By Gravel Champ David Toste, Dirty Freehub

Here’s some practical advise for getting yourself to stop thinking about why you CAN’T ride gravel!

The Fatigue Will Feel Overwhelming? I started with short rides, listening to my body, and building slowly. Even a 2-mile spin counts. Many routes can be shortened. It’s ok to not ride when you’re dealing with extreme fatigue, however I’ve found the more I ride, the better I feel!

I Don’t Have Enough Balance:Yes, this can be a challenge, for me it can be a challenge when I’m hot. However, wider gravel tires, lower tire pressure, and practicing handling skills on easy terrain before tackling harder routes. Also make sure you cool down with water, and find routes with more shade and stop to rest in shady areas when possible.

I Will Battle Heat Riding A Bike: Riding early in the morning or in cooler months, wearing cooling gear, and packing extra hydration. Also stopping in shady areas when possible to cool your core temperature. You also can look at hill profiles; climbing will make you hotter.

I Will Feel Numbness or Weakness in My Body: Adaptive gear (grips, shoes, pedal systems), e-assist bikes, and adjusting routes so you can bail out if needed. Early on I battled with numbness and tingling, making sure I had a proper bike fit also helped!

What Will Cycling Do To My Body, the Unpredictability of Symptoms: Have flexible ride plans and riding with supportive partners who understand that plans might change. This isn’t exclusive to gravel riding, this is living with a chronic disease in general.

Gear is Too Expensive: Overcome it by: starting with the bike you already own, borrowing, or looking for used gear until you’re sure it’s a fit. Also, look at non-profits like Meat Fight whose mission is to get people with MS on bikes.

I Can’t Plan or Focus with Brain Fog: Ride familiar routes where decision-making is simple, or using bike computers/phone maps to take the stress off navigation. Give yourself extra time also do research and homework before new routes.

I Will Be Too Slow: No-drop rides, finding groups that focus on fun not speed, or riding solo or with other beginners until confidence builds.

Where Can I Ride: Beginner-friendly gravel paths, rails-to-trails, or local mixed-surface rides instead of epic backcountry routes. Dirty Free Hub is great to help you find the perfect routes.

Can I Really Do This? : I’ve become healthier and in better shape than before I was diagnosed with MS. Cycling has been the biggest reason.