The Flints Hills are calling with roads unraveling before you like a rugged welcome mat. Many anticipated Unbound journeys of challenges and rewards await. Who better to hear from than the locals about how to embrace an unforgettable experience. Our Emporia ambassadors, past and present, share their tips to survive and thrive in the Flint Hills.

Bobby Thompson

Years of Unbound: 12 years of the 200. 8 finishes.

Tips: Finishing whatever distance you’ve signed up for is way more mental than physical. Forgetting to eat, forgetting to drink, exhaustion from a mechanical, stomach turning…almost all can be overcome if you truly want to finish. Keep moving forward and the miles will keep ticking off.

Mud: Don’t force it. Know when to get off and walk. If it’s sticky, clearance doesn’t matter. The faster you save your drivetrain the faster you’ll ride later.

Tire/Wheel Setup: Dry or wet I’ll use the same. This year it will be Vittoria Mezcal3 44c on the Cantu Mavericks

Must try local restaurant: The Daily Station on South Avenue!

Lyn Blubaugh

Years of Unbound: I’ve ridden all the distances at Unbound for the last 10 years.

Tips: Enjoy the gorgeous scenery, wild flowers, wildlife, and cows! Look around while listening to the gravel crunching under your tires. When in open range, it’s best to use the bottles with caps on them due to cow poop, especially if it has been raining. Shade is sparse and humidity is high, hydration is very important days before and day of your ride. Keep on top of food and drinking for success. Have fun, it’s an adventure!

Mud: If you see people walking, use caution and decide if you should walk and not roll up to them. Carry your bike. Use a paint stick to clean off your tires, a chopstick is great for your cleats.

Tire/Wheel Setup: Cantu Rova gravel wheels with 42C IRC Boken Double Cross

Must try local restaurants: Radius, Union Street Station, Casa Ramos, The Daily Station, Mizumi Sushi truck, Olpe Chicken House, Olpe KS and Rolling Hils in Americus KS

Jeff Young

Years of Unbound: Every year but 1 since 2012. Seven 200s (1 Single Speed), Three 100s (1 Single Speed)

Tips: Eat and drink regularly, watch your surroundings and try to pick good lines. Fresh tires and sealant!

Mud: Carry a park tool brush!

Tire/Wheel Setup: Cantu Rova gravel wheels with Renee Herse 44C or Vittoria Mezcals 2.1 tires

Must try local restaurant: Daily Station

Corey Smith

Years of Unbound: I’ve completed the Unbound 200 six times, completed the Unbound XL 350, and checked off the Unbound 100. I did my first 200 on 33m tires.

Tips: I've been riding the Flint Hills since 2014, and the Unbound experience never gets old. Slow down, take it all in, and enjoy the scenery—you won’t find views like this anywhere else. And seriously, don’t bomb the water crossings unless you want flats.

Mud: When it comes to mud, skip the stick, and bring a spatula. When in doubt, walk.

Tire/Wheel Setup: I roll 50s (measuring 53mm) in dry conditions on the Cantu Rush gravel wheels and switch to 42s if it’s muddy.

Must try local restaurant: Union Street Social and Do-B’s are my go-to local spots.

Alex Steflik

Years of Unbound: This will be my 2nd Unbound. Last year was my first doing the 50, and this year I'm doing the 100!

Tips: If you're worried about anything in the Flint Hills, I would recommend a few things.

First, plugs and C02! Not to worry you, but flats happen, especially on a few of the chunky roads, I recommend throwing a few extra plugs and C02 or a hand pump!
Second, a paint stick! I know that no one hopes for mud, but you can't control the weather. With Unbound 200 and to an extent, the 100 you go into a few different counties. it may be dry in Emporia, but in Wabaunsee County it could be pouring! Make sure you have one on hand just incase.
Third, take in the views! Yes, I know, "Kansas is flat", BUT let me tell you, you're wrong in thinking that! It may seem like it is, but when you get to the top of a hill, take a look around see the stunning views the Flint Hills have to offer!

Mud: Like I mentioned before, if it is muddy, bring a paint stick! I have heard of a rubber spatula, and I've even seem some deer antlers, but all you need is something to scrape the mud off! Also, if you come to a muddy spot, aim for the puddles, may seem counterintuitive, but the water helps the mud not stick from what I've learned!

Tire/Wheel Setup: Tires are a big talk in gravel right now. Everyone is getting told to use MTB tires, while they are faster, they won't be in the mud. My current set up is my wonderful Cantu Aluminum Gravel wheels with Specialized Pathfinder 47s. If it turns out to be muddy, I recommend changing to something small like 40 or 42 for that extra clearance.

Must try local restaurant: I highly recommend going to Radius Brewing and 627 Bar and Grill! Also, stop by Mulready's for a drink when you're in town!

Bobbie Williams

Years of Unbound: I have ridden the 50 once at 300lbs in shorts and a T-shirt not knowing a thing about nutrition lol. I have done the 100 miler 3 times and attempted the 200 3 times never finished it.

Tips: Pick your lines wisely the Flint Hills eats tires. If it’s hot take more nutrition and water than you think you need. You do not want to run out in the middle of nowhere. The last thing is smile and have fun, find a friend, and chat it up. It makes the miles go by so much faster.

Mud: If it’s muddy pick your bike up. The mud here is very sticky.

Tire/Wheel Setup: I run the biggest tire I can for the conditions. The bigger the lower air pressure and more comfortable you can be. And of course paired to Cantu Rush 50

Must try local restaurant: My favorite restaurant in town is Casa Ramos.

Behind the Wheels

Flint Hills Survival Tips from Emporia Cantu Ambassadors