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The begins for Life Time Unbound Gravel occasions will all happen in downtown Emporia, Kansas on Business Avenue with the primary races heading out because the solar rises to light up the enduring Granada Theatre. Riders within the signature Unbound Gravel 200 occasion can have staged begins, the elite males taking off at 6:00 a.m. CT, adopted by the elite ladies 5 minutes later. The mass begin for all different 200-mile riders will start at 6:30 a.m.
Riders participating within the 100-mile, 50-mile and 25-mile distances will depart at set instances between 7:30 to 9:30 a.m. CT.
The 2024 course for Unbound Gravel 200 is barely longer than billed, a complete of 202.9 miles (327km) with 11,850 ft (3,600m) of elevation acquire throughout 92% of gravel. The route returns to a northbound loop for the primary time since 2021, and new rolling, rural roads present for two,750 extra ft of elevation acquire than the final two editions.Â
A brand new path out of city presents the primary filth roads simply two miles in, utilizing East 18th Avenue to make a loop to cross State Freeway 99. At mile 25 the route takes Kaw Reserve Street, with technical and rugged double-track that results in Eskridge and the primary Impartial Water Oasis.
One of many hardest sections of your complete route comes after 45.5 miles, Divide Street. This relentless stretch of tough terrain has been used earlier than, however the circumstances are extra rugged than in years previous. This results in a collection of rollers on Boothill Street and a brand new part on the Prairie View Street climb, at mile 65 mile. It’s on this part, west of Alma, that the additional elevation acquire in 2024 might be discovered.Â
As soon as in Alma at mile 70, riders can benefit from the primary examine level. The rocky terrain transitions to smoother gravel on the west aspect of city, however there are extra climbs at Volland Street and the roads are uncovered to the weather so riders can count on to battle the wind and endure growing warmth.
At mile 104, Little Egypt returns with a steep ascent over chunky rocks, the place accelerations have taken place in previous years to disrupt teams which have fashioned. The route strikes to the east of Alta Vista, the place there’s a second Water Oasis at mile 112.Â
On the way in which south towards Council Grove, there’s a water crossing at mile 138 with a steep ascent on the exit. The second and remaining Examine Level is 10 miles past.
At mile 175 is the longest climb of the day up adjoining to Lake Kahola, an uncovered and sometimes windswept ramp adopted by rollers. Eleven miles later is the ultimate impartial water cease at Americus, however the elite riders will speed up for the ultimate stretch again into Emporia on Service provider Avenue, which skirts the Emporia State College campus with the punchy climb of Highland Hill. Â
As soon as throughout Highland Hill, riders flip left on twelfth Avenue for 2 blocks, then proper for the ultimate straightaway on Business Avenue. The ultimate 1.5 miles of the course might be barricaded to guard spectators and riders, with a devoted end chute for the Unbound Gravel 200 riders to complete alongside the three different classes within the coronary heart of town.
