Chad Learns to Ride Gravel with Be Real Sports Cycling & Fitness

Did you know that May is National Bike Month? If not, here's something you are definitely well aware of: Memorial Day Weekend is the unofficial start of summer. It's that symbolic time of the year when we head outside, fire up the grills and get ready to enjoy the sun.

Well, my friends at Be Real Sports Cycling & Fitness are celebrating both occasions by giving you the opportunity to get a bike and bust out of the house to tackle summer. And they have all kinds of bikes to choose from — lifestyle, road, kids and gravel bikes. Now, if you're like me . . . you may see the word "gravel" and wonder what in the heck that means.  Let me tell you what I have learned.

According to my buddy Larry Myles, who owns Be Real Sports, gravel riding is THE fastest growing discipline in the world of cycling. It's basically cycling's version of going "off-road".  As RidingGravel.com says, "The unpaved route is more interesting and adventurous."  And the folks at Be Real Sports agree. They're 100 percent dedicated to growing the sport of gravel riding in the WBKR listening area.  As a matter of fact, they continue to organize FREE "Let's Ride Gravel" group rides that you can join to get introduced to the sport.

So, what's the appeal of gravel riding?  Speaking as someone who loves to explore, that's it.  That's it exactly!  Gravel riding is all about exhilarating exploration and adventure.

Be Real Sports is the area's authorized Trek dealer and I love how Trek describes gravel riding and its line of gravel bikes:

"Gravel bikes can be ridden almost anywhere, on the road and off it. Adventure-ready features like disc brakes, additional clearance for wider tires, and comfortable geometry let these bikes adapt to everything from rugged terrain to winter exploration. These bikes are for the days when you're not sure where the journey will take you, but need the bike you know will get you there."

It's not uncommon for a cyclist to have the need for speed. Trust me. When I knocked down 300 miles in our Sweatin' for St. Jude bike ride, my absolute favorite part of that ride was zipping up and down the hills of the Land Between the Lakes. It's no secret. I am a thrill seeker. However, I would be lying if I said there weren't times I was tempted to go off-road to explore what I couldn't see from the highway. That's what riding gravel is all about.

So, as National Bike Month comes to a close and we ride into June, a couple of things to do.  First, visit my friends at Be Real Sports Cycling and Fitness and check out their selection of bikes . . . including their awesome gravel bikes. And, if you're craving a new adventure, be sure to ask, specifically, about Trek's gravel bikes. Larry will be happy to give you all the info you need about the fastest growing discipline in the sport. And he'll be happy to invite you along for a "Let's Ride Gravel" event.

As a matter of fact, keep an eye out for future rides on the Be Real Sports Cycling and Fitness Facebook page.  You can LIKE and follow Be Real by CLICKING HERE! Be Real Sports Cycling and Fitness is located at 4399 Springhill Drive, Suite C in Owensboro.