We’re just a few short weeks away from Unbound Gravel.
The last week in May is set to bring over 5,000 riders to Emporia — as well as family, friends, vendors and casual and die-hard cycling fans.
This happens to be Unbound’s 20th anniversary year, and that’s not lost on organizers like Race Director Sean Thurman.
Much of the attention is on what happens in Emporia, but Thurman says checkpoint communities and others along the route have been vital to Unbound’s success.
Athletic Services Manager Treva Anno thanked Emporians for their support and their patience.
Anno says volunteers are needed, especially at checkpoints, even though well over 1,000 people volunteer their time during a given Unbound.
Marketing Manager Mason Mohn has been around Unbound all his life, with his parents involved since the very first race. To Mohn, Unbound is special because it celebrates triumph over adversity.
Mohn says there is a long list of public activities for Unbound Week from May 25-30, meaning a lot of behind-the-scenes work in addition to getting the public informed and excited about what’s to come.
Meanwhile, the Emporia Police Department has already announced traffic plans for Unbound Week:
*May 26: Advance traffic control begins with the placement of cones, barricades, signage and other traffic control devices
*May 28-29: Street closures for the All Things Gravel Expo begin around 4 am May 27, with Commercial Street closed to thru traffic beginning May 27. Mechanic between 6th and 7th will be closed, as will 7th and 8th, both from Mechanic to Merchant — but Commercial Street will have cross traffic allowed at 9th, 10th and 11th
*May 29: The unbound XL starts at 3 pm and will use Commercial Street from 8th to 12th, then go from 12th to Merchant and north to Road 187
*May 30: Riders in all other race lengths leave Emporia between 5:50-10 am, all using the same “lead-out” route — Commercial to 12th, west to Constitution, south to 6th, west to Prairie and south to Road 160
More information is available at unboundgravel.com.
