Everyone has a reason for why they ride especially those who are taking part in the inaugural Flint Hills Ultra Gravel Tour that launched from downtown Emporia Saturday morning.
For some, like Robb Finnegan of Lincoln Nebraska, it’s to support a great cause such as the Discover Gravel Fund which provides funding to young cyclists in the local community to help them compete in the sport.
For others like World Record-setting Track Cyclist Ashton Lambie, the reason for riding can be as simple as the promise of a delicious meal.
In all seriousness, Lambie says he is very excited for this challenge and his main goal is simply to cross the finish line. He says the ultra ride is a unique event and one that has already garnered a lot of community support.
Finnegan says when it comes to an ultra-distance ride, success is largely contingent on a combination of physical ability, great equipment, mental toughness and a little bit of luck.
Lambie and Finnegan are just two of 16 riders who have chosen to take on the monster of a route that will stretch from Emporia north to Marysville, south to Pawhuska, Oklahoma and back to Emporia. In total, the ride amounts to roughly 1,050 miles of unsupported gravel riding.
A portion of the riders are looking to make it back to Emporia prior to the start of Unbound Gravel activities that begin Wednesday evening with the Gravel Cycling Hall of Fame induction ceremony inside of the Emporia Granada Theatre. The All Things Gravel Expo will begin Thursday with the Unbound XL 350 ride launching Friday followed by the signature race and all other distances which launch Saturday morning.
A full schedule is available at Unboundgravel.com. For additional information on the Flint Hills Ultra Gravel Tour visit discovergravel.com or find the Flint Hills Ultra Gravel Route Facebook page.
Photos and video by Tagan Trahoon/KVOE News
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