UNBOUND WEEK
+SPEEDCLUB MEDIA
The biggest, baddest, and most beloved (or despised?) gravel race on the planet is back. 200 miles of pure Kansas Flint Hills await, and two of our own are up for the challenge. This year, Dr. Allen McDonald and MG are heading to Emporia, determined to conquer their demons in this grueling 10+ hour race.
In case you weren’t following along on Strava, Allen has been putting in the WORK. We’re talking countless big miles, rain or shine, preparing for this unparalleled challenge. Most notably, Allen went above and beyond to support MG at Athens Twilight, staying out late and then hitting the road for a seven-hour ride in Atlanta by 8 AM the next morning. He’s the real deal, and we’re thrilled to support him through the weekend.
MG’s preparation has been different but no less intense. With a race calendar as varied as his, the past few weeks have been non-stop competition, leaving less time for longer training rides. Despite this, we all know the engine he’s got under the hood.
Michael raced Unbound last year, battling the infamous early mud and clawing his way back to a top 25 finish. This year, he’s gunning for more, and he’s doing it in style, debuting his brand-new summer jersey (“Hot Coral”) color. If there were ever a race to see and be seen - this is it.
Keep your eyes peeled for updates as Allen and MG take on Unbound. Will MG’s shiny new jersey bring him luck and a top finish? Will Allen decide to do the 350 at the last minute “just because”? Stay tuned!
Follow along with the tracking feature HERE.
MGR CORNER
Hey everyone!
It’s Unbound Week!
I am heading into my second edition of the world-famous Unbound Gravel this weekend and am more than excited. A race of such distance always brings a degree of concern. With one edition under my belt though, I feel calm, collected and excited for a big hit out this Saturday.
This past week, we skipped the final of the USA Crits series to give myself a break from travel and get some serious volume into my body. I logged a few 5+ hour days on the bike, focusing on training my gut to handle super-high carbohydrate absorptions. People joke about how bike racing becomes an eating contest, it’s true.
WIth such a packed calendar, the reality is opportunities for the perfect preparation are fewer and farther between than ‘traditional’ gravel racers. I’ve been more intensity than volume-focused recently, but am happier, fitter, and more excited to race my bike than ever- no matter the event.
We’re also rolling out the summer jersey color in Kansas this weekend, and I’m so excited to show the new threads. In the dull Kansas hills this sure will POP.
For the bike geeks!
This weekend I’m running my BMC Kaius 01, 42c Specialized Pathfinder Pros (42>47 for clearance as there’s looking to be some mud), Zipp 303 Firecrest just fitted with CeramicSpeed wheels bearings (thanks Nomad Cycling Services!), a 48T chainring + 10-50 cassette topped with CeramicSpeed UFO Drip, and my Wahoo Elemnt ROAM.
Wish me luck!
MG.