Is This America's Best Gravel Ride?

America is the home of gravel riding but where are the best gravel routes? Hank and Ollie decided to find out, and they headed to Patagonia, Arizona, for a 50-mile gravel adventure through the desert. They encounter wildlife, ghost towns and more, taking in the spectacular American wilderness by gravel bike!
In association with Visit Tucson 👉 gcn.eu/Visittucson 🤝 ‪@VisitTucson‬
Check out our ride 👉 gcn.eu/abW
00:00 Intro
01:20 Bike ride fuel
02:20 Gravel route plan
04:03 Gravel ride start
16:52 Gravel ride end
Useful Links:
Everything Cycling. All In One Place 👉 www.globalcyclingnetwork.com
Visit the GCN Shop 👉 gcn.eu/gcnshop
Join the GCN Club 👉 gcnclub.com
GCN Training Plans 👉 gcn.eu/gcntp
Do you fancy heading to America for your next gravel adventure? 🌵
Let us know in the comments below 💬
Watch more on GCN...
📹 Can We Survive The Biggest Bike Race In America? 👉
• Can We Survive The Big...
📹 Watch our Editor’s Choice Playlist 👉 gcn.eu/editorschoice
📹 Or why not check out our Features Playlist 👉 ​​gcn.eu/gcnfeatures
🎵 Music - licensed by Epidemic Sound 🎵
Wind Storm 1 - SFX Producer
A Country Sunset - Constellate
Angel from the Country - Will Harrison
Auto Drive Off Gravel - SFX Producer
Can You Dig It - Banaras Baba & Kolkata Kid
Country Gold - Hunter Quinn
Gaze of the Cobra - Arc De Soleil
Neutron Skies - Roots and Recognition
Possession - Dylan Sitts
Secret Medicine - Sugoi
Slimmy Lemon - Arc De Soleil
Swoosh 06 Short - Jon Bjork
Vivaldi_ The Four Seasons, Violin Concerto in E Major, Op. 8 No. 1, RV 269 Spring_ II. Largo e pianissimo sempre - Michelle Ross
Wayfinders - Trevor Kowalski
What You Sayin' (Instrumental Version) - Bambi Haze
When Your Heart Breaks (Instrumental Version) - Mondays
Wind Blizzard 1 - SFX Producer
#gcn #cycling #roadcycling #roadbike #bike #bikes #bikelife #tucson #arizona #america #gravelcycling #gravelbike #gravelcyclist #gravelride #patagonia #patagoniaargentina #desertride
📸 Photos - © Velo Collection (TDW) / Getty Images & © Sprint Cycling Agency
The Global Cycling Network (GCN) is the largest online cycling channel in the world, bringing together a global community of road cyclists to celebrate everything that’s great about the world of cycling.
Our videos bring fans compelling daily content including expert tutorials, techniques, training, racing, cutting-edge bike tech, unparalleled behind the scenes event coverage, humour, entertainment, and more.
Presented by ex-pro riders, GCN offers a uniquely qualified insight into the world of cycling, and most importantly it’s fuelled by our passionate and enthusiastic fans - everyone who makes up the GCN community. We also bring the latest and greatest tech to your attention, showcase the best places in the world to ride and get exclusive access to events and races.
Welcome to the Global Cycling Network | Inside Cycling
Thanks to our sponsors:
Pinarello Bikes: gcn.eu/Pinarello
Topeak Tools: gcn.eu/Topeak
Canyon Bikes: gcn.eu/-Canyon
Pirelli Tyres: gcn.eu/Pirelli
Orbea Bikes: gcn.eu/Orbea
Vision Wheels: gcn.eu/Vision
Wahoo Fitness: gcn.eu/Wahoo-Fitness
Park Tool: gcn.eu/-parktool
Elite Bottles: gcn.eu/EliteBottles
Whoop Fitness: gcn.eu/Whoop
Selle Italia: gcn.eu/SelleItalia
SiS: gcn.eu/ScienceInSport
Zwift: gcn.eu/Zwift
Shimano Wheels: gcn.eu/Shimano
DMT Shoes: gcn.eu/DMT
Silca: gcn.eu/Silca
MET Helmets: gcn.eu/methelmets
Strava: gcn.eu/strava
ShadowStand: gcn.eu/ShadowStand
Watch our sister channels:
GCN Tech - / @gcntech
GCN Racing - / @gcnracing
Global Triathlon Network - / @gtn
GCN Italia - / @gcnitalia
GCN en Español - / @gcnenespanol
GCN auf Deutsch - / @gcnaufdeutsch
GCN en Français - / @gcnenfrancais
GCN Japan - / @gcnjapan
GCN Training - / @gcntraining
Global Mountain Bike Network - / @gmbn
GMBN Racing - / @gmbnracing
GMBN Tech - / @gmbntech
Electric Mountain Bike Network - / @embn

[@gcn]

Who fancies a trip to Patagonia, Arizona?🗺

[@capio78]

I love watching them but too noisy for me i enjoy the quiet smooth roads

[@CEK0549]

It's in my backyard!

[@TransRockiesRaceSeries]

We can't wait to be doing a TransRockies Gravel Royale training camp this spring with The Cyclist's Menu! This video just proves how amazing it's going to be!

[@evanbrom1]

I am planning a ride. What size and type of tires were being used?

[@gabriplc3473]

6 minutes in and Ollie already offered to wee into Hank's mouth 🤣😅 You gotta love GCN

[@daniels.2720]

Whoa...

[@troycollett8540]

Onlyfans moment right there

[@JeremyDawesJezweb]

Taking the joke one step to far 😅

[@williamortiz13]

😂😂😂

[@danielakerman8241]

“I thought there was going to be a massive wall.” “So did I. Bit disappointed, really.” Best line ever.

[@timcarnes3467]

Ollie and Hank are good together. There are like frick and frac, giving eaxh other the business at every turn. Love it.

[@on2play736]

I love the clashing of personalities between these two, Haha! Ollie is the total opposite of Hank's wild card attitude yet both are adventurous!

[@gcn]

Ones sweet, ones salty - Peanut butter and jelly! These two are a grate pair 🙌

[@alexandercoryt]

The enthusiasm and wonder that Hank and Ollie show in the Patagonia video inspire a renewed sense of appreciation for the beauty of the world. My New Year’s resolution is to spend less time watching my power numbers and more time looking around. Thank you.

[@jasonmetevier1930]

Over the past few weeks, I’ve been doing this, absolutely game changing. Just go ride your bike, with out all the analysis and you really fall in love with riding again.

[@gcn]

What a new years resolution! Numbers aren't everything - enjoy the ride and soaking in the route is super important too 🙌

[@roberttell1587]

Kudos to camera and production! Lovely video. It’s fun watching presenters have fun together.

[@jrcollings]

Good to see you guys appreciating Arizona! I moved here from the UK 23 years ago. I love watching your UK videos as it's like being back there, but I also love being here in Arizona and all the awesome it has to offer. Great, fun video gents.

[@gcn]

What a cool place to move to! 🙌 Have you been sampling the gravel tracks?

[@bcaruthers7674]

I have done awesome routes in the Big Bend of Texas for you folks to try if you enjoyed those views.

[@jrcollings]

I have been sampling the gravel as well as road and.. wait for it, sorry.. mountain biking! I also watch GMBN, but I am a roadie at heart. There's an annual race starting in Prescott that I recommend you check out. Cheers, John.@@gcn

[@hh_88]

At the beginning of the video there are three pantera cars, that's really awesome.

[@davidpearce8132]

Spotted the same. Very cool.

[@oliverbridgewood3929]

yeah! i was geeking out! they need the dry conditions to survive!

[@ryanmvickerman]

I absolutely love this new format... Please make more videos just like this! I'd love to see more rides with locals from all around the world

[@flamencoguru]

These lastest episodes in the USA are fantastic! I really like what you guys are doing! Keep up the great work!

[@gcn]

We loved having the chance to head over the the states 🙌 Would you like to see us over the pond more often? We can tell Hank loves it 👀

[@flamencoguru]

​@@gcn yes! Definitely make some more episodes in the USA! Such a vast country with all kinds of landscapes! Check out the Impossible Ride on the Big Island of Hawaii!

[@flamencoguru]

@@gcn kzbin.info/www/bejne/pZC2pJSopZl2fdk

[@timmarshallsay]

@@gcn Every year in September, the Baltimore Bicycling Club hosts the Civil War Century (103 miles/166 km, 6,980 feet / 2,133m elevation) in Thurmont, Maryland. Unbelievable scenery, very different to AZ, or the Southwest, of course, and three of the most significant Civil War battlefields, too. Marvellous experience.

[@derickcastillo9083]

I am from New Mexico which is the state east of Arizona. It is wonderful to see GCN riding on roads that look so familiar to me. I realize that New Mexico is more than twice the size of England, but the views are very similar to those of Arizona. I would like to invite you to do the Continental Divide gravel ride. The road goes right through our family's ranch. We see people from all over the world braving the difficult roads. My kids and I love riding our mountain bikes on the gravel roads the 8 miles in to the ranch and then back out again. I will even teach you how to ride a horse and work cattle. Ha ha ha. Hank you can wear a cowboy hat!

[@gcn]

Wow now that is an offer! Sounds like you are living in a gravel playground, we know the idea of having Hank in your house is fun... the reality is very different 😂

[@derickcastillo9083]

My house NO. I have barn.:) 😁@@gcn

[@derickcastillo9083]

I have a barn. Oops, typing too fast.

[@MarkMyshatyn]

After watching this episode,@@gcn @derickcastillo9083 is absolutely right. You would love coming out here to New Mexico!

[@Epiqe]

By far the best video! I love love love gravel, deserts, arizona, warm weather, sun, cowboy lifestyle, countryside, country music... This is a dream!!!

[@ericlundquisthere]

Seeing Hank and Ollie gush about the desert view has made me realize just how much I take for granted the beauty of the landscape of the western US deserts. I didn't grow up in the desert but I spent a lot of time traveling to and through it, so I'm very accustomed to those views. But now that I think about it, I've seen very little landscape like this during my time living abroad, or in GCN videos. Makes me appreciate my home country a little more.

[@thekeytoairpower]

You know Indiana Jones famously hated and avoided snakes...

[@jhands1988]

For a guy who avoided snakes it seems to have always been snakes.

[@growlith6969]

He probably would have hated gravel bikes too.

[@errickrichardson2520]

Patagonia made so much sense after riding in the Tour De Tucson. Patagonia is only an hour south of Tucson. Great choice.

[@gcn]

We had heard good things and couldn't wait to check it out! 👀 It did not disappoint 🙌

[@keithcunningham9557]

just a few days without GCN+ and these two are already bringing laughter into our home, thanks boys!

[@davidwilson4699]

The snake you guys saw, I believe was a Arizona Green Ratsnake. Non -venomous and a constrictor.

[@gcn]

Good thing the boys kept their distance 👀

[@JamesLorentzen]

Great video & format, keep it up. Beautiful scenery to focus on w/Ollie & Hank’s fun comments…so inspiring..we want more!

[@1947wdx]

Looks like a fun ride. I would very much like to see more US rides. A good contrast to the southwestern US would be New England riding in the fall. (Look up Ted King's VTXL ride, or the Vermont Grindstone.) You should also head up to Canada and do some winter riding so you can finally put the, "who has worst winter rides" argument to bed.

[@mikehylton4950]

Though this is beautiful country and an amazing ride, the answer is no, this is not America’s greatest gravel ride. That distinction goes to the White Rim Trail in Utah. If you ever get a chance to ride this road you should take it. It has the most spectacular desert vistas you will ever experience.

[@NessieJapan]

Yes, more of this! Scenic!

[@vahpr]

Glad to see you doing these films on YT with the end of GCN+ today. Love the Southwest, I visit every fall, so different from the eastern US, so beautiful

[@crashdevitt]

Thanks for highlighting one of my favorite gravel rides! You guys nailed it. It really is like no other place. Coming out of the Patagonia Mtns down into the San Rafael Valley is breath taking. Take note, there is no place to get water once you leave town, no stores , you're on your own. Part of what makes it so special, It's an adventure. Thanks Guys!

[@lesleyl1116]

The GCN Team is my fav. You guys are the best. Seeing more American routes both road or gravel would be super awesome! :)

[@dsmithmcse]

So happy Hank and Ollie got a chance to ride and appreciate the cycling scene here in southern Arizona, specifically Tucson and Patagonia. To bad you are not into Mt. Biking because there are thousands of single-track trails in the area as well and would definitely test your technical bike handling skills. Nonetheless, so happy you all enjoyed southern AZ and hope you return, specifically in the late spring when the desert is sea of desert flora in full bloom. Cheers!

[@gcn]

Our muddy friends over at GMBN spend some time in Tuscon 🇺🇸 Looks like some amazing riding ... maybe Rich "enjoyed" himself a bit too much 👉 kzbin.info/www/bejne/r32cmmWBf5WWntE

[@debbieblackman8676]

That was awesome! Thanks guys 😊

[@reusserfarm1]

My husband and I spent a week riding the gravel around Patagonia and had an awesome time. Happy you guys were able to make the trip to AZ and enjoy so many of the local rides.

[@geoffreyhoney122]

This is exactly the content that I'd hoped to see! More epic adventures! Such amazing gravel and vistas and loved the teasing between Hank and Ollie! Wee bottle indeed! I'll watch anything else like this you post! How about having Manon have a go riding with someone like Lael Wilcox or Kristi Mohn and Kathryn Taylor from the Girls Gone Gravel podcast? That would be cool! Love these adventures while we're snowed in in Canada! Please keep them coming!

[@gcn]

We would love to get Lael on the channel, She rocks 🤘- What challenge would you like to see her taking on? 🗺

[@geoffreyhoney122]

Well, how about having Manon join Lael on one of her G.R.I.T. (Girls Riding Into Tomorrow) adventures in Alaska? Or one of the women's gravel events Lael organizes? That would be super cool and dovetail with Manon's forays into the gravel scene! @@gcn

[@Motorep146]

Yeah, any content with Lael would be awesome!

[@chasepalpatine170]

One of my fave places to ride. So happy I live in Tucson! Thanks for visiting.

[@ronnyber]

Just did that route but in a Jeep. It's an amazing part of the country. You guys nailed it in your descriptions. When I first visited in the late 90's you could go down to the border fence. Great video!

[@Madmaverick101]

We want to see so much more of this awesomeness! American gravel is great, made more entertaining when tackled by two would-be Yanks (Hank and Ollie)!

[@adventurebrothers5585]

Headed to Patagonia for the first time in just a week to ride this exact route and more! Can’t wait!

[@jeffreyrayfield457]

So good, these two and the view, love it.

[@nateloman1553]

great video - and congrats to you Zander and Heidi - !!

[@davidshardlow4369]

That was just beautiful.. well done Boys!

[@johnerdam961]

This production was fantastic, wow!

[@johnkatakowsi9907]

Nice ride Guys thanks for the Video!!!! be out there few years back on me mtb !!!was a lot of fun!!!!😃

[@martinaxe6390]

So happy to see my home state featured on GCN. Patagonia, Arizona is indeed so incredible. The Chiricahua Mountains are also worth visiting.

[@asonetuh6094]

I was sad to see the video end. More adventures like this please.

[@LiveOutLoud2024]

That was an awesome video. Yes, more videos like this one please!

[@michaelpark794]

Ollie + Hank = most entertaining GCN combo

[@jaimerojas7695]

Love the videos of destination rides.

[@bludog4657]

This has to be one of the best episodes. I can't wait to go ride Patagonia.!

[@redauwg911]

this is the best of GCN👍

[@kivinprod]

More episodes like these please, thank you.

[@mondeitur]

Fun to see the gcn boys ride AZ, hope you all had a good stay out here

[@cliffordromina3527]

I just love the scenery on a valley...

[@gavinstubbings4271]

Great video and what a great job you guys have at GCN

[@mike_rides_bikes]

Y'all need to come to Michigan in April for the largest mass start gravel race in the US (4500 between all distances) the Barry Roubaix

[@david100483]

This was such an awesome episode, the American west is beautiful! Thanks! ✌️ 🚴 🍻

[@goldenmath4091]

Yeah guys..love it, real biking for sure!

[@malcontent456]

Great video; makes me want to visit Arizona for sure.

[@tarajones-legros3661]

YES! More American gravel please!!!! Loved it!!

[@gregsettle9725]

Arizona is a magical place. I really liked seeing the vistas again.

[@djokaragt]

Love you guys,greetings from Serbia!!!

[@johnhunt3076]

Good for you guys for going to Patagonia and shooting a video. My wife and I go there a couple times per year (we were just there the week before you guys). I agree on your comments about tire size. The riding is not technical, but such a high % of the ride is off-road, lots of stutters bumps and chunky gravel. 50mm tires would ride nice there.

[@grahamsteamer3419]

Awesome Video!!! Thank you

[@nathanfurman1]

Nice video, and really pleasant soundtrack!

[@janetw9016]

What is it about Hank,? He brings out the best in the other presenters!! GCN captured the great vibe to this area of Arizona. Kudos!!

[@BurtonHohman]

So glad y’all got to check out the American West! I moved out to western Colorado and the gravel riding is killer

[@carolkoehler503]

I am so lucky to live in Tucson and have ridden gravel in Patagonia many times . it’s such a beautiful area that I never tire.

[@bwbasham]

You need to visit the Greenville, SC area … and I need to visit Patagonia, AZ! Thanks for highlighting this area.

[@jonathanbenn2241]

Need to come to New England for some East Coast gravel. Completely different, yet amazing.

[@scottswenson5093]

Nice job! I’ll have to make a trip there.

[@DarenC]

Those are the sort of roads that would get me into gravel riding. I've no interest in the more technical stuff I see (I'd be a mountainbiker if I did), but those roads look like a lot of fun

[@number6photo]

Exactly! I just purchased my first gravel bike this summer and discovered an enormous network of dirt roads within a couple miles of my house that I never realized were there because I would never ride my road bike on them, and they're not pleasant to drive my car on them either. That lack of traffic is the biggest benefit. On the 20-30 rides I've done in the past months, I've only ever seen a few vehicles on those roads. It's mostly scenic farmland, and small groups of cyclists can ride side-by-side without interfering with traffic because there isn't any. There are potholes to avoid, but it's not like you have to pay rapt attention to every inch of the path like mountain biking. It's very relaxing even though the exertion levels can be as high as you want. Gravel is quickly becoming my favorite type of riding.

[@apuldram]

🇬🇧 Sustrans. The Sustrans/NCN routes are often unridable on a road bike, but perfect for gravel bikes. Let you explore and ride. I call my gravel bike my Sustrans Rider- after the Traffic song Freedom Rider

[@Grant-bu4nj]

Excellent loved it

[@thomashunt1343]

cannot wait, got a 2 day trip coming up in January!!

[@Momokahn]

I live 40 minutes away from the Flint Hills in Kansas. I've always thought they were beautiful and fun to ride. After seeing this video my Flint Hills look a tad bit drab. Great video guys and I hope you enjoyed your stay in the Great Southwest.

[@ptonewood]

Don’t doubt it’s amazing. When my wife went to grad school we lived in a small town in western NY state (Alfred, Allegany County)…No traffic, tons of dirt, tons of climbing. I’ve ridden all over the world but it was one of the best places to ride road and gravel.

[@simonsepic]

That looked incredible

[@eightballsidepocket]

No sooner than I move out of Arizona and freakin' GCN flys around the world to showcase the great cycling there. Curse you guys! But also thank you! 😂

[@user-iq6eg5gd7w]

More like this please! Come try Boulder Colorado, you’re gonna love it!

[@neverwander]

What was going on at that inn at 4:00 that they had three De Tomaso Panteras out front?!?

[@user-xz3oq1lt2s]

Next time, will need to try the backside of Mt. Lemmon climb and the Chiricahua National Monument and the climb over Pinery Canyon gravel ride! Arizona is a hidden gem.

[@richcrompton6891]

Already missing GCN+. That video and location really deserves the ‘+’ treatment. I’d happily watch hours of that!

[@michaelhunn5304]

Yes more American Gravel please! And for road ride check out the Tour of the Gila in New Mexico - also more like a Fondo… tour de Acoma in September

[@urithinks7592]

Ollie was so scared of looking for snakes! That was literally me this summer though. Can fully relate. I stopped going to my most visited trail altogether when I ran into a 4 foot-ish rattle snake. I had just started the ride and noped right out of there after waiting for it to leave so I could warn people.

[@locosphinx]

I moved to AZ 4 years ago, and discovered Patagonia shortly afterwards. Xander and Hiedi are great, and their AirBnB "The Gravel House" is amazing.

[@cyndytri]

Lovely video, entertaining presenters! Hank please just stay on the road - don’t go looking for snakes! 😂 Would love to see more videos from various parts of the country. ❤

[@RobCraig-zg4lj]

Spectacular!

[@brucewalker6141]

Looks fantastic. I like to think our gravel in the Appalachian foothills of Virginia is America's Best Gravel... but i could be wrong,

[@francistabligan3850]

❤ Hazy IPAs...nice video!...need to ride Patagonia asap

[@ianstewart8301]

Glad you got to see more of Arizona. Now, come see me in Virginia

[@mileslong9675]

I always love to get your take on American riding. You’re always welcome out here. Check out the Pacific Northwest (my riding territory right now) one of these days if you can. Or the Rocky Mountains. Or the Midwest. Or…

[@ianstewart8301]

Ah man, to have a ride and a beer with Hank & Ollie would be great

[@RocketRuss]

Did Hank take a digger earlier in the week? He's sporting some road rash and missing a bottle. My guess is he cooked one, laid it flat, & snapped off the bidon holder in one fell swoop. Despite all that rubbish, great footage! You're made me long for my home state of Arizona!

[@robbchastain3036]

Glad you gents got to AZ for some gravel playtime and I suppose bikes are prettiest with only two bottles, but for the sake of real-life hydration, why not mount more bottles and/or hydration packs on your backs? And the proper response when you see a snake is either to bunny hop over it or reach for another gear. 😀

[@tranquill80]

I love European cycling scenery but definitely think a GCN North American tour of videos is due with how vast US/Canada are and how big the market is.

[@alanhill7965]

I recon Australia would be good for some GCN action we have snakes kangaroo’s emu’s and bogans and also lovely scenery and the best coffee

[@mattdowney6540]

Yep. And the best part is you can get all that in one ride up the Darebin Creek from Fairfield to Craigieburn.

[@cooperswayadventures]

Awesome 👊🍻🍻

[@Marlon_B-8]

Definitely a good time to come to Arizona 😁

[@cokebottles6919]

Gotta get you guys to Moab and do white rim trail on some XC bikes. It’s a 100 mile jeep trail around Canyonlands national park and has the most beautiful and dramatic desert views you’ll see on a bike. The loop only has two entrances, and no way to get out early. It’s a pretty big challenge to do in a day, but it makes an incredible camping experience if you’d prefer type 1 fun.

[@iansingleton]

Great video guys. There's a lot of places to ride on my bucket list but this place has now made an entry too! I've gotta say though Oli does not look comfortable riding proper rough gravel. He worries me, he looks so stiff, not how you want to be. Did he have blisters on his hands after this ride? It looks like he's made imprints on those bars😂! Keep em coming 👍♥️

[@alainbellemare2168]

Les 100 à Bessette is a great one in the province of Québec , organised by former canadian olympian Lyne Bessette , le raid Pierre Harvey former olympian in winter and summer was Steve Bauer coéquipier in Los Angeles olympics , they had a silver medal ride

[@joshedmonds7838]

If quiet gravel and small towns are your thing…check out the New England region in New South Wales. Emerging gravel scene. Good breweries too

[@scchua4203]

Hi Ollie, dropbears are only (so far) found in Australia, so no worries mate. You'd be better off keeping a wary eye out for the dreaded Chupacabra! King cobra...Ha ha ha!

[@Javierotb]

You guys should come check out Lake Apopka here in Florida, the wild life alone will be well worth it!

[@man314sea9]

that pinarello gravel bike looks really nice

[@DutchDeutschlander]

Awesome, good job - what about an entire channel devoted to cycling holidays of all sorts?