy bars for just in case.

Optional additions:

Lights are always a good idea when on a long solo ride.

Bear spray. While sightings are rare, riders are in the heart of grizzly bear country so carrying pepper spray is a good idea.

Off the bike:

Like everything, rest is best when it’s earned. After crossing the finish line, riders can expect plenty of mellow time to relax and enjoy the area. Camp life at TransRockies means hanging out in Chillville the relaxed socializing zone with space to snack and kick back. After a post ride snack, take a hot shower and get into comfy camp clothes. TransRockies will provide a 100L duffle bag for all your gear that travels from camp to camp. Check out the packing list for a full review on what to bring. Don’t forget cozy. Mountain nights can be chilly, so bring a get-up that will allow you to stay comfortable.

At a stage race it’s important to remember that your metabolism will be firing! Make sure you're eating and drinking (water) throughout each afternoon and evening. Obviously, you don’t want to over do it- that can cause other problems. Just remember , replenishing your fuel stores is critical for the next day. When it comes to fluids and calories, early and often.

With your tent set up ahead of time, all you have to do is, whatever you want! You’ll need to bring your sleep set-up (sleeping bag, pad, and pillow.) Ear plugs might be nice, too. Test this set-up before the race. Make sure you like your pad and that your bag keeps you warm. If it doesn’t, try a different one. We’re living in the golden age of camp gear. “Roughing it” is no longer necessary.

After dinner, the TransRockies team will gather everyone for an awards ceremony with photos and special recognition of remarkable efforts put out on the day. Then, an overview of the next stage, highlighting key elements that await the riders before it’s back to the campfire or off to bed. The next day starts early with hot breakfast and coffee before slabbing on the SPF and chamois for another day on the bike!

Choosing your Riding Setup:

Gravel riding means loose corners and quick line adjustments. The optimal bike for TRGR spans the spectrum of the gravel genre. People will wonder if a mountain bike is better than a drop bar bike. Choosing the right bike comes down to experience, goals, and style. The spectrum is as broad as you want to go. Gravel is about whatever you want it to be. So you do you. But, like everything, there’s a generally accepted sweet spot for dirt surfing. As you move to more progressive bikes, wheel clearance goes up and geometry slacks out. A longer wheelbase will make the bike more stable, especially at speed. It will be less “lively’ than a road or cyclocross bike but you won’t flip your stomach (as much) when the tires drift.

If you ride the comfort/exploration train, a mountain bike is not a bad option, especially if you’re new to gravel. Flat bars are great for handling and your risk for flats is probably lowest on this bike. Note: fast rolling tires will pay off big time, especially on long smooth sections. Tire Pair: 2.0 - 2.2 semi-slick.

Tires: One of the most interesting differentiators in gravel comes down to tire selection. With so many different tread options, widths, and opinions, it’s easy to get lost. In general, surface area on the tire is your friend, to a point. Bigger tires let you run lower air pressure which will make your bike ride a lot smoother. But go too big, and they slow you down. Make sure your tires are set up tubeless with new sealant.

Whether you’re nervous about finishing, or you’re a racer out looking to gain seconds; enjoy the process. Play the long game. You’re out riding bikes through the heart of the Kootenay Mountains with 299 fellow riders. Soak up your senses, take it in.