Amy:Nothing corners quite like a Crux. It reacts to your every movement and you’re the one in control. A lightweight frame keeps you flyin’ yet it’s sturdiness is a reliable and necessary factor when out adventuring in the middle of nowhere.

Elliot: The Crux does everything, it’s an insanely versatile machine, I’ve taken it up mount snowdon, I’ve smashed it with the big dogs on the LA Nichols ride, it never misses a trick!

Amy: Sun glasses! As simple as that is, after riding off-road my whole life I've had my fair share of mud and grit in my eyes and it's not fun!

Lorah: Jelly snakes and sudocrem! On the longer races I compete in, nutrition and comfort are the number one priority. On top of the sugar hit, jelly snakes always boost morale.

Elliot: When I'm out on gravel, I always have a set of pathfinders [tyres] and my trusty dynaplug tool. I've got myself out some very sticky situations with this winning combination.

Amy: It's where always felt at home on a bike. When the conditions are horrendous; mud, wind and rain, that's when I come into my own. The adrenaline from descending a sketchy trail or when the bikes moves around under you through the mud. It's very different to being on the road. Racing cyclocross is chaotic and I love that, the crowds go crazy while you're at your absolute limit. Gravel is a bit different, it's more about the adventure and exploration.

Lorah: You're out in the wilderness and every sensory experience becomes immediate. There's an impluse to go and explore places you've never ridden, but your body and mind ultimately dictate what adventures you'll have. There is a deep satisfaction to hard earned miles.

Elliot: The races are so long, that even if you have a bit of misfortune at the start, it's not the end, you have plenty more road (gravel) ahead of you to make up time. So much about gravel racing is down to luck, so its how you handle the rough times that determine how well you do.

Amy:
1. Commit! Give 100% every time and even if you fail at least you won't be left wondering "what if?".
2. Do it because you want to. Not to meet other peoples expectations.
3. Enjoy it. Going out to just mess around or run through skills is actually a great way to improve your riding.
4. Have confidence in your ability. Something I struggle with, but it's absolutely key, especially when racing, not to doubt yourself.
5. Stay Stoked! Ride for the love of it and surround yourself with positive people.

Elliot:
1. Care less. It frees you up to find impromtu adventures.
2. Social media isn't everything. Be present at races and events in your community.
3. Roll with the punches.
4. Prioritise recovery, after racing or training, eat! Don't train if you're sick and look after yourself.
5. Be a "do'er"; opportunities won't just appear on your doorstep, you have to create your own luck.