After the good fortune of getting selected in the lottery process, I've decided to take on the Unbound Gravel 200, aka the gravel cycling event that chews up riders and spits them out somewhere along a dusty road in the Flint Hills of Kansas.
"Congratulations, you brave, delusional soul."
This isn’t just any ride; it’s a full-blown sufferfest where the dirt roads are rougher than a middle-school breakup and the weather is as predictable as your Aunt Carol’s conspiracy theories.
I've never feared mud until I started hearing stories from Unbound.
As a first-timer, I'm primed to get overwhelmed with advice and gear recommendations—most of it helpful, some of it just straight-up terrifying. So I’ve pulled together this list of 10 so-called must-have items that will help me survive out there. These suggestions come straight from the trenches of Unbound veterans, but I’m curious… what do you think? Are these the essentials, or am I missing a game-changer? Drop your thoughts or recommendations in the comments—let’s help all the first-timers (and maybe a few veterans) get across that finish line.
1. A Gravel-Specific Bike That Eats Bumps for Breakfast
You wouldn’t bring a clown car to a monster truck rally, so don’t bring a road bike to Unbound. Get yourself a proper gravel steed—a bike with wide tire clearance, a forgiving geometry, and the confidence of a college senior who just aced their finals.
Example: The Specialized Diverge STR comes with Future Shock suspension to take the edge off those Kansas ruts. Or, if you’re into titanium and mortgages, check out the Moots Routt RSL.
2. Tires That Laugh in the Face of Sharp Rocks
Gravel tires are everything at Unbound. A puncture is inevitable, but you can reduce the risk by choosing tough, tubeless-ready tires with sidewall protection and enough width to float over gravel instead of sinking into it.
Example: The Continental Terra Speed 45mm tires are fast, grippy, and tough. Or go full send with Continental RaceKing 2.2 if you like your traction dialed up to 11.
3. A Saddle That Won’t Shred Your Nether Regions
200 miles is a long time to have your butt glued to a bike seat, and trust me—not all saddles are created equal. Get one that works for you and then ride it. A lot.
Example: The Fizik Antares Versus Evo or Selle SMP Dynamic provide enough comfort and support to get you through without feeling like you’ve been sitting on a medieval torture device.
4. Hydration System for the Sahara-Level Thirst
Unbound is hot, dusty, and dryer than your dad’s jokes. You’ll need to carry enough water and electrolytes to avoid turning into a shriveled raisin before mile 75.
Example: The CamelBak Chase Race 4 Vest lets you carry 1.5L of water and gels while keeping the weight off your back. For bottles, go with Elite Fly bottles—light, squeezable, and easy to refill at aid stations.
5. Spare Tubes, Sealant, and a Frame-Saving Multi-Tool
Bad news: Unbound eats tires. Good news: You can come prepared. Carry enough tools to MacGyver your way through any mechanical meltdown. Spare tubes, tire plugs, sealant, and a multi-tool are non-negotiable.
Example: The Dynaplug Racer tire plug kit will save your race. Pair it with Orange Seal Endurance sealant and a Wolf Tooth 8-Bit multi-tool for a one-stop survival shop.
6. A Chamois So Good You’ll Write It Love Letters
Your shorts are your first line of defense against the soul-crushing saddle time. Splurge on a quality chamois that’s designed for long-distance pain and keep the chamois cream flowing like fine wine.
Example: The Castelli Competizione Bibshorts are like velvet hugs for your backside. For chamois cream, Chamois Butt’r Ultra is the MVP for serious rides.
7. A GPS Head Unit That Won’t Die on You
The last thing you want is to lose your way in the middle of nowhere, Kansas. A GPS computer with great battery life and navigation is as essential as the pedals on your bike.
Example: The Wahoo Elemnt Roam has epic battery life, clear mapping, and buttons you can press with sweaty sausage fingers. Or the Garmin Edge 1040 Solar if you want a battery that seemingly outlives the sun.
8. Nutrition That Won’t Make You Barf After Mile 100
You’ll burn somewhere around a zillion calories during Unbound, so you better have a solid nutrition plan. Gels, bars, drink mixes, and real food that you can stomach for hours on end are key.
Example: Skratch Labs drink mix hydrates without the sugar bomb, Neversecond C30 Energy Gel delivers clean carbs, and rice cakes with almond butter are homemade magic for your pocket buffet.
9. A Kit That Says, “I’m Suffering but Fashionable”
You might be caked in dust and sweat, but that doesn’t mean you can’t look fly. A lightweight, moisture-wicking jersey and matching accessories will make you feel (slightly) more human.
Example: The Castelli Espresso Jersey screams performance and style. Match it with Smith Wildcat sunglasses for extra pro vibes (and glare protection).
10. A Sense of Humor and a Short Memory
Okay, not technically gear, but absolutely essential. At some point during Unbound, you’ll swear you’re never touching a bike again. A good sense of humor and the ability to forget pain quickly are the best tools you can bring.
Example: Laugh when you hit the next soul-sucking climb. High-five a fellow rider who looks worse than you. And remember—it’s only 200 miles. Easy, right?
The Bottom Line
Unbound Gravel 200 won't be just a race—it will be an experience, a test of grit, and a chance to tell outrageous war stories for years to come. Does this list hit the mark, or would you add something to the survival kit? Let us know in the comments—the more tips, the better. See you in Emporia!
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