Unbound Gravel Stories: David and Tanya Konshak - The Tandem Team

Location: Hobart, Wisconsin

Instagram: David Konshak @dkonshak Tanya Konshak @tanyajkonshak

Unbound 2025 – XL 350

Words James Ion - Photography provided by David and Tanya Konshak

For David and Tanya Konshak, riding together isn't just about shared miles—it’s about shared ambition. What started as a spark from a couple of tandem-riding friends has grown into a mission. Since 2021, the duo from Wisconsin have been racing gravel side-by-side on a custom-built tandem. Their goal? Take on the biggest events in the country, together.

They made their Unbound debut in 2023 in the 100-mile event and won it. In 2024, they returned to the 200-mile course and won again. Now, only one race remains in their Unbound arc: the XL—350 miles across the Flint Hills.

Winter in Wisconsin hasn’t made training easy, but the two know how to adapt. When snow shut down the trails, they hit the indoor trainers. When they needed a fitness test, they travelled to Texas to race the Rattlesnake Gravel Grind. “We’re always working toward something,” they say. “We’ve learned to push our bodies, and we always have each other to lean on.”

Their weapon of choice is a Cycles Chinook titanium tandem, equipped with SRAM Eagle 10-52 gearing and 42T oval rings. They run Continental Race Kings on Rolf Prima wheels and use custom Cedaero frame packs to carry the essentials for an ultra-endurance race like the XL. Their top goal is to finish, but they also have their eyes on the tandem course record of 32:03:00.

Physically, they know what they’re capable of. Mentally, they lean on each other when it counts. “We never struggle at the same time,” they explain. “That’s our strength. One of us is always ready to lead when the other is fading.”

Fueling is planned and purposeful: a mix of liquid nutrition, Neversecond, Kenetik Ketones, gels, and solid options like rice bars. “Number one rule: don’t fall behind,” they say.

And when they cross that finish line, it won’t just be a win against the miles. “We want to feel all the emotions come back,” Tanya says. “There will definitely be tears of joy, of release. We’re in this together. Always.”