Unbound Stories

Words by James Ion - Photography provided by David, Tanya, Chris and Anna.

After months of training, meticulous preparation, setbacks, and personal bests, the riders of Unbound Stories made it to Emporia. Here, they look back on the event in their final piece for this year's Unbound Stories.

Unbound Gravel 2025 brought the usual mix of challenge, community, and unpredictability to the Flint Hills of Kansas. For the riders participating in the “Unbound Stories” project, the race was more than just a test of endurance; it was a chance to share what this event means on a personal level. From the early build-up in Emporia to the finish line (or not), their experiences reflect the full range of what Unbound offers.

Before the Start: Planning, Nerves, and Community

For David and Tanya Konshak, preparing for the XL meant meticulous planning. As tandem riders with dietary restrictions, they couldn’t rely on convenience stores or aid stations for food. “We had to carry everything except extra water,” said David. “How much do we carry? That was the question of the day.”

They spent the week testing their setup, riding different roads, and exploring the expo. “The energy was amazing and the support was great,” David added.

Anna Ferguson also arrived early and soaked in the atmosphere. “Every event felt like a celebration of the gravel community,” she said. From shakeout rides to catching up with friends from gravel camp, she described the pre-race experience as welcoming and energising.

Chris Fowler noted the growth of the event: “It gets bigger every year. The Expo was packed, and Emporia handled it well, restaurants, parking, everything.” He also praised the attitude of riders and volunteers: “The people of Kansas and many of the riders are just incredibly kind.”

Race Day: Challenges on Course

The Konshaks started strong on Friday afternoon, managing to stick with their group even on technical sections. But a series of mechanical issues derailed their effort. “We had a flat from a sidewall puncture that wouldn't seal, and then we struggled with valve extensions, low visibility, and repeated air loss,” said David. After several attempts to fix the issue, they made the decision to stop around mile 130. “Our bodies felt great, but we couldn’t keep stopping every 20 minutes to add air.”

Chris Fowler faced his own setback early in the day. At mile 42, he crashed hard on Divide Road. “I came down a steep hill into some mud, and the back tire slid out violently,” he said. Dazed and bleeding, he took a moment before deciding to continue. “A few miles later, I got a burst of adrenaline and just kept going.”

Later in the race, his wife joined him for the final 54 miles. “She did the 100-mile route, then waited at the aid station to ride with me to the finish. That was something really special.”

For Anna Ferguson, the race brought physical challenges but also a sense of progress. “The first 30 miles were smooth, but by mile 82 I was dizzy and looking for shade. At mile 96, I nearly pulled out,” she said. But she stayed on course, ultimately beating her previous gravel century time by three hours. “I came in wrecked, but thrilled.”

Aftermath: Personal Wins, Regardless of Finish

While not everyone made it to the finish line, all of the riders spoke positively about their experiences.

Chris hit his personal stretch goal, finishing just before midnight. “We heard someone shout there was one mile and ten minutes left, and somehow we found another gear. I made it with about three and a half minutes to spare.”

Anna reflected on the significance of completing the race at all. “As a two-time cancer survivor, I’ve faced harder things. That strength got me to the finish line.”

The Konshaks were disappointed to scratch, but already have the next goal in sight: the Coast to Coast Gravel Grinder in Michigan. “We were ready in every way but one. We'll be back.”

Conclusion

Unbound 2025 delivered what it always promised: tough roads, unpredictable moments, and unforgettable experiences. For these riders, the race wasn’t only about results. It was about preparation, persistence, and the people around them. Whether they finished the course or not, they each left Emporia with a story worth telling.

---

A huge thank you to David and Tanya Konshak, Chris Fowler and Anna Ferguson! For taking part, for being amazing and for telling their story! Make sure to follow them all on Instagram and see how the rest of the season unfolds!

See you next year!