And they’re off. . . Unbound Gravel 2022 is officially underway.
The 2022 series of races began Friday afternoon with the launch of the Unbound XL 350-mile race. Among the field of XL riders was Chris Thorpe of Richmond, VA, who says the XL was the main reason he has wanted to come to Emporia.
He says the XL is the largest distance he has ever attempted and he could not wait to get on the course and push himself. Thorpe says there is a lot of “self-discovery” that comes with a challenge like the XL.
In addition to the launch of the XL, Friday’s activities included day two of the All Things Gravel Expo where various vendors from all parts of the country, and the world, were set up to meet with local residents and cycling enthusiasts. One of those booths was occupied by Storyteller Overland a leading adventure van manufacturer based out of Birmingham, AL.
Marketing Director Amy Sibert says having a presence at the world’s largest gravel event is great for business, but they’re not just here to sell vans.
Also on hand all the way from Clinton, British Columbia was Kelly Servinski the owner and operator of North America’s only known gravel cyclist hotel the Tutti Gravel Inn. Servinski says their doors are open to any and all travelers, however, the hotel can best be described as a “cyclist’s paradise.”
Unbound Gravel activities continue Saturday with the launch of the 200-mile ride at 6 am followed by the 100-mile launch at 7 am at 6th and Commercial. The junior ride will begin at 8:30 am with the Unbound 25 and 50-mile distances launching at 9 am.
The Unbound finish line party will begin at noon. Activities will conclude Sunday morning with the 200 and XL awards ceremony at 8 am inside the Emporia Granada Theatre.
For a full schedule and more information visit unboundgravel.com.
Photos by Tagan Trahoon/KVOE News
