The COVID-19 pandemic has hit each region of the world in different ways. Some of you are still able to get out and rip around your favorite local trails. For others? Well, most if not all local trails have been shuttered. While there’s a deep sense of frustration because (A) we want to ride and (B) it’s “those people” who ruined it for us … nonetheless we have all altered our lifestyles and normal patterns of life for the betterment of those most vulnerable in our communities. While we inwardly scheme about riding in that “secret place” we instead deploy more discretion and settle into the new normal. For many that means no riding on dirt.

Maybe you’ve picked up a new habit. Launched into a new hobby. While binge-watching movies and TV shows on Netflix might’ve been tolerable for the first weekend we’re all bored and looking for something to do. For the hard core mountain bikers out there it’s even more painful because while your favorite dirt trails are closed there are still the open streets that are available to ride on. But we have a problem … or two.

Your first dilemma is … come on, you’re a m-o-u-n-t-a-i-n b-i-k-e-r. “Wait, you mean RIDE on the ROAD?” I mean we all do … sometimes, right? Only if we’re pedaling up roads if we don’t have a shuttle crew that day. But to ride on the road? Does that mean we have to wear lycra onesies? Shave our legs? Obsess about polishing our bike frames? You mean we can’t wear flannel and blue jeans to bike? Come on … this sounds suspicious.

Your second dilemma is … you’re a m-o-u-n-t-a-i-n b-i-k-e-r. That means your whole quiver of bikes are knobby-tired beasts that are built for the dirt, for jumping, for descending rutted chutes. Not quite road worthy. There’s also a cultural dilemma (I’m a mountain biker and NOT a roadie). Then there’s an equipment dilemma (I just don’t have a road bike). But I’m here to tell you … there is good news. It’s so good that you won’t have to turn in your “I’m a Mountain Biker” card AND you don’t have to wear lycra onesies. What’s this wizardry then?

You probably already guessed it … yes, a gravel bike. Listen, I’m not a roadie nor have I ever been. Yes, I have several singlespeed / fixies but that’s a different category … I think. But since I live in Portland, and until recently with the growth of the Rocky Point trail system, pretty much ALL mountain biking entailed an hour drive to a trailhead. That’s not really doable for me anytime during the week. While I have my singlespeeds and love them I wanted to beefier and sturdier bike. One that did not have 25c tires. So I picked up a gravel bike. I should say a gravel Franken-Bike.

I knew I’d beat this bike, not take care of it, and ride it all of the time in the rain so I wanted to grab something on the cheap. With a deal through ExpertVoice I snagged a bottom-end Diamondback Haanjo. I knew going in the componentry was hot garbage. I also knew I’d beat it up and simply replace parts as needed. Which is exactly what I did. First it was the saddle … then the handlebars … then the bottom bracket and crankset … then the brake levers and brakes …. rotors … then the back wheel. Since the front wheel hasn’t blown up yet I still have the original low-end rim. But over time I began swapping out parts. Oh, and I made it into a single speed. I had a chain tensioner from years ago when I converted a mountain bike into a single speed so I slapped that on as well. Now all a sudden I kinda dig my bike.

I haven’t ridden on dirt in a couple weeks. It’s painful. But, thanks to my Franken-Bike I still get out and ride 6 days a week. Honest confession time … I’m having a complete blast. There’s some inner roadie in embryonic form somewhere inside of me because I can’t believe how much fun I’m having. I’m counting miles, mixing up my times on pavement with gravel and planning longer and longer trips now.

Yes, the quarantine does suck. But let’s be honest. Most of us forget why we’re even doing it. It’s for the safety of those most vulnerable in our communities. It is more than worth any minor inconvenience that we may have to endure. I’m also mindful of the horrific economic slide we’re in with many people all around us losing jobs and income. In that regards it is excruciatingly painful.

If there is a bright spot during this time … and there have been many … more time with family, actually slowing down, cultivating more gratitude, rediscovering what truly is important in life, etc. But when it comes to biking maybe the bright spot is this … it’s time to mix up our riding. Get out. Hit the pavement … hit the gravel. Even if you have to assemble a Franken-Bike, it is worth it.

Words and Photo by Sean Benesh

Founder of Loam Coffee