It started with cold beer and conversations with friends behind Mulready’s in 2019. I had completed the DK 200 in 2017 and 2018. In 2019, I wanted to give back to riders by helping capture the event as a photographer and that’s where the XL, filed in the back of mind as -ridiculous…you’ve gone off the deep end adventures- came to the forefront again. It was hard to imagine riding my bike overnight let alone being in the saddle for more than 14hrs. But something clicked and that voice in the back of my mind grew a little a louder: surprise yourself.
After many lessons learned, through a year of unknowns, we’re finally here. This Friday, June 4th at 3pm I set off, along with 128 riders, each of us on our own unsupported journey of 357 miles through the Kansas Flint Hills. Testing limits and prepping for challenges like one 99 mile stretch overnight without a convenience store and another 96 mile stretch the next day without food re-supply. My goal is to finish before the 36-hr cut off time that comes out to around 10mph average speed. I will do everything I can to come in before the time cut off, 3 am Sunday morning.
Follow our dots here: http://trackleaders.com/unboundxl21
In this first Road to 350 post, I want to share with you my full setup:

Bike Setup

Bike Frame: 2014 Specialized Crux aka Red Velvet
-This bike has been go to for both cyclocross and gravel adventures. We’ve been through hell and back crazy terrain and weather together. The 46cm frame fits me like a glove and I enjoy the responsiveness especially when climbing out of the saddle. A good challenge in turning this cyclocross focused geometry to be more comfortable on long endurance bike was changing the whole cockpit setup ie wider handlebars and adding aero bars.
Wheels: Cantu Rebel 700c Gravel Wheels
These are the fourth set of Rebels John built in 2017. Still rolling smooth and steady. We recently replaced and upgraded the bearings with Enduro Ceramic bearings
Tires: 40C Maxxis Ramblers SilkShield TR
Handlebars: 40cm Cantu Carbon Gravel Handlebar
Groupset: SRAM Force 1
Saddle: Selle Italia X1 Lady Flow Saddle
Bar Tape: Supacaz Super Sticky Kush
Aerobars: Zipp Vuka Clip with Carbon Evo Extensions
Gearing: 38T Chainring, 11-32 Cassette
Pedals: Shimano XTR Clipless Pedals

Bags

Top tube: Revelate Designs Gas Tank 1L
Saddle: Revelate Designs Shrew Bag 3L
Handlebar: Rapha 2L Bar Bag

Lights + GPS

Main Light: Lezyne Multidrive 1000
Rear Light: Cygolite Hotshot Pro 150
Navigation Computer: Wahoo Roam

Hydration

2 26oz Pursuit water bottles secured by our Cantu carbon water bottle cages
Additional 50oz water water storage will be hauled in my Camelbak Chase Vest

Tools, Equipment, and Essentials

2 Anker 10,000 mAh Power Banks to recharge lights and Wahoo
Wolf Tooth Master Link Combo Pliers
2-3 Co2 cartidges
Black Diamond Storm 400 Headlamp
Squirt Chain Lube
Lezyne Tire Plug Kit
Chamois Butt’r
Sunscreen
Printed out maps and cue sheets
Back up Maxxis Rambler tires
2 tubes
Lezyne Multi tool

Nutrition and Hydration

If I had limitless space I would pack all the PB and Js I could made with homemade sourdough, but the reality is I’m limited on space. Along with my bags on the bike and Camelbak Chase Vest, I plan to carry as much of this goods pictured below from the start including electrolyte tablets. For long days in the saddle I prefer slow burning fuel over gels unless I need emergency calories, in that case I like maple syrup. Kudos, Ted King for making these UnTapped convenient packets and Jess Cerra from JoJe for making well thought out delicious fuel on the bike. I’ve tested Skratch’s superfuel mix on my 100+mile events and starting out with 400 calories in each bottle has really worked in my favor and led to a happier stomach. I like to sip on Pedialyte the day and night before. For convenience store stops I plan to stock up on more bars (really anything I’m craving or that looks decently good) hopefully some hot food, and something with caffeine before I ride into the night.

Kit and Apparel

Last but not least a huge shout out to our Team Sponsors CCN Sport North America and ROKA Eyewear out of Austin, Texas. CCN has been outfitting us for 6 years now and I think that speaks for itself. I enjoy wearing the ultralight ROKA SR-1X sunglasses.
Giro Aether Helmet
Pearl Izumi sun sleeves
Pearl Izumi lightweight rain jacket

Our Ambassador, Jim Phillips and I joke about bringing the uke and starting a band. The idea is growing and you just never know what adventures are ahead... Here’s to finding your happy place on two wheels!
See you in Emporia!
-Venny

Behind the Wheels

Road to 350: Gearing up for the Unbound Gravel XL 350