Ride alongside Van Avermaet: the Orbea Gravel Rioja Alavesa turns five in Laguardia

Can you imagine sharing a track with a rider who has won at the very top of the professional sport? This Saturday you can: the Orbea Gravel Rioja Alavesa celebrates its fifth edition in Laguardia with Greg Van Avermaet as its star guest. According to Ciclismo a Fondo, the town in Álava already has everything ready for the anniversary.

It's one of those events that brings together the best of gravel: tracks, scenery and the buzz of a big group. And a name like the Belgian's signing up says a lot about how much the event has grown in just five years.

Orbea Gravel Rioja Alavesa: five years and a top-class guest

Reaching a fifth edition is no small feat. Many gravel sportives start strong and fall by the wayside; this one celebrates its 5th Anniversary with Laguardia as the meeting point and an international star riding among the participants.

For you, whether you'll be at the start or you're thinking about it for next year, that means one thing: riding an event with well-honed organisation in surroundings that make you want to keep looking around. Rioja Alavesa and its vineyards are an ideal setting for gravel in autumn.

For the specific details of routes, times and registration, check the organisers' official channels, which are the ones that count if there are any last-minute changes.

What to check on your gravel bike before an event like this

Whether you're going for a good time or just to enjoy the day, a gravel sportive is far more fun with your bike in good shape. Before Saturday, run through this quick check:

• Tyres and pressure: check for cuts and wear, and set your pressure with dirt tracks and loose stones in mind. If you run tubeless, make sure the sealant hasn't dried out.
• Repair kit: plugs, a pump or CO₂, a spare inner tube and a multi-tool. On gravel, a puncture is more likely than on tarmac.
• Clean, lubed drivetrain: track dust eats your chain. Clean and lube it before you set off.
• Brakes: check the pads and make sure the lever feels firm. Descents on dirt call for reliable brakes.
• Layers: late-October mornings are usually chilly. A gilet or a windproof jacket in your pocket can save the ride.
• Drinks and food: even if there are feed stations, carry something with you just in case.

Got the gravel bug?

If you're reading this and thinking you want to be in Laguardia next year, you don't need a brand-new bike to get started. A well-checked second-hand gravel bike opens the door to events like this for a lot less than a new one costs.

As it's an event carrying the Orbea name, it makes sense to take a look at second-hand Orbea bikes: the Basque brand is playing at home at this event and has a gravel range with plenty of models out there. And if you'd rather compare brands, the gravel bikes category has listings with all kinds of builds and sizes.

When you look at a used one, focus on what suffers most on tracks: play in the headset and bearings, the condition of the wheels and drivetrain wear. With that under control, you'll have a companion ready for kilometres of dirt.

Ride, look around and repeat

A star like Van Avermaet lining up at the start next to amateur riders is one of the great things about gravel: here everyone shares the same dust and the same tracks. Enjoy Saturday if you're going, and if not, pencil it in for the next edition.

And if your current bike no longer fits your new dirt plans, you can post your listing for free and give it a second life while you look for the gravel bike that'll get you to Laguardia.