If you encounter a gravel road while riding, what should you do?

When you encounter a gravel road while riding, reducing speed and maintaining a firm grip on the handlebars is the best approach. Gravel surfaces can be unstable and slippery, which can lead to a loss of traction if you're traveling at high speeds. Slowing down allows you to maintain better control of your motorcycle, giving you more time to react to any unexpected changes in the surface or obstacles that may arise.

A firm grip on the handlebars is crucial because it helps you steer effectively and maintain balance on the loose surface. This control is vital, as it minimizes the risk of the bike sliding out from under you, which is a common hazard on gravel roads.

The other choices suggest methods that could compromise your safety, such as accelerating quickly, which would increase the risk of losing grip, or staying on the throttle, which could lead to instability. Turning around might be impractical depending on the situation and could also put you in a compromising position on the road. Therefore, reducing speed and maintaining control is the most prudent and effective strategy when faced with gravel.