Riding Gravel Radio Ranch Episode #112: "Gotta Keep 'em Separated!"

 Sponsored by Bike Rags Apparel: https://www.bikeragsapparel.com

In this episode Guitar Ted and N.Y. Roll discuss the news which was announced the first week of 2023 that UNBOUND was going to make format changes to their event. No longer would Pro/Elites start with the amateur riders. The guys ask "How will "Pro" and "Elite" riders be vetted by Life Time?", and other pertinent questions regarding rules and how the time gaps will work out in their opinion.  A brief history of how we got here is given by Guitar Ted and then the discussion starts out. 

Guitar Ted and N.Y. Roll discuss the role of money making, both from a promoter's viewpoint and a rider's, make decisions look different than they would be from a "grassroots gravel" perspective. Rider philosophy is discussed in terms of how trying to make a living at racing makes you race differently. Rules and how to enforce them are discussed. How UNBOUND's new format will work is walked through and there are a lot of questions that the guys ponder. 

This episode concludes with the guys sharing notes on Christmas gifts. And as always- THANKS FOR LISTENING!

Show Notes:

Guitar Ted's article on the basis for the changes in UNBOUND from a post last year on his blog: https://g-tedproductions.blogspot.com/2022/06/state-of-gravel-scene-mid-term-2022-is.html

'Velo News' article on changes to format at UNBOUND: https://www.velonews.com/news/gravel/unbound-gravel-rolls-out-major-changes-for-2023-edition/

Episode #111 with LeLan Dains: https://spotifyanchor-web.app.link/e/WEar5XE2lwb

"Velo News" article detailing Lea Davison's dropping out of the Life Time Grand Prix and her assertions on why racing at UNBOUND was unsafe, not fun, and unfair: https://www.velonews.com/news/gravel/lea-davison-is-dropping-out-of-the-life-time-grand-prix-series-heres-why/

Contact: Guitar Ted: [email protected]

The Riding Gravel Radio Ranch is a production of Guitar Ted Productions Podcasts.