It’s Unbound Gravel week, and there is a lot for residents to enjoy and get involved in.
Following the Gravel Cycling Hall of Fame induction ceremonies starting at 6 pm at the Emporia Granada Theatre and honoring cyclists Alison Tetrick and Yuri Hauswald and promoters Miguel Crawford and Joel Dyke, the All Things Gravel Expo takes over the 600 and 700 blocks of Mechanic starting Thursday. Life Time Marketing Specialist Mason Mohn says over 300 vendors will be involved.
Thursday also features the From the Saddle Film Festival at the Granada Theatre starting at 3 pm. This is free and open to the public.
The “Making Our Space” film premiere will be at 7:30 pm at the expo.
Packet pickup begins at 3 pm Thursday but ramps up beginning at 10 am Friday at the Lyon County History Center. KVOE will broadcast live from the History Center Friday morning.
The Unbound Gravel XL 350 race launches at 3 pm Friday, with all other race lengths beginning early Saturday. The Finish Line Party begins at noon on Commercial Street, but residents can also watch riders at the Kansas Turnpike’s cattle pens exit, Eureka, Madison Hamilton and Camp Alexander.
The awards ceremony is at 8 am Sunday at the Granada.
Excitement is building for Unbound this weekend, and it’s not just because a record field of around 4,000 riders is expected. Having said that, though, Athlete Services Manager Treva Worrel says the field is again worldwide this year, with all 50 states and US territories included and riders from over 40 countries involved. The local contingent is strong as well.
With everything coming this week, Worrel is asking residents to volunteer and make the event go as smoothly as possible.
Volunteers are also needed for clean-up along the route beginning Sunday morning.
Stay with KVOE, KVOE.com and KVOE social media for Unbound coverage through the weekend.
