Before turning 62 in January, I contemplated my 2025 goals, searching for ways to challenge myself on and off the bike. One thing was clear: my gravel bike would take center stage. Last year, most of my 6000+ miles in the saddle were on paved roads, always worried about distracted drivers. I aim to rack up most of my miles on gravel roads and trails this year.
To get my gravel party started, I entered my name in the lottery for UNBOUND Gravel 100. I keep asking myself why I would jump from Michigan’s Dirty Donut 100K gravel race to a 100-mile adventure through the Flint Hills of Kansas. Has senility set in? Nope. Peer pressure? Maybe. A moment of weakness? Absolutely!
My friends Katie and Jeanne have been on my case for years, trying to convince me to sign up for UNBOUND Gravel 100. They even sent me pictures of the giant, sharp, flint rocks larger than your fist that litter the course. But what really did it was an entertaining video of three friends riding UNBOUND Gravel 200 on Walmart single-speed beach cruisers. Yes, 200 miles on a singlespeed beach cruiser, complete with cute wicker baskets for snacks and horns! I highly recommend watching it ― click here. Don’t worry. Since the lottery is closed, you are safe for this year. After watching the video, I hit the submit button to enter the lottery and sat back, waiting for the official confirmation email to arrive a few weeks later.
On November 21st, I cautiously opened my email, unsure if I wanted to be in or out. It was a congratulatory email — I’m in! Feeling a mix of excitement and terror, I am now committed to riding UNBOUND Gravel 100 at the end of May.
As reality started sinking in, I thought, “What the heck did I just do?”
Developing a Game Plan
I quickly realized I’d need a comprehensive training and nutrition plan to be successful. Having an event early in the season is the perfect motivation to get me in the basement and on the trainer during Chicago’s long, cold, gloomy winter. But only riding the trainer isn’t going to cut it. Building strength, especially in my upper body and core, will help reduce fatigue from hours of rough terrain. Also, if history repeats itself, the extra strength will come in handy there’s a muddy hike-a-bike section. Rumor has it there always is.
The third part of my training is to incorporate mobility. Adding a yoga session every day, even just for 15 minutes, will increase flexibility and reduce the chances of injury. The fourth component is nutrition. Being post-menopausal, my nutritional needs on and off the bike have drastically changed. My goal is to lose five pounds, gain lean muscle, and fuel correctly.
The Training Plan
I’m using Wahoo SYSTM for the bike training ―three hard weeks, one recovery week format. Last winter, I successfully used the program to prepare for a February trip with The Cycling House. The mixed terrain camp in Tucson, Arizona, included Patagonia gravel and climbing Mt. Lemmon.
I’ve incorporated Wahoo SYSTM’s short strength training and yoga sessions. I’m also peppering in yoga and strength training from the Dynamic Cyclists app to keep things fresh.
Historically, being primarily a vegetarian, my daily protein intake was woefully insufficient to maintain lean muscle. Using the MyFitnessPal app, I can easily track my daily macronutrients (macros) and ensure I stay on track. I’ll also start working on my on-the-bike nutrition and “training” my gut to consume more carbs.
Never Underestimate the Power of Community
To succeed at UNBOUND Gravel, I’ll need my community to help me get to the start line and finish the race. Girls Gone Gravel (GGG) is one of my communities. GGG is working with events like UNBOUND Gravel to increase the number of women at the start line through their “More Women, More Miles.” campaign. GGG offers educational sessions and a place to connect with other female gravel cyclists. I’ve already attended the first two sessions, gaining valuable information and connections. Future live sessions will focus on training, nutrition, and gear selection.
Then there’s my friend Kae, who races gravel for Lauf and is all too familiar with UNBOUND, having podiumed at the event. She jumped on a video chat, giving me pointers on the proper riding position for fast, loose gravel downhills (outside my comfort zone), gear (bike/tire) selection, and dealing with mud.
The staff at my local bike shop, Trek Highland Park, will ensure my Salsa Cutthroat is in perfect working order so I can focus on riding and not maintenance.
Other key community members, including local friends, are committed to riding more gravel to help me prepare for UNBOUND.
To get to the start line, I rely on my community to keep me motivated, share valuable information, and keep me grounded. With their support, I know I’ll be ready to tackle the Flint Hills.
Time to Execute the Plan
So, there you have it, my game plan for UNBOUND Gravel 100. It’s definitely as much about the journey as the destination. Maybe we’ll see each other out training on a gravel road or if you’re heading out to the race. And when we spot a few of those giant flint rocks, try to chuckle and not
Sunflowers and Pedals 
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