The 5 Love Languages of Gravel Biking (and Other Ways to Say “I Care” While Dropping You)

Some people think love is about candlelit dinners and handwritten letters. Gravel bikers know better. Our true expressions of devotion happen in dust clouds, on questionable “shortcuts,” and over Kwik Trip snacks eaten on a curb.

Here’s your guide to understanding the real love languages of the gravel life so you can ride, relate, and romance like a pro.

1. Words of Affirmation

Nothing says “I care” quite like telling someone their bike is perfectly dialed or that they floated over that washboard like a pro. Gravel compliments are oddly specific and often muttered between gulps of Skratch.

Examples:

• You corner like a whisper.

• Your chain sounds so smooth right now.

• *You’d totally crush Unbound

• That was the cleanest bunny hop over a roadkill raccoon I’ve ever seen.

• Your route choices are questionable, but I respect the chaos.

*even if this is not true

2. Acts of Service

When someone truly loves you, they’ll do the gritty, unglamorous stuff so you don’t have to. Pulling into a headwind for 20 miles? Stopping to help fix your flat when they’re already late for dinner? That’s love, baby.

Examples:

• Lending you their pump when they know you already have one but “yours squeaks weird.”

• Standing guard at the porta-potty line so no one cuts in front of you.

• Sitting on the curb outside Kwik Trip holding both bikes while you raid the hot case.

3. Receiving Gifts

The currency of gravel courtship isn’t diamonds, it’s wool socks, a fresh tub of chamois cream, and the occasional surprise bottle cage upgrade. Bonus points if it’s something they spotted in a sketchy bike shop two states away.

Examples:

• Dropping off a fresh burrito on your doorstep before a big ride.

• That little bag of Haribo gummies at mile 75.

• A shiny new multi-tool “just because.”

• Bringing you the “good” chain lube, not the bargain-bin sludge.

  
  

4. Quality Time

For gravel riders, quality time often means minimal talking, maximum pedaling, and the occasional “car back.” The real bonding happens in shared miles, headwinds, and post-ride patio beers until the sun dips behind the silos.

Examples:

• Sitting on the curb outside a Kwik Trip with chocolate milk in hand.

• Riding all day without looking at your phone once.

• A weekend bikepacking trip where showers are optional.

5. Physical Touch

We’re not a super touchy bunch, but when it happens, it’s meaningful. A sweaty high-five after a sketchy descent? A muddy hug at the finish line? Peak intimacy.

Examples:

• Gently brushing gravel out of someone’s helmet vents.

• Shoulder-to-shoulder drafting in the crosswind.

• Adjusting their backpack straps without being asked.

Bonus: Miscommunications in Gravel Love

Just like in relationships off the bike, sometimes the love language wires get crossed.

Examples

• You wanted Quality Time… but they “surprised” you with intervals.

• You craved Acts of Service… but they just yelled “shift down!” from 20 feet ahead.

• You hoped for Words of Affirmation… and got unsolicited advice on your saddle height.

• You were excited for Receiving Gifts… and they showed up with matching Lycra kits you definitely didn’t approve.