Are you Unbound?
“It’s not a ride, it might be a race, but it is definitely an adventure!” Depends on your perspective, and such is life, isn’t it? Life is always an adventure no matter how much you plan, prioritize and organize.
To be unbound is to be untethered and unrestrained. The term’s pre-12th century origins illicit notions of liberation and escape. Those who are unbound embrace life without limits or restrictions. The word owns many definitions and derivations, but each one ultimately reaches the same finish line. To be unbound is to be free!
Unbound Gravel is a 4 day endurance off road cycling event that grew from 34 participants in 2006 to 6000+ participants in 2022! Imagine over 6000+ cyclists from 48 States and 45 Countries descending on the small, Flint Hills town of Emporia, Kansas. Emporia pulls out all of the stops from hospitality to the views of rolling hills of green pastures with cattle, uphill climbs, down hill speed, water crossings, cattle crossings,, tremendous rain, and mud! To say we faced adversity would be an understatement. Some were prepared, planned for all the elements, stayed committed to their organization and overcame it. While there were others that DNF (did not finish.) To call it an incredible adventure would be an understatement.
It’s difficult to explain the energy when 200 people set out to cycle 350 miles straight without any support. The larger group of people setting out to cycle 200 miles translated to phenomenal shared energy as well. I was part of the 100 mile group that departed at 7am, the lighting, music, and cheering were amazing. Hitting the gravel road, that first ascent and descent with unbelievable long distance views of lush green rolling hills was impeccable.
Mile 25! (Overcoming Adversity)
On a descent with conditions getting wet and tricky, a rider ahead slammed on his brakes, I needed to do the same, then we hit a patch of larger rocks, the tire pressure I decided on proved to be insufficient, the rear wheel sprung a leak and went flat. I counted on the tubeless fluid to patch the leak and it didn’t work at the tire bead where it meets the rim. Fortunately, Tim was supporting our group at the only 64 mile sag station, answered his phone and gave advice to bail on tubeless and install a tube to get going again. Tim is one of the many people on the journey I’ve shared so far that contributed to my success in finishing this event-a gravel tribe! When I think back on the experience, I know I couldn't have done or completed this journey without my new tribe. I was truly humbled by the sheer number of people that passed me and offered not only help BUT parts as well! I was fortunate to overcome the flat, and afraid of getting another one, without another tube on me- no matter how much planning happens, it is difficult to prepare for everything.
The Water Oasis (Support)
An army of volunteers set up shop at the top of a climb, to give riders the opportunity to refill on water at the 40 mile distance. Critical to any endurance ambitions- one must consume a minimum of one mouthful of water every fifteen minutes or debilitating cramps are inevitable. Optimal Cyclists also consume 100 calories every 45 minutes, the minimum needed to sustain endured effort. These rides take a lot of planning!
There were multiple climbs that I was proud to complete without dismounting and the rain became more substantial especially as I approached the 64 mile sag station, not yet caught up to all the people that passed me while I was fixing my flat. It was not about the people that passed me it was about overcoming the unexpected obstacle so early on in my journey.
64 mile Sag (Teamwork)
As I reached the sag station where replenishing food, water, and dry clothes were waiting-the heavy rain began. It was hard to see, but I heard Tim screaming “RAF”, pointing at a pavilion where he intelligently set up shop for us to take cover from the heavy rain. I consumed a can of Coke and protein bar offered by John, some salt & vinegar chips that Steve had, and changed from wet to dry clothes quickly and set out for the finish. The rain came down so hard, it was tough to comprehend what was ahead…. the street had become an incredible lake, dry socks gone already!, I left without realizing I didn’t refill my camelback.
The climbs and roads were complete mud pits, all tires were collecting so much mud at the point they passed through the frames that people had to dismount to clear the build up and tend to drive trains that were just as impacted. This being a major reason for many not crossing that elusive finish line. At points, we had to carry the bikes through the mud because traction wasn’t available. We were out in the Flint Hills, untethered, unrestrained, free and happy like pigs in mud.
Orange slices surprise (Nutrition)
I have vivid memories of being thirsty and hungry at halftime of soccer games in Fort Niagara, NY. There was nothing better than the orange slices parents pre-cut and served cold in the hot summer weather. Unbound was no different, running into a couple that dedicated themselves to hydrating people and serving up some slices right on the route. I am still grateful for replenishing my water bottles and belly with fruit after approximately 85 miles with 20 to go! I remembered to refill this time! :)
Conditions improved and I felt incredible, picking up my pace to 18-20mph. There is nothing like reaching the finish line, many hours after starting, executing a plan, all the sacrifice of making this sport and event a priority, staying organized to overcome adversity, with a little luck…Success! A long line of happy smiling people on each side of us cheering as we reached our goal.
Meeting a lot of great people throughout this gravel community is the best part of the event. The people ringing cowbells, full of kindness, gratitude was consistently incredible before, during and after the event.
So many things happen that one can’t anticipate on many journeys, it is always important to find good communities and to surround oneself by great tribes more now than ever before. People can help each other plan, reinforce prioritizing the necessary work, even stay organized to accomplish a goal. This is coaching, mentorship, teamwork and what the best individuals get and give in tribes-that sets us free. I hope to see you on trails.
