Paul Errington
Promoter, Innovator
While modern gravel cycling has its roots firmly planted in the USA, it has quickly become a global phenomenon. One of the key figures in the global proliferation of gravel events has been Paul Errington. He recognized the potential of gravel cycling as a unique and accessible form of outdoor adventure. As an early advocate for the sport, he’s inspired countless cyclists to explore the world on gravel, both in Europe and beyond.
Paul’s passion for gravel cycling is deeply rooted in his pioneering spirit, but it was an article in XXC Magazine that first piqued his interest in the sport.
“It was a 2011 ride report by (2022 GCHOF Inductee) Corey Godfrey on his TransIowa experience,” Paul said. “I was sold and wanted in, but the TransIowa entry window had closed, so the 2012 DK was the logical choice.
“After that, I was hooked on gravel.”
After his experience in Kansas, Paul combined his DK experience with his love of exploration to create The Dirty Reiver –– one of the first modern gravel events in the UK. The event quickly gained notoriety with a combination of a challenging course in a wild and remote landscape, and a high level of attention to rider wellbeing and overall experience.
Paul said the first year of the Dirty Reiver was a “total gamble”, as he was unsure if UK riders would embrace the gravel cycling concept.
“I had a full-time job, so I was doing the event on the side,” Paul said. “I was lucky to have help from the folks who continue to run the Dirty Reiver to this day, but nobody knew how the event would be received.”
The first Dirty Reiver was held in 2016. Approximately 300 riders toed the line.
“It was crazy for a totally unknown event, at a time when gravel was still trying to gain its own identity and legitimacy as a genre of cycling,” Paul said.
The Dirty Reiver basically doubled in size each year, enabling Paul to leave his full-time job to focus solely on promoting gravel cycling events.
“Once the Dirty Reiver was up and running, I had left my full-time job and needed to fill my time,” Paul said. “Grinduro was in its second year in California, and felt like a complimentary event to the DR, as its focus was more festival than suffer fest.
“After convincing (then Grinduro owner) Giro to create a Grinduro event in Scotland, it was logical to keep growing. Eventually I left the Dirty Reiver in the hands of others to focus solely on truly globalizing Grinduro, while also helping other brands establish their way in gravel.”
Eventually, Paul purchased the Grinduro series and today hosts thousands of riders each year at multiple events across the globe.
Paul’s influence in gravel cycling extends well beyond events as well. He’s served as a brand ambassador for emerging brands including Salsa and 3T, and his work with brands including Shimano, Giro, Canyon, SRAM and others has fueled innovations in gravel equipment.
For Paul however, the beauty of gravel cycling lies not in its technology, but in its community.
“You know when the promoter has taken the time to reach out to the local community and get them involved,” Paul said. “It not only makes the community feel valued, it adds to experience for the riders.
“An event is where you can visit somewhere totally new and get to experience someone’s take on the best riding their area has to offer. That is super cool.”
While Paul doesn’t see the advent of high-level professional gravel racing as the end to grassroots events, he does see a distinct difference in how riders at all levels approach racing today.
“What we sometimes lose sight of is that, in the early days of gravel events, it wasn’t always about competing against each other,” he said. “It was more about willing each other to succeed and finish.
“I loved the fact that, often the events were so challenging in course or distance that simply finishing was a win, and it wasn’t always a given. I formed friendships during those hours pedaling, many of which stay with me today.”
Looking forward, Paul said the future is bright and he expects it to continue to grow in participation.
“However, I think we all need to ride our own ride and take from it what we love,” he said. “Don’t worry so much about how others interpret it.
“Personally, a gravel bike will always be my go-to, and though I ride far less than I did back when this started for me, I enjoy every mile now just as much, if not more.”
Written by Matt Gersib
