Gravel Worlds Long Voyage 300 2024

Gravel worlds is a race in Lincoln Nebraska. This was its 15th year. It's both a bike and running race celebrating the gravel family. This year runs were 10 and 25k, next year the 50k will return. Cycling distances are 50k, 75, 150, and 300 miles. Some participants choose to both run and ride, competing in the double. 

I chose to ride the Long Voyage 300. I finished last year in 23 hours and 30 minutes. The ultra distance gravel game has changed for me. It started as, can I finish.  The game is now, how fast can I finish.

The race started at 5:00pm. I got to the event a little early to do some shopping at the expo, and get ready. I needed CO2s, a pre-ride snack, and a soda. I kitted up in the car, but forgot my sun sleeves. I pumped my tires up at the Silca booth, 42psi. I bought some sleeves from Volar. It was time to line up.

They moved the start line outdoors to make sure we all had GPS signals for our trackers. On my way into the starting corral I ran into a friend from Unbound. We lined up near the front and discussed our plans. 

The race started with a neutral roll out to cross a highway. It was a sporty roll out with speeds getting over 25mph. I found another friend from last year's race. After we crossed the highway the pace picked up. My plan was to hang on to the front and see how I could do. I didn't last very long, before I dropped back into a chase group. But, that was still too much for me and I was riding solo. 

I would pass riders, or get passed and have short conversations. I was happy riding solo, and didn't feel the need to chase too hard. My pace was still far beyond expectations. My plan was to ride to mile 99 without stopping. I passed a few riders who stopped at the first gas station, and rode with one who was just leaving. I had to stop on the side of the road to change to night mode, and I was on my own again. 

I pulled into the T-Bone truck stop after riding for 5 hours and 40 minutes. I was feeling dehydrated and nauseous. I chugged a blue Gatorade, put a Redbull in my pocket, refilled my bottles and backpack. Some very strong riders pulled in behind me. I thought they were long gone. I had passed them at an earlier resupply point. I set off on my own with only 33 miles to the van by the river aid station. 

The course was relatively flat in the middle, but this section was tough. One road was 15 miles long, straight, slightly uphill, and the gravel was loose. I drank more than 2 liters of water trying to catch up on my hydration. I was feeling better and my pace would surge hard at times. We were doing a 300 mile bike race, but a 15 mile straight segment was a common complaint amongst the riders. 

At the van by the river I refilled my pack, and put a little coke in my pocket for later. Night riding is fun, and challenging. The caffeine tapering works. Redbulls and caffeinated GUs kept me awake. I had a close call with a german shepherd who wanted to play. And got scared when I saw eyes glowing up high in the corn. It was just a raccoon who had climbed a stalk. The night was mostly uneventful. 

I was feeling the earlier miles, my pace slowed. I watched lightning in the distance and hoped I wasn't going to get rained on. The sunrise was nice and woke me up. I could tell I avoided the storm. I pushed hard for a little while. It was going to get hot soon, and I wanted to get to the end. The pace didn't stay high for long.

I stopped again at mile 216 for a resupply, including a bacon, egg, and cheese sandwich, Redbull, a gallon of water, another bottle of water, and enough candy to get me to the end. Another rider pulled in as I was getting ready to go. I shared my extra water.

It was very hot and the course was hilly again. I needed to stop again at mile 276. The nice volunteers refilled me and gave me a sock full of ice which I put around my neck. I chugged another coke and they told me the pro riders were only a few minutes behind. I was feeling okay and pushed to stay ahead of the pack for as long as I could.

I made it a few miles before I could see the pro riders behind me. I stayed far to the right so the riders and the camera crew could pass. I ramped up the pace to match and was able to hang on for  a minute. The pack contained some of the best pro gravel riders. I didn't last long before I wanted to drop back to my pace. 

I was nearing the end but chose to stop again at mile 287 for some water. The volunteers were very nice and helpful. I got ice dumped down my jersey and a handful of pickles. There were only 16 miles left. Those 16 miles were tough.

About a mile from the finish line the course overlaps with the 75. I ramped up my pace again and prepared for my finish line sprint. I circled the campground, put out the best sprint I could,  and passed over the line, happy to be done. I was cooked. 

The Long Voyage was very fun. Conditions were great. I am happy with my performance. But, I know I can do better. I will be working on my nutrition strategies, and continuing my training. I am looking forward to more long rides.  Next up unPAved.