Gravel racing has exploded in recent years, and one race embodies the phenomenon: Unbound Gravel, in Emporia, in the heart of Kansas' Flint Hills. Its flagship event, 200 miles (over 320 km) of gravel roads, has become the dream — and nightmare — of every gravel enthusiast.
What makes it iconic
- Distance and terrain: 200 miles of gravel roads, endless climbs and dust, in austere and stunning country.
- Self-sufficiency: limited aid stations, unpredictable weather (heat, sticky mud after rain) — you need to be mechanically and nutritionally self-reliant.
- Multiple formats: beyond the 200-milers, shorter distances (100, 50, 25 miles) open the race to all levels.
- Gravel spirit: friendly, demanding, far from closed circuits — an adventure as much as a race.
How to participate
- Entry is by lottery: demand far exceeds spots. Sign up in advance on the official website.
- Prepare your bike: robust gravel tires, clean drivetrain, and the ability to fix a flat or broken chain alone in the middle of nowhere.
- Build self-sufficiency: knowing how to eat, drink and manage effort over a very long distance matters as much as leg strength.
