Unbound Gravel activities are now in full swing including the annual All Things Gravel Expo in downtown Emporia.
The expo kicked off Thursday afternoon in the 600 and 700 blocks of Mechanic, 10 and 100 blocks of East Seventh and the 10 block of East Eighth. Hundreds of vendors were on hand from around the country and the world showcasing clothing, equipment, beverages and much more.
Among the list of vendors was Susan Cronan of Champion System from Lincoln, Nebraska. Cronan has been to Unbound on four occasions including this year and says the atmosphere of the event is what keeps bringing her back.
Also on hand Thursday was storybook author Adam Porter of Biklane Company based in Arizona who was attending his third Unbound and his first expo as a vendor. Porter writes and illustrates storybooks centered on gravel riding.
Porter says when he created the books, showcasing them at the expo “immediately” became a goal for him.
The All Things Gravel Expo will continue Friday from 10 am to 1 pm. Also on the Unbound schedule Friday will be the launch of the XL 350-mile ride at 3 pm in front of the Emporia Granada Theatre.
Ahead of that, KVOE will air a special two-hour Talk of Emporia during rider check-in from the Lyon County History Center starting at 10:06 am. The remaining Unound distances, including the signature 200-mile rides, are set to launch from the Granada Theatre starting with the elite men at 5:50 am followed by the elite women at 6:05 am.
For more information visit UnboundGravel.com.
