Gravel Worlds 2016 Expectations and Packing List

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Tomorrow we hit the road to Lincoln, Nebraska! As we get all packed up for our first Gravel Worlds, I wanted to make sure I have the essentials. 150 miles is the biggest distance I have yet to tackle. I'll admit this is my second ever long endurance gravel grinder and my #1 goal is to FINISH. I'm expecting to be on the bike for over 10 hours. I'm preparing for the ultimate suffer-fest, but with all this said I want to enjoy every bit of the hurt and suffering. If that doesn't make sense, try a cyclocross race and then you'll understand. I can tell one of my biggest challenges will be the wind with up to 20 mph winds. Now comes the time to see if all the miles and climbing I've been putting in have paid off. I couldn't replicate the endless gravel grids and rolling hills of Nebraska down here in Texas, but I made the best of it.

Gravel Worlds Overview
What:  150 mile gravel grinder,  11,000 ft of climbing (from last year's course)
When:  6:00 am Saturday, August 20th
Where:  the course that will be released soon this week will take us around the beautiful countryside and rolling hills outside of Lincoln, Nebraska
Why: glory and/or the Gravel Worlds Championship Jersey for me it's the self accomplishment and challenge
What else: take on the challenges of self-navigating (course is not marked) and self-sufficiency (no outside support allowed) 
Last Year's Champions:  Mens Open, Neil Shirley (7 hours 54 minutes) and Womens Open, Rebecca Rusch (9 hours 8 minutes)

Current Race Day Forecast:  77 high/ 55 low 16 mph winds from the North and 20% chance of precipitation

Packing List Essentials

  • Nutrition:  Clif Bloks, Clif Shots, Clif Bar*, Body Glove Surge Energy Shots (take as much nutrition as you think you need and then some!)
  • Sunscreen:  Coppertone Sport SPF 50
  • Saddle bag equipped with 2+tubes and tire lever
  • Multi-tool
  • Helmet*
  • Sunglasses
  • 2 water bottles*
  • Heart-rate strap
  • Garmin 500 Edge
  • GoPro Hero4 Silver (for fun)
  • Camelbak 1.5 Liter
  • Front and Rear Lighting
  • Chamois Butter:  DZNuts Bliss Chamois Cream
  • Cash/Card 

*Not Shown

Last but not least, my rig, Bumblebee. Steel Cyclocross frame built by Hans Schneider. 

'Til Next Time! We'll see you in Nebraska!

Venny