Every journey begins long before the starting line. All those training hours, sacrifices, and expectations have led you to this moment. And now, the thrill of the race is just around the corner.
This. Is. It.
OK. Cool it, cowboy. Live slow, remember? Let’s keep it real. Gravel season is officially here, and it'll dominate your thoughts for the next few months. Here’s how to get the most out of your preparation.
It all starts with a clear plan. If you’re targeting a challenging 200-mile ride, your preparation needs to be serious. Winter rides are fine for maintaining consistency—think occasional long rides and steady effort. But as soon as daylight saving time kicks in, your motivation surges.
A dedicated prep for UNBOUND/REBOUND officially begins three months out. Since both events are scheduled for 31 May, if you’re reading this now, you’re already in the heat of it. Ideally, you’ve been riding consistently to this point. Now, it’s time for the final touches.
In the next month, include a few long rides to simulate race conditions. Not only will you build endurance, but you'll also test your gear, clothing, and nutrition strategy. Consider finding local ‘PREBOUND’ rides—organized long-distance outings that mirror race conditions. They’re great opportunities to meet others with similar goals and have fun.
To diversify your experience, participate in other gravel events like Girona’s Traka, Gravel Locos in Texas, or Marly Grav in the Netherlands. These races can serve as valuable tune-ups or qualifying events for the UCI World Championship Gravel 2025.
No registration event nearby? Check out local rides on rebound.cc or use cycling apps like Cyql. These platforms foster a thriving cycling community, offering group rides, new routes, and camaraderie.
Your bike should be race-ready, but not just shiny and pristine. By now, you’ve probably tested it on similar terrain, making necessary adjustments. Remember, certain repairs or maintenance might need to be scheduled with your local shop—don’t leave it to the last minute.
Consider whether a gravel or mountain bike best suits the course and weather conditions. Comfort and reliability are key. For pros, investing in puncture-resistant tires is critical; for amateurs, prioritize practicality and budget.
Always pack essentials: a pump, inner tubes, CO2 cartridges, a multi-tool, and bike lights—front and rear—since you'll likely ride in low light. Making sure you have the above with you should be as routine as checking your tire pressure.
Take a leaf from Laurens ten Dam’s playbook. He meticulously plans his nutrition in the weeks leading up to the race, adjusting for the intense effort ahead. Over a 10-hour race like UNBOUND, he consumes around 90 grams of carbs per hour—more than most stomachs can handle without practice.
For beginners, aim for 75-80 grams per hour. During the first couple hours, Laurens relies on a mix of carbohydrate powders in his bottles, switching to chews and waffles for sustained energy. In the race's final stretch, he adds gels with caffeine to give him a boost. Hydration is equally important—water with hydro tabs or from a Camelbak keeps him in top shape.
As an amateur, your plan should be more conservative. Keep in mind the race's official limits—typically two stops. To stay in the game, plan your nutrition and hydration carefully. Use multiple bags, frame-mounted bottle cages, or even coordinate with supporters along the route to keep your supplies stocked. And don’t forget: salty snacks like chips are a cyclist’s best friend after hard hours in the saddle.
Pack the day before—don’t wait until race morning. Key items include a charged GPS device with your route loaded, a power meter if you have one, and backup batteries. Laurens uses his GPS as a timing tool for nutrition—it may be just as simple to set alarms on your phone too.
Essential gear: sunscreen, extra lenses or contacts, chamois cream, sunglasses, cash, your phone, and wipes. And a crucial reminder—make sure to charge your Di2 battery beforehand; you don’t want to get stuck mid-ride in a single gear.
Set your alarm for 5:00 AM. Eat a hearty breakfast, pack your gear, and aim to leave by 6:00 AM sharp. This respects the spirit of UNBOUND, ensures a safe return, and prevents a last-minute rush.
Enjoy the sunrise, take in the scenery, and share your adventure on Instagram tagging @reboundgravel. But most importantly, remember that you're not alone in this. You’re part of a community out there—thousands of riders sharing the same hardships, joys, and triumphs. Together, in gravel we trust.
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