2022 was the year when time flew by, seemingly quicker than in years past. Yet despite the breakneck speed of time, I managed to squeeze in some incredible rides in amazing places with friends. Coming up with a list of top 5 gravel rides from the year was more difficult than I first imagined. About a dozen memorable rides came to mind after scanning through my Strava and Instagram feeds to recollect the best, but how could I narrow the list down to just five?

This had me thinking… what makes one ride better than another? Why did these 12 rides stand out over the rest? Is it possible to quantify the level of stoke from a given ride? And if so, would it be possible to reference this equation to make 2023 even better? A simple formula would be needed that could capture the most important elements of a great ride. After much thought, here are those elements:

GOODWILL - Meaningful interactions with people or creatures. Those visited or there for support. Camaraderie.
ROADS - Travelled terrain. Surfaces covered. Quality of dirt. Trail diversity.
ATTEMPT - The challenge, suffering, or danger involved.
VIEWS - Scenery, structures, and establishments visited.

The GRAV Score is my best attempt to objectively rank my favorite gravel rides from 2022. For me, the best rides are those that involve meaningful interactions, premium and diverse terrain, a real challenge, and memorable sights. To see exactly which rides ranked the highest for me in 2022 I’ve calculated all the GRAV scores to see which ones topped the list. To calculate an overall score for each ride, I assigned the 4 elements a score from 1-5 and added them up for total possible score from 4 to 20. Listed below are my top 5 scoring rides of the year with the newly established GRAV Scoring System.

5. Big Bear

This was my first time riding gravel in Big Bear and it exceeded my expectations. The Goodwill score for Big Bear was allright (2) as it was a solo ride for me, but definitely not junk as I came across a plethora of trail runners on the second half of this ride. We gave each other friendly smiles and waves, a sign of encouragement and shared appreciation for the mountain air and tall pine trees. I had heard much of the beautiful Skyline Drive that follows the ridge above the South Shore, but the real gem of this place for me was north of the lake along Caribou Creek and through Holcomb Valley. The surfaces were exceptional and the views kept coming. Read about my entire Big Bear Gravel Experience for more details about the ride and recommended accommodations. Turning this into a bigger Attempt and bringing a few friends would definitely push this ride into the epic territory with the Roads and Views available around Big Bear Lake, California.

Discovery more: Big Bear Gravel Experience

Big Bear 2022 GRAV Score: 14

4. Ned Gravel

I first discovered the gravel in Boulder, CO in 2018. Ever since then I’ve dreamed of going back for more of that incredible Colorado high-elevation riding and its exceptional terrain. The 2022 Ned Gravel event in Nederland, CO was the perfect opportunity to head back to the area and experience more. Ned Gravel took place in early July, and I opted to ride the Tungsten course and what race director Gavin Coombs calls the “premier event” featuring a 60 mile course with 7,100 ft of climbing. But don’t be fooled by the numbers as this was one of the most demanding 100 kilometer Attempts I’ve ever done given sections like Lickskillet Road and Switzerland Trail, all at an elevation between 8,000-10,300 feet. In addition to the remarkable Roads and Views, the Goodwill of other riders, volunteers, and locals made this ride one of my favorite of the year.

Discovery more: Ned Gravel | photos courtesy of Cullen Mchale and Scott Tribby

Ned Gravel 2022 GRAV Score: 15

3. Catalina Island Overnighter

bikes of the catalina island gravelina ride mixer_gravelstoke_dmalwitz.jpg

Ever since moving to California in 2010, Catalina Island it has been on my radar. An island just 22 miles off the coast, it’s a short ferry ride to seemingly another world. In June of 2022 the stars finally aligned to make the trip over to Avalon, and spend the weekend riding with an overnight planned at Two Harbors. If you enjoy long gravel climbs and breathtaking ocean views, it’s hard to find a better destination than Catalina. Two days of riding was just enough to experience so much of what this place has to offer. Our route for day 1 first took us from Avalon to the "Airport in the Sky" where we enjoyed quick lunch at the airport cafe. From there we backtracked to Middle Ranch Road that took us off the high ridgeline, through beautiful canyons, and eventually to views of the southern coastline and Shark Harbor. We then took Little Harbor Road to our tent cabin at Two Harbors Campground where we dropped our bags before a quick out-and-back to Parsons Landing. With the exception of the first few miles out of Avalon, then entire ride was characterized by premium gravel roads and incredible views. Add in 3 riding buddies, a post-ride ocean swim, and a lively evening with DJ K Fresh at the Harbor Reef Restaurant & Bar, and the 2022 Gravelina Ride Mixer was one for the books. You can read more about our Catalina overnighter bikes, bags, and essential gear here.

Discovery more: Rigs of the Gravelina Ride Mixer

Catalina 2022 GRAV Score: 17

2. Great Western Reroute - Laguna Edition

Every year since 2018 the Gravelstoke Development Team and a few special guests embark on an annual adventure in the Descanso District of the Cleveland National Forest. The route has traditionally changed each year as we’ve explored deeper into the wilderness searching for the best roads and exceptional views in the company of friends. For 2022 we pushed further east to elevations above 6000’ in Laguna Mountain where we were certain to see different species of plants, trees, and wildlife with every few miles climbed. The GWR always hits the GRAV formula just right, as we’ve unintentionally (yet instinctively) push the scales towards the All-time level of stoke with a strong community, premium dirt roads, superior sights, and an imposing route. If you’re interested in joining us on this annual tradition in early spring 2023, become a Dev Team member to receive an invitation. See the full Great Western Reroute - Laguna Edition recap and photo gallery here.

Discovery more: Laguna edition of the GWR

GWR 2022 GRAV Score: 17

1. Mammoth Tuff

Mammoth Tuff was on my short list of gravel events to attend since February 2020 when the race was first announced. After some unfortunate events led to two consecutive cancellations, the inaugural Tuff promised to take place in fall 2022. And that promise delivered with what ended up being my favorite ride of the year. The entire weekend was nonstop enjoyment with great conversations, a hot springs excursion, dinners with friends, shakeout rides, and a Quentin Tarantino western. Danny and I opted for the Medium Course on Saturday that many considered Tuff enough, especially given the thin air in the Eastern Sierra. According to race director Dave Sheek, “The gravel is tuff and the altitude sucks the life out of you”. Dave was right. The Attempt was excessively tough given the conditions, and was pushed to the limit when combined with the brisk temperatures and wind on that Saturday in September. I can’t recommend Mammoth Tuff enough, it has all of the elements I could possibly ask for.

Discovery more: Mammoth Tuff | photos courtesy of Sammy Deleo

Mammoth Tuff 2022 GRAV Score: 19

We hope you enjoy this Year in Routes review for 2022. If you would like to calculate your own GRAV Score you can do so here. Score big? Let us know your top scoring ride of the year in the comments!

From everyone here at Gravelstoke, thanks for your continued support and we wish you a happy and healthy 2023!