Weather conditions do not look good for one of the world’s most anticipated gravel races, Unbound, on Saturday 31 May in Emporia, Kansas USA.

In fact, things look sticky for over 5000 graveleurs registered to race 50, 100, 200 or 350 masochist miles in the famous Flint Hills of Kansas.

The US Weather Service is predicting over two inches of rain Wednesday/Thursday, with flood warnings issued across the entire race route.

To make matters worse, sunny temperatures up to 85F and 60% humidity are expected on Saturday, setting up conditions for riders to experience dangerous dehydration or heat stroke.

As racers line up, deep mud as thick as peanut butter is expected to cover much of the course, just as in 2023.

That year conditions were brutal, ruining the day (and wallet) for many a competitor. Most ended up walking their bikes in chaingang lines for miles as mud tried to suck the shoes off their feet with every step.

Those that stayed in the saddle to try and pedal through the muddy madness ended up breaking derailleurs, chains, cassettes and destroying priceless carbon frames.

Eventually they too ended up walking, with some calling it quits and waiting for an unceremonious sag ride back to the finish.

If you want to watch the muddy madness unfold live on Saturday, organizer Life Time will stream the 2025 Unbound 200 mile race beginning at 10:00 CST (17:00 CET) on YouTube HERE.

Photo Credit: Life Time

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