Reason to Ride I could tell by the miles on my Garmin, and the pain in my legs, that the finish line was near by: I needed it to be. Every part of me wanted to just lay my bike over lazily and fade into a cool shady spot under one of the many trees along the way. My lips were sunburnt and ached with that ever present urge to lick them for temporary relief. My large hands were stuck in the grip position and would shoot painful jabs up my forearms if I tried to move them. Cramps in my quads had stopped me earlier, but salt pills and pickle juice had alleviated the pain to tolerable levels.
But, you know what? I was smiling. Oh, I was in the privateer ride, not the full on 150 at Gravel Worlds.
I’m a forty nine year old salesman that looks awfully awkward in bike shorts and a helmet. My bike is an entry level bike that has been beat up terribly in my mid life crisis adventure in gravel biking. My gear is a Mish mash of Amazon sales and none of it matches. But, that doesn’t matter in the gravel world of which I am very grateful.
My reason for riding in Gravel Worlds was to have a purpose in my weekly riding around my home- beyond the immediate acetic and emotional reasons that I do it. Without a goal of some sort with a timestamp on it, I felt like I’d just be spinning my wheels………. The physical struggle of riding is a positive but secondary reason for me to ride anytime. The driving “ideal” that I crave in my riding is silence and the residual solitude.
Beyond the crunching of gravel, the shifting gears and my gasping breath, is the song of meadowlarks and irrigation motors on the horizon. There are the numerous herds of cattle that have grown accustomed to me cruising by them as they sit in shade by the water tanks. Deer never fail to startle me,as much as they are startled by me, as they dart out of grassy ditches and jump gracefully over cobbled together barbed wire fence. I’ve been stared down by a stubborn badger and chased by a wayward llama.
There are times, though, that I swear the only sound around is my heart pounding through my cheap and undersized jersey.
At the center of the silence outside, is the constant dialogue within me. I think that my brain goes into deep thought overdrive when the rest of me is busy peddling. Many times my bike ride is consumed with prayer, thankfulness and humility. I have shed a few years down my dirty face after Grace given catharsis. If I let myself think about how to approach a situation with someone, my initial emotional reaction is replaced with a more objective, rational and pragmatic response. There is one Universal truth with riding a bike: You cannot stay in a bad and self consumed mood if you keep riding.
Once I passed the finish line, I was surprised to hear my name and hometown on the PA. I stopped and got a “good job” pat on my wet back and a privateer patch for my accomplishment. My head was reeling with the sudden end of it all.
I walked my bike back to the YMCA parking lot because I was unable to ride it anymore. I felt like puking up all of the bloxs,bagels, Pepsi, Coke and Gatorade from the day. I was Miserable and just wanted a shower, Big Mac and a nap.
I was smiling mud filled ear to sand filled ear. What a great day.

When was your first Gravel Worlds?
I’m a total Gravel Worlds newbie.  I’ve only been there once, this past year in 2017.  I decided to start “racing” outside of the local races and take some trips to see some other areas.  I had only heard great things about Gravel Worlds so I figured it would be a great time to get up there for it.
What was your biggest hurdle/most difficult challenge?
The last 25 miles of the 2017 race.  I rode single speed that day.  It was only the 2nd time I had done over 100 miles on a single speed.  I had just started riding single speed in June of 2017.  I geared down from what I was used to riding, but it wasn’t a far enough drop.  After those first 125 miles my legs were shot.  There was a lot of hill walking and pushing to just finish.
What was your highest Gravel Worlds moment?
At the checkpoint around mile 80 I was starting to feel the effects of climbing so much in one gear.  The group of people at the checkpoint were awesome.  Its always great getting encouragement, especially from people I don’t know.  One of the volunteers at the checkpoint was a SS rider and she gave me some great encouragement and a high 5 when I rolled out of the checkpoint.  That pushed me on to mile 125.
What is your favorite Gravel Worlds story?
After I finished the race I walked into the restaurant there and was greeted by some fellow Emporians. Tim & Kristi Mohn, Lyn Blubaugh and Paulina Batiz were all finishing up their meal and I was in need of something cold to drink.  I just picked up their drinks (they were done right) and finished off each glass.  Gravel tribe = family  Those drinks tasted great after a hot day on the bike.
How did you feel when you finished?
I was toasted.  I had nothing left in the tank.  When I rolled in I was greeted by the same person who had encouraged me out of the checkpoint at mile 80.  She was there cheering me in.  That was cool.   Even though it took me way to long, I felt accomplished finishing that course on a $300 single speed bike.
In one phrase what is Gravel Worlds to you?
Time to walk the plank, matey.

My first Gravel Worlds was 2016, but you won’t find any pictures or even see me on the results page, although I collected all the pipe cleaners. Just nine months prior I had been cycling to a cross race and was run over from behind by a person driving a SUV. Among my injuries was a traumatic brain injury that affected my short-term memory. Although I was nearly completely recovered, the brain injury lingered. I normally always forget something on a ride and curiously wait to see what it is. This time I forgot my race number in the car so no official results. Guess I’m coming back in ’17!
Hurdle: In 2016, that power sucking wet gravel in the first section. Awful. In 2017, I had my stuff together and coming off a solid finish in the DK200, I was ready for Worlds. I even had my race number this year. But remember when I said I always forget something? This time I was about to Valparaiso when I reached to my back left pocket. I’m not sure why I checked then and not in the parking lot, but the pocket was empty. Half of my nutrition plan sat in the car where my race number was left the year prior. Well crap, I guess I’m refueling at gas stations. I was more bummed at the added stop time than fact I didn’t have my gear. No one gets upset at having to eat Casey’s all day.
Highest moment: Having my wife and sons meet me at the finish line. Last year they greeted me with a dozen Krispy Kreme donuts. Best. Donuts. Ever.
Fav Story: I’ve ridden Worlds both times with one of my best friends. We’ll call him Daryl. Last year we agreed to not mess around and get the race done as fast as we can. Well, we stayed longer than planned in Roca, but whatever. A day on the bike beats about anything. Somewhere after that we got split up. He knew I was stopping at Casey’s so I figured he’d roll in anytime. As some other friends stopped in, I asked about him. They said, “He just rode by a few minutes ago.” I just got dropped at a gas station stop! I wasn’t gonna stand for that and Brad Oldfield and I rolled out. We buried the needle as much as you can after 120 miles, me pulling, Brad navigating. I had to take a chance on my sketchy navigation and pressed on alone sighting riders in the distance and picking them off one by one. Was that him? Nope. Now? Nope. I had nearly given up, but the race wasn’t over. Up on the next climb was a rider grinding it out and constantly looking over his shoulder. “Daaaarrrryyllll,” I called out. It was him. I reeled him in. As I rode up, I slapped him on the back and he snapped, “Don’t touch me.” He was cracked, a shell of a man at this point, but we’re friends, so I took the lead and pulled him in. Unfortunately, I also took him down a wrong turn and added four miles and some climbing. He reminds me often. Daryl is currently out crushing the Colorado Trail Race. He’s next level folks.
Finish: Finishing any bucket list race is a great feeling. I do what feels like a massive manual over the finish line, but it looks more like I’m pulling the front wheel over a pebble, whatever. Having my family see me finish is icing on the cake. Phrase: Fuller said it best, because it’s true. Gravel Worlds is the end of summer family reunion.

When was your first Gravel Worlds?
2015 I pirated and only finished about half of the route
2016 was my first finish!
What was the biggest hurdle/most difficult challenge? Being slow 🙂 being on a bike for 16 hours can really mess with your mind. It was difficult to stay committed and to not give up. It took a lot of willpower to keep pushing forward when it would’ve been very easy to give up before the end. If I was stronger and faster I would’ve had less time to think about quitting ?
What was your highest Gravel Worlds moment?
Probably that first time we crossed the finish line. I was riding with my friend Rachel and we pushed each other to the end. It was dark and our lights were running out and we got lost right at the end so finally crossing the finish line was a huge accomplishment.
What is your favorite Gravel Worlds story? I don’t know if it’s my favorite but last year I crashed around mile 84. I went down hard and gouged a hole in my elbow (I still have a good scar there). I was bleeding profusely but there was no one around so I had to keep going. I took a rag out of my tool kit and tied it around the gash. Then I rode about 5 miles to the next checkpoint where I got cleaned up and downed a shot of whiskey. My bike wasn’t hurt and my legs still worked so I kept going and finished in 3 hours less than I did the year before.
How did you feel when you finished? Initially I felt relieved! Haha I was hungry and thirsty for beer. Even though I was exhausted and extremely ready to not be on a bike anymore I still felt so proud. I was very proud of my accomplishment and that feeling kept growing and I still am amazed that I was able to do it twice!
In one phrase, what is Gravel Worlds to you? Because of Gravel worlds I know I can keep pushing the boundaries of what I think is possible.

When was your first Gravel Worlds?
I think 2015. I was a late-bloomer as we have so many gravel roads in Iowa. In hindsight, I would have participated years ago! I love the event and the vibe!
What was the biggest hurdle/most difficult challenge?
the last 20 miles of 2017. It was hotter than than Satan’s house-cat. I was pushin’ a fat bike, The hills were all front-loaded and I had a puking incident near the finish (see below).
What was your highest Gravel Worlds moment?
The first year I finished. Even as a Trans Iowa finisher, the term “Gravel Worlds” is intimidating at first, but anyone with enough fitness and tenacity can finish with a smile.
What is your favorite Gravel Worlds story?
Talking with the owners at the Pickle stop. The lottery was big that week and he said he was going to buy some lottery tickets. I handed him a $20 and asked him to buy me some tickets and we’d share the winnings. He thought that was great. Good times!
How did you feel when you finished?
Depends on the year and my fitness level. In 2017 I puked 20 miles out from a mix of the heat, a Coke, a pickle and Chocolate milk. word to the wise – NEVER mix those 4 things withing a 10 mile period. All was good once I got back to the bar, ate and had one or twelve beers.
In one phrase, what is Gravel Worlds to you?
The camaraderie – Great Times with like-minded Gravel friends

When was your first Gravel Worlds? – My first was back in 2009 when it was “just” The Good Life Gravel Adventure.
What was the biggest hurdle/most difficult challenge? – That year, the Nebraska headwinds and heat, along with deep sand in many parts of the course made for a difficult race.
What was your highest Gravel Worlds moment? – I’m never fast enough to be in the hunt for a jersey, but I was really satisfied with being able to lead some big trains of riders into the strong headwinds we had in 2016.
What is your favorite Gravel Worlds story? – In 2013, riding on Mill Road, I blew out a tire bead 75 miles into the race. My shortcut back through Lincoln used up both of my spare tubes. I walked 2 miles to the bar in Emerald where I sheepishly called race control who sent Joe Fox out to pick me up. Always have support with you.
How did you feel when you finished? – I always feel great finishing any GW. The cheers from spectators and racers, plus the opportunity for telling stories and catching up with friends makes it a great experience.
In one phrase, what is Gravel Worlds to you? – A Family Reunion.

When was your first Gravel Worlds?
August 2016. I was new to gravel riding and had less than 5 gravel rides in me. My longest ride had been a century. I really didn’t know what to expect other than what I saw from photos and videos. It looked like a crazy enough adventure for me to sign up for. To visit my home state was also a plus.
What was the biggest hurdle/most difficult challenge?
For my first Gravel Worlds we started out at guns blazing speed or so it felt. It was a rookie mistake on my part to be in the red the first several miles trying to stay up and play chase with the front groups. Once we hit the first series of rollers, I was going backwards and pedaling squares. It wasn’t until around mile 80 I had spun the lactic acid out to where my legs didn’t feel like bricks. It was an ugly long start for me, but I’m happy to have recovered and finished the last half feeling good. Navigating with 2 in. by 3 in. crumpled cue sheets was also a challenge, but I still keep them to this day as a reminder of my adventure. I learned a lot in my first year.
What was your highest Gravel Worlds moment?
Well both literally and figuratively lol, after a series of climbs near Valparaiso, I was at the top of one of the climbs and had this beautiful 360 degree view. It was the most serene landscape surrounded by rolling hills and the wind blowing through the glistening prairie grass and cornfields. For that moment I forgot about suffering and being out of breath. I just enjoyed the view. I could see the Capitol building off in the distance and I got this jolt of energy knowing that I was getting closer to the finish.
What is your favorite Gravel Worlds story?
I’d have to say my entire first Gravel Worlds experience. It’s where I got the gravel bug and started to explore my own area for gravel riding. I enjoyed the atmosphere and meeting people along the ride. The whole event kind of opened my eyes up to this other world of riding different than the racing scene I was used to. To challenge yourself, to compete against the course, the changing elements of weather and terrain, and to be around others who enjoy the same, that’s what I love most about gravel.
How did you feel when you finished?
Exhausted and accomplished. My legs felt like noodles and I laid face down in the nice grass and shade for a little while before coming to terms on what I just did and snap back to reality. I was extremely happy to see my husband who had finished as well and ready to eat.
In one phrase, what is Gravel Worlds to you?
A rollercoaster adventure through the Nebraska countryside.
Venny Alub
Nickname:  Otter, Killer V
City:  New Waverly, Texas
Hometown:  Cozad, Nebraska
Day Job:  Cantu Cycling Wheels Marketing / Photographer
Team:  Cantu Cycling Wheels
GW Bike:  Yellow Steel Frame Hans Schneider aka Bumblebee

My first GW was 2016…..ohhhhhhh…..the wind! But I made it! And I wasn’t last!! Biggest hurdle/challenge was the distance, and learning how to eat properly during the race. Prior to GW, a hundy was the farthest I had ever gone. Oh, and also getting bit by a dog on a training ride the week before. My thigh was black and blue and still sore come race day.
My highest moment was probably last year, when I beat my previous time by over an hour. Hope to do even better this year! But with me coming back from shoulder surgery, it might be tough.
One of my favorite stories was from my first year. Just west of Val, I was having a very tough time, with three flats, and exhaustion setting in. Another rider and myself got to the top of a hill, surprisingly to find Jennifer Hoffman with her son, sitting in their pickup. They had set up a mobile SAG, and offered us some snacks and an adult beverage! That gave me a second wind that allowed me to finish it out! It was an amazing feeling to be finished both times, but last year was the best! To have all your friends and volunteers cheering you on as you cross the finish is unbelievable!
Gravel World’s to me is THE grassroots gravel event of the year…..you get a chance to see so many friends out there racing with you. The Lincoln cycling community is so awesome!
Joe is also the organizer for the Solstice 100 Gravel Grinder. This event will be in 2 weeks on June 23rd. Get signed up and go ride on one of the longest days of the year!
https://solstice100.blogspot.com/