GRAVEL RADAR · RACE SETUP
Build your kit, fueling and pacing plan — from a 40 km local to a 1000+ km ultra.
Skip this if you want a generic plan, or pick a race to auto-fill distance, elevation, terrain & format.
ESTIMATED FINISH
· Based on your inputsEstimated finish: 4h 54m at all-rounder intensity over 100 km / 1500m elevation on mixed gravel + dirt. FTP unknown — falling back to riding-style estimate (less precise).
TIRE PRESSURE
· psi / barBased on 86kg total system weight on 42mm tubeless all-season tires over mixed gravel + dirt terrain, with a all-rounder riding style. Front is ~12% lower than rear to optimize for typical gravel weight distribution and front-wheel grip on descents.
TIRE RECOMMENDATION
· MANDATORYFor mixed gravel + dirt over 100 km on all-season tires, choice prioritizes rolling speed with adequate grip. Tubeless is non-negotiable here.
HYDRATION PLAN
· ml/hr + electrolytesTargets 640 ml/hour based on 75kg body weight, 18°C race temp, and all-rounder intensity. For a 4.9-hour effort, plan to consume ~3.1 L total. Sodium target prevents cramps in race-day intensity.
NUTRITION PLAN
· carbs + calories- ·Carb drink mix (90g/L)
- ·Gel every 25 min
- ·1 bar/hr
- ·Real food at aid stations
80 g carbs/hr is the evidence-based target for a 4.9-hour effort at all-rounder intensity. Total: 392 g carbs / 1569 kcal across the race. Multi-transportable carbs (glucose+fructose) are essential above 60 g/hr to avoid GI distress.
APPAREL PLAN
· for mild @ 18°CBuilt for mild conditions at 18°C. Layer for the start temp; mountain morning starts can run 10°C+ colder than midday.
TOOLS & SPARES
· 6 essential- ✓Tubeless plug kit (Dynaplug or similar)
- ✓Inner tube (one)— Even with tubeless
- ✓Inner tubes (two)— CO2 may not seat tubeless
- ✓Multi-tool with chain breaker
- ✓Spare quick link (chain)
- ○Spare derailleur hanger— Trip-ender if you bend yours
- ✓Tire boot (or $20 bill)
- ○Sealant top-off bottle
- ○Zip ties + electrical tape
HYDRATION & NUTRITION CARRY
· 9 essential- ✓6× 600ml bottles— Need frame + saddle bottle cages
- ○Hydration pack (1.5-2L)— For hot races or long resupply gaps
- ✓Top-tube bag for gels/bars— Holds 8-12 gels
- ○Frame bag— For real food, layers, jacket
- ✓Saddle bag (small)— Tools + tube + plug kit
- ✓Electrolyte tablets/powder— Target 500 mg sodium/hr
- ✓Energy gels (8 for race day)— Mix flavours — palate fatigue is real on long days
- ✓Caffeinated gels (2-3, save for late race)— Use after the halfway point for maximum effect
- ✓Energy bars (3+)— Pick chewable ones — frozen bars are unusable
- ✓Carb drink mix (e.g. Maurten 320, SiS Beta Fuel, Skratch)— 60-90 g carbs per bottle = bigger payload
- ✓Real food at aid stations— PB&J, bananas, boiled potatoes, rice cakes — sweet fatigue is real
- ○Insulated gel pouch / inside jersey— Gels freeze solid below 0°C — keep them against body warmth
NAVIGATION & ELECTRONICS
· 3 essential- ✓GPS computer (Garmin/Wahoo) with route loaded
- ○Battery pack (10,000 mAh)— Charging head unit + lights for ultras
- ○Front light (lumens depend on time of day)
- ✓Rear light— Visibility is non-negotiable
- ✓Phone in waterproof bag
- ○Backup paper cue sheet
- ○SPOT/Garmin InReach
APPAREL ESSENTIALS
· 5 essential- ✓Helmet
- ○Gloves (full-finger)— Optional in warm weather
- ✓Gloves (mitts)
- ✓Eyewear w/ clear lens spare
- ✓Arm warmers
- ○Knee warmers / leg warmers
- ✓Packable rain jacket— Even in good forecasts
- ○Cap or sweatband
- ○Sunscreen (SPF 30+)
- ○Buff/neck gaiter
- ○Spare socks at drop bag
FIRST AID + EMERGENCY
· 2 essential- ✓Mini first-aid kit (band-aids, antiseptic, gauze)
- ○Chamois cream + saddle sore prevention
- ✓Pain relief (ibuprofen / paracetamol)— Use sparingly on bike
- ○Anti-chafe (Squirrel's Nut Butter etc.)
- ○Caffeine pills (100mg)— For night riding stages
- ○Emergency blanket— Gram-light, life-saving