🚀 What is Gravel Cycling?
Gravel cycling is adventure cycling on unpaved roads—gravel, dirt, forest roads, and fire roads. It's perfect for cyclists looking to explore beyond paved surfaces with a more capable, versatile bike. Gravel routes offer:
- Exploration: Discover hidden backcountry routes and scenic vistas
- Community: Join a growing community of adventure cyclists
- Fitness: Build strength and endurance on varied terrain
- Adventure: Experience nature up close without technical mountain biking skills
🗺️ How to Use This Map
Route Details
Click or tap any route to open its details: distance, climbing, steepness, an elevation profile, amenities, and who shared it.
Find a Route
Search by route, town or rider, and filter by distance, terrain or rating. "Near me" (the location button on mobile) sorts routes by how close they are to you.
Rate a Route
Ridden a route? Give it 1–5 stars in the route details. Ratings are anonymous and help other riders pick their next ride.
Colour by Rating
Turn on "Colour by rating" (the star button on mobile) to colour routes by their community rating instead of by route.
Street or Satellite
Use the layers button in the top-right corner of the map to switch between the street map and satellite imagery.
Ride It
"Open in RideWithGPS" takes you to the original route, where you can view it in full, export it, or send it to your bike computer.
📊 Understanding Route Stats and Ratings
Each route shows three numbers:
- Distance: total length of the route in kilometres.
- Climbing: total elevation gain in metres.
- Steepness: climbing per kilometre (m/km), a quick way to compare how hilly routes are. Under 5 m/km is mostly flat prairie riding, 15 m/km or more is a hilly day, and most routes on the map fall in between.
The community rating is the average of riders' 1–5 star ratings. With "Colour by rating" turned on, routes are coloured on this scale:
| Colour | Average rating |
|---|---|
| ■ Red | 1 star |
| ■ Yellow | 3 stars |
| ■ Green | 5 stars |
| ■ Grey | Not rated yet |
Ratings in between blend from red through yellow to green.
📧 Get in Touch
Questions, suggestions, or want to help maintain the map?
Email: [email protected]
Facebook: Alberta Gravel Cycling Group