Find Your own way

What gravel roads are good for

While I'll take gravel riding over road riding any day, there are some things to keep in mind.  For one, don't pick gravel roads if you want to go fast: gravel roads are residential roads, there can be cross traffic (even if it's neighborhood traffic), and gravel roads almost never have the right of way.  Also, gravel roads need to be maintained regularly.  For example, you don't have to mow the grass in the middle of a paved road, but sometimes you do on a gravel road.  And people who live next to them often use them like an extended back yard, so there can be people, pets, even furniture where you think only traffic should go.

The step-by-step

Fortunately, Portland has so many gravel roads that there's usually another one close by.  I will start into a gravel road and take a quick look ahead to make sure it's clear and rideable at least to the next intersection.  If not, I just turn off and head down the next one.  So when you look over the routes on this site, bear in mind these are suggestions based on how things looked the last time the route was ridden.  If you look on the map of all gravel roads Portland under the Explorer section, you'll see all kinds of alternate routes almost everywhere.

Be an Explorer

This isn't a bug for gravel roads, it's a feature!  It adds to the sense of adventure and exploration that gravel roads offer to cyclists.  On paved roads, we're all so used to getting where we want to go exactly how we want to get there, not even thinking, and we're all ready to fuss and fume at the garbage truck or road construction, or even the emergency vehicle that's blocking our favorite way.  But gravel is different. It encourages us to wander, and let loose of our routes and expectations and just enjoy being where we are while we're getting where we're going.

Breathe out, take the gravel route!