Unbound Gravel Stories

Words James Ion - Photography courtesy of Life Time Grand Prix - Credit Wil Matthews

Unbound Gravel: The Heartbeat of the Flint Hills

Every year, thousands of cyclists converge on Emporia, Kansas, to take on Unbound Gravel powered by Shimano — an event that has evolved from a grassroots challenge into one of the world’s premier gravel races. 

Formerly known as Dirty Kanza, Unbound Gravel was founded in 2006 and now features a range of distances designed to test riders of all levels. The signature 200-mile course winds through the rugged Flint Hills, while other options include the 25, 50, 100, and the formidable 350-mile XL event.

The terrain is unpredictable, the weather often extreme, and the rules demand self-sufficiency—no outside support except at designated checkpoints. It’s not just a race; it’s a rite of passage. For many, completing Unbound is a personal triumph over adversity, endurance, and the elements.

Learn more at: https://www.unboundgravel.com

Feature Series: Unbound Stories

In this special feature, PRO Gravel Magazine will follow three amateur riders as they prepare for and participate in Unbound Gravel 2025. Each brings a unique story of resilience, transformation, and partnership:

- The Survivor

A mother and cancer survivor who is using the bike to inspire other women to embrace cycling and reclaim their strength.

- The Rebuilder

A man who, after a life-altering accident, found healing, purpose, and direction through gravel riding.

- The Tandem Team

A husband and wife duo who have previously completed the 100- and 200-mile races and are now setting their sights on the XL – 350 miles across Kansas. They train, ride, and push each other through every mile.

Over the coming weeks, we’ll bring you into their worlds—how they train, prepare, overcome obstacles, and ultimately experience race day itself. This isn’t just about who crosses the finish line, but how they get there.

Follow along on our Instagram and Facebook channels for exclusive updates, behind-the-scenes content, training check-ins, and rider takeovers as we document their progress.

More Than Just a Race

This feature series will also offer broader context and community insight, including:

- Local Voices

A conversation with a longtime Emporia resident on how Unbound Gravel has shaped the town’s identity and community spirit.

- Inclusive Cycling

A feature interview with Marley Blonsky, co-founder of All Bodies on Bikes, exploring their work toward building a more inclusive cycling community.

- The Elite Race

Coverage of the Life Time Grand Prix series, including how the race at Unbound impacts the overall standings and how Wild Card entries are awarded.

Join the Journey

Unbound Gravel is about more than results, it’s about the ride, the people, and the powerful stories forged on dirt roads. Whether you're in it for the racing, the inspiration, or the adventure, Unbound Stories is your front-row seat to the grit and heart behind the handlebars.

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Join the conversation: #UnboundStories