Unbound Gravel’s Garmin Lunar Ride enjoyable for participants despite heat

Once again, the Garmin Lunar Ride presented by Unbound Gravel had a wide-reaching draw Saturday night.

Riders came to Emporia from Nebraska, Oklahoma and as far away as Florida. Chase Sutter from Broken Arrow, Oklahoma, participated in the Unbound 100 earlier this year.

Cesar Sanchez-Crawford now hails from Lawrence. He did not participate in the Unbound Gravel activities earlier this year — his bachelor party took precedence — but he plans to take part in that event next year. And he says his ride Saturday was enjoyable.

Andrew Burger, a Lawrence native set to begin his senior year at Emporia State University, also enjoyed his ride. Burger is studying abroad in South Korea and Germany this upcoming academic year.

About 310 riders took part despite heat index readings above 100 for much of the evening. Riders had the option of a 25-mile or 50-mile ride — or they could go as long as they wanted. Event organizers also had a block party for riders and the community, featuring food trucks, a variety of drinks and music from The Box Turtles.