Each month we highlight one of the special jerseys that you see hanging on the walls at McDowell Mountain Cycles. It’s always fun and interesting to learn about the “backstory” of our jersey wall. This month, the champion jersey (Harry managed to bring one home to MMC) from the “Gravel Worlds” race in Lincoln, Nebraska is our jersey of the month.
Gravel Worlds, as the name implies, is the self appointed championships of gravel racing. One of the things that most of us love about racing gravel bikes is that there is no official racing organization with all the rules and regulations that go along with it. Gravel racing is grass roots, mostly self supported and has a simplicity about it that makes it just plain fun. So each year (except this year), the Pirate Cycling League of Lincoln, Nebraska puts on “Gravel Worlds”, a 150 mile race around the gravel roads of Nebraska.
Last year, Harry and Brock from MMC traveled to Lincoln for this outstanding race. With 150 plus miles of almost exclusively gravel roads and 10,000 feet of elevation gain, the course is certainly a challenge. The route is announced just before race day and you are responsible for your own navigation. There are no aid stations and no outside aid is permitted. You are on your own for the several hours it might take you to survive the course. Small town stores and “Gravel Angels” are your only source of replenishing water and supplies along the way. It’s simple, just go out and ride your bike as fast as you can, be nice to fellow riders and folks along the way, ride faster than the farm dogs, and have fun along the way. Gravel racing at it’s best!
