I am having to work hard to keep my solo road rides interesting. Sunday, I came up with a route that incorporated 3 different gravel “roads” within its 60 miles:

Gravel #1- Nuckolls Rd. from Macon to Jenkins. I usually use that one, so I didn’t take any photos. It’s pretty straightforward hardpack. No real turns or rough spots.

Gravel #2- Fletcher between 196 and Collierville-Arlington. Probably my favorite. When you turn off of 196 to head towards Collierville, there’s a giant “road closed ahead” sign. I’m not sure if it will always be “closed,” but apparently they’ve closed a bridge and the adjoining area where I-269 is under construction. It’s not passable by car because of the concrete barriers, but if you’re willing to portage over those, grind/slog through some rutted up construction mud, and navigate a small ditch of baseball-sized rocks on the other side, you can totally ride through it.

Gravel #3- Wolf River Greenway between Collierville-Arl and Bethany Rd. “Technically” speaking, this might have been the toughest section. The gravel is more loose, there are people on horses, and the low water crossings have taken down at least one person attempting to navigate them on a road bike.

I’m always on the lookout for more gravel. Once my prescribed routes get closer to the 4-hour route, I’ll head up north a little to the Lambert/Solomon Mill area. Need. More. Suggestions?