My Brutal UNBOUND Experience - Mud, Gravel & Carnage

[@conordunne219]

Thanks for all the kind comments everyone - super nice to hear from you all and glad you enjoyed the vid! So cool to be out there and experience this race. Everyone I shared the road with throughout was incredible, so encouraging and happy to be out riding bikes in Kansas - including the absolute hero who saved my race riding a water bottle back down to me. As you saw in the video, I took a bit of a kicking - made a few mistakes and paid for them - but that's half the fun sometimes. I absolutely loved it, definitely want to come back! Thanks for watching all, Conor

[@trimmxx2169]

Your such a legend mate well done for coming back from that mental state of wanting to quit. Mad respect for the guy who brought you the water bottle. CONGRATS AGAIN!!! LEGEND

[@dermur68]

Fair play to you - you've definately dunnealot.

[@gcn]

You smashed it Conor! We're all very proud of you 🥲 On to the next challenge... maybe we'll give you a bit of rest first!

[@RichChh]

Dude, you had a major bonk and persisted through it to finish the race! THAT is impressive! Congratulations for fighting through and completing the race!!

[@trailrunningscotland]

Not all heros wear capes..... some wear bin bags!!

[@irishmiddle]

That guy that rode back to give you a drink, one hell of a fella. for him it'll probably seem like nothing but for you it literally saved your race. It's a fantastic metaphor for how we can all make a difference to each other in life.

[@shyamfootprints972]

Help one stranger in your life who is in desperate need of help. That’s all it takes to taste heaven.

[@RuiPedroRocha]

And that woman at 15:10 stating "you've got this" is a real jewel! 👍👍👍👍👍

[@gcn]

It's great to see the camaraderie at these events!

[@AgravepasmonK]

This guy is a legend, what an act of kindness !

[@mrhankbotful]

​​@@RuiPedroRocha think that was Katie Kookaburra Edit: I stand corrected, just looked up her Unbound ride and she was in a green jersey.

[@10ktube]

Kudos to dad being an all day mechanic/food guy/cheering department. You know he loved every minute of it.

[@gcn]

Rad Dad award goes to Conor Dad! 🙌 Nothing like family support to keep you going! Should we get him back on the channel? 👀

[@adam-qu6dh]

@@gcn absolutely, cannot wait to hear his stories because i am most certain he has done some cycling too

[@conordunne219]

Thank you, I'll make sure to pass that on! I loved having him there, was just like old times starting out cycling when I was a kid. So cool to share another moment like that with him and it was just mega to see how much fun he has being around a race again. Thanks for watching! Conor

[@10ktube]

@@conordunne219 dads love projects like that, you tell them to spend 17 hours filling water bottles, cleaning mud, cheering, supporting, waking up at 4am, they go grab some beer and they're ready to go.

[@biggertree7063]

@@gcn Hank's dad and Conor's dad for next year's Unbound. E-bikes of course with spare batteries on every food/water stations.

[@Shadowboost]

The guy in the orange jersey is everything I hope cycling continues to be about. I actually teared up at the kindness. Riding so long on gravel and he rode more to get you through.

[@seanoleary771]

Lol. As soon as the weather goes "Full Irish Summer" he's absolutely fine.

[@Frostbiker]

I thought the same thing! He was dehydrated under the Kansas sun, then felt much better in his natural habitat.

[@PaulJakma]

I wonder was it heat stress that got to him the most.

[@jrh1704]

Exactly what I was thinking. He's not used to the heat. I'm in Texas and was wondering about that

[@jamesyoo4897]

Best guess is electrolytes, how many bags of Doritos did he eat?

[@gcn]

You can take the boy out of Ireland... but ☘

[@christopherwhite5265]

Glad to see that you made it. I'm the guy that gave you the warm quesadilla at the stop in Madison. What a day! Cheers mate.

[@conordunne1]

Ah legend, thanks so much!!! That was honestly the best quesadilla of my life!!! Epic day.. thanks again dude!

[@MrLacQ]

Probably most realistic coverage of Unbound 2023 👍

[@michaelhayward7572]

Ben Delany's is pretty good.

[@craigjok]

I have to admit that I had a tear in my eye watching this. I’m an Unbound 100 Finisher. I went out for the Unbound 200 a few years ago. It’s ironic that I made it to about the spot you almost had to abandon. In my case, I was at mile 131 with my teammate and had an asthma attack. I took my meds with the intent to ride to the next support stop to recover as you did. Unfortunately, I collapsed off my bike into a ditch near a road intersection in the middle of nowhere . Fortunately for me, my teammate refused to listen to me asking him to help me get back on my bike. I had to call for help/rescue. The good news, is there were two ladies waiting to cheer on their husbands and graciously took me under their care to enable my teammate continue racing. The other really good news is that their care and the fact I wasn’t trying to kill myself riding enabled my asthma meds to actually work as it was almost 45 minutes before I was picked up. My teammate finished his race in about 20 hours. I continue to ride endurance races and actually was on a Race Across America 8 person team in 2021 that finished the 3,007 mile race across the USA (7d 19h) and I also finished the 925 mile Race Across the West on a four man team last summer. Yep, during both of those events, I had asthma attacks too but having a crew and teammates saved the day for me. I never ride without my meds and I’m careful not to ride alone for longer rides. It’s in my DNA but I’m determined to keep moving and pedaling forward.

[@beermonster1234]

What a guy who rode back to bring you water! Heart of gold! Amazing job too Conor, quality film too. Thank you for suffering for my enjoyment 😂

[@gcn]

Thanks a lot! For more suffering from Conor, you could check out our 'Mongolia' film on GCN+ 👉 gcn.eu/Mongolia

[@beermonster1234]

@@gcn fortunately I’m already subscribed 😉

[@Musashi13]

Connor's dad wearing the Aqua Blue Irish Champs jersey was the highlight for me. Always wanted one but the team collapsed thrusting Connor into the limelight with his bikepacking exploits. It was great to see all the support you got out there.

[@adam-qu6dh]

Aqua Blue and 3T are the aesthetics of cycling.

[@gcn]

Conor had the best support on this race! Super cool to see the gravel community come out and show support, Conor's dad was a real star on the show too ✨

[@beardsonbikes]

You’re a legend Con! I had tears in my eyes when I saw your smile when you started riding again with that bin bag on. So cool you got to experience this and shared it with us. And that fella that rode back to hand you water should be rewarded with a full on deluxe gcn care package. Nothing but love for this gravel community.

[@gcn]

It's such a lovely community!

[@AleksiJoensuu]

@@gcn You could actually try to contact that guy and see if they'd be up for an interview?

[@myrimidon202]

Like everyone is saying, massive congrats to Connor for what he managed, but also holy moly it's impressive how fast the editors manage to get videos of this quality out

[@kokonanana1]

A week?

[@gcn]

Glad you liked it!

[@bobbyellis5006]

​​@@kokonanana1 multiple cameras, hours worth of footage, adding music, editing it all down to a 24 minute feature. A week is very good turn around time.

[@michelleshinn5231]

I'm so impressed you did it Connor!! Your Dad rocks too!!

[@conordunne219]

Thanks so much... and yes, Nick our editor on this was on boss mode!!!!

[@jfa849]

A stunning film. But it's the kindness of strangers that really warms the heart. The innumerable volunteers who spend all day in the sun and rain to make an event possible.

[@gcn]

Couldn't do it without them!

[@warwickpoole]

Damn, this is unbelievably good. Conor's Dad is the kindest dude. The water bottle guy should receive the Presidential Medal of Freedom, and when Conor is excited about bikes his enthusiasm reminds me just a little of Francis Bourgeois.

[@conordunne219]

Thank you - so glad you enjoyed this vid! Was such a treat to race and create this one. Epic event I truly loved it. And yes, not all heroes wear capes, some wear lycra and carry water the wrong way down race courses... a true legend!!

[@daveybaa]

Inspirational film Conor. Well done fella👍🏻👍🏻

[@bobicabayo]

😂❤

[@jeffbarco4394]

I have never seen anyone with such an amazing attitude as Conor. He is so positive, so cheerful, and so gracious. Cheers to you Conor.

[@DC-lu5qs]

I can't even put it into words the depth of my respect for Connor finishing after having such a rough episode. Super inspiring. We all have our own limits to push through and being shown such an example....it lights the way. Very happy that man rode back to give you some water. I'd like to flatter myself to think I'd do the same, but it's an easy thing to say from my chair. I hope he sees this video and comments so we can all give him the pat on the back and praise he deserves!

[@AC-wq7fo]

"rough episode." - bonk!

[@gcn]

Thanks for such a nice comment DC! We're super proud of Conor, he had to dig deep for this one. We hope this has inspired you to push your limits and achieve your goals. Where should we send Conor next? ... We'll give him a good first we promise 😂

[@christarry]

Great job Conor, I did the 200 as well, and this really captures the heart and soul of Unbound better than all the rest.

[@gcn]

That's awesome Chris! 200 miles is and epic ride, how did you get on? 👀

[@JonPaul]

Man, I was about ready to cry for Connor - he wanted it so badly, and was digging so deep. What a story, thanks Connor for your efforts and fare well!

[@gcn]

Thanks very much!

[@stevemawer848]

At least have the decency to spell his name correctly - it's Conor! Show some real respect.

[@conordunne219]

Thanks so much, it was genuinely one of the hardest challenges Ive had on a bike - but enjoyed every second and such a good feeling to manage to make it to the finish... cheers for watching, glad you enjoyed the vid! Conor

[@JonPaul]

@@conordunne219 sorry about the misspelling.

[@johnpayne2465]

So glad you made it. I've had a bit of a rough time lately, about 5 years actually. I needed you to finish. You did. Now it's my turn to get up again. Thank you. Be proud.

[@gcn]

We're glad to have inspired you!

[@jamo6631]

🙌 rooting for you

[@AC-wq7fo]

Only 3 years of sh*t (so far!) for me - do whatever, no-one gives a cr*p - except for the good guys that will ride back for you.

[@chrisholt2474]

Go John, I’m with you bud, lean on me. I’m rough too mate at present. We will make it too ❤🍻👍👍👍👍👍

[@breitemasse]

lets go big john

[@TheHaitian]

It blows my mind how the all the presenter riders are not only able to do these grueling races but record and do a whole interview whilst doing them. A huge congrats to you all and big respect, hats off, all of the proverbs to the legend that not only saw you struggling but had the train of thought to go to the water station, grab some liquids and bring them to you. He truly deserves a lot of respect. Thank you all the way from Haiti. I always enjoy all your shows. I hope one day I can ride in the streets of Haiti again. I miss climbing the mountains are on my bike.

[@andrewmcalister3462]

Conor, epic resilience to keep going, and come back from heat exhaustion. And to keep filming and commenting to camera all the way through. ❤ Mad respect! And many thanks to Daddy Dunne as well on support crew.

[@GiovanniDiTizio]

Well done Connor and a huge chapeu to the gentlemen that fetched the water for you, not all heroes wear capes 👏🏼

[@bittiapina]

Been waiting for this all week. Conor, dude, well done! 👏What a ride. The rollercoaster of emotions from infectious smiling and laughing at the start of it, the "I'm quitting" moments, to back up again with a smile. Kinda amazing to see you find the strength to go on and adjust. I guess it's the pro rider coming through. Also, it's interesting that where most of the moaning I've heard are about the mud in this race, you pretty much smiled your way through that 🫡 This adventure did not disappoint. More Conor adventures, please!

[@gcn]

Thanks so much! For another Conor adventure, why not check out our Mongolia film on GCN+ 👉 gcn.eu/Mongolia

[@pdlngsqrs9547]

correction: well DUNNE! 🤣

[@tobyarcher7623]

It feels bad watching someone in that much pain. Well done Connor! I love that GCN gets all the best kit to try out and Connor makes it round in an emergency bin bag. 😂 Fantastic stuff. Well done!

[@gcn]

Thanks very much!

[@not_glad]

Connor had all the symptoms of heat stroke there, that ridiculous mud at the start and the high temperature did a number on him.

[@bloem5]

The fact that you can do this with your dad is incredible, that ''go for it'' would give me so much motivation. What a journey and great perseverance, well done. It's definitely on my bucketlist!

[@gcn]

Definitely one worth doing!

[@mc48197]

Very cool. Been waiting all week for this video. Glad I could help a little bit with the chain lube in Eureka (guy with the yellow shirt at 9:16). Way to persevere. SPIRIT OF GRAVEL lives!

[@einsteinisbae27]

The camraderie of the other participants is what makes something like that unforgetable. Glad to see that there are so many good humans out there.

[@mlaw1983]

Awesome! You not only finished the event, but managed to film a video in the process. Hooray for Conor’s dad, and all the helpful riders along the course. I absolutely love when a ‘competitive’ event brings out the best of human nature in the form of selfless acts of kindness. Great job Conor!

[@gcn]

Thanks so much! Glad you enjoyed it

[@conordunne1]

Thank you!! That's super kind. And yes so cool to share this one with my dad and all the great people along the route. Cheers for watching, glad you enjoyed it Conor

[@Analyse_US]

I love how Conor has such a cheerful oulook- in such adverse conditions.

[@bittiapina]

I swear he was probably one of the only people smiling and laughing through all that mud 🤣

[@ianprice9563]

Reminds me of my brother-in-law. He’s also a nutter!😂

[@ds928s]

For those of us who cycle, we all know your pain to a varying degree. What a great inspriation this achievement is. My first climb over Paris Mountain in South Carolina would have been a failure if not for a stranger who pulled me to the top while calmly talking to me the whole way. Thank you! to all the kind hearted cyclists around the world!

[@LD-bv1pm]

Tough to watch as we've all been there to some degree. The gradual journey from happy and excited, to fatigued, to dejected, to genuinely panicked. Then the reemergence from the dark after a bit of rest, food, drink, support. Great finish, back with the smile. Well done.

[@nickcoulter973]

Connor's dad clearly loves him and is proud of him. It's nice to see.

[@allannadobson4424]

Connor 💗 “I’m on my bike 😃 in a bin bag 😃” so happy for your achievement. What an inspiration you are 🙏🏼

[@stuartmcgill5065]

Massive respect to you for absolutely NOT giving up, Conner. You seemed to be in a really bad way at one point: very dehydrated. Would love to hear more about your fuelling strategy and what you might do differently, should there be a next time. How did the bike go? Seemed like a cool Set-up. Great to have your dad onboard for support, too ;-)

[@gcn]

Conor absolutely smashed it! He smashed this challenge... not an easy day in the office but he's resting up now! If you want to look deeper into this dreamy bike, we did a full rig rundown over on GCN Tech 👉kzbin.info/www/bejne/rYjNe56npK2JfdU

[@kathyjurgens7153]

Yes, like other commenters I really felt for you Conner and the kindness shown to you by so many, especially the rider who cycled back with water that made all the difference and your lovely Dad, that was all so moving and inspiring. But yes, I'd also like to learn from what happened. How did dehydration creep up so badly and is there a chance that any of the water from that first mud-wash river got into your mouth? I was wondering for a bit if it was water-poisoning.

[@kevinhoffmann3713]

I do appreciate that Conor shows us that everyone can struggle at events, it would be nice to see him absolutely crush an epic ride. Thanks Conor, Ride On!

[@jimburtwell2731]

Huge respect for you to come back from the brink and finish. The bin bag seemed to be the magic cape of speed! Have to make it part of your kit! Well done to you and everyone who made it to the end.

[@shawngifford]

The support crew was top notch. Thanks dad! The heat and effort in the first half really took it out of Conor. Resting and recovering for a bit was the right move. Even if you had all of the water you wanted, I think it still would have been tough.

[@richardhaselwood9478]

Watching all the commentary on Unbound this year from several KZbinrs just hammered how hard the entire thing was. Chapeau Connor.

[@justwhenithought]

"The Conor's Comeback" is the best GCN video I've ever watched because it's so real. Yes, Conor finished because he had great support from many, but you can't overlook his remarkable attitude when faced with the unexpected, and his grit to keep on grinding 'til the finish line. Well done.

[@peterharrington8709]

You just showed what an amazing achievement it is to just finish an event like this Conor. For anyone! The point where you literally can't pedal forward on the flat.... one that's gonna ring true with many I'm sure. But you came through, with the love and help from strangers passing by and of course your wonderful dad. A memory to treasure and a great example to anyone battling through their own challenges. Very very well done.

[@garyhocking6947]

This is one of the best videos GCN has ever produced. Conor, congratulations on a fantastic struggle. You are truly an inspiration.

[@prestachuck2867]

Congratulations Conor! That was really tough! My wife is from Kansas, so we know how those roads can be after a heavy rain. What you’ve accomplished is remarkable, and what that man did for you, adding 14km to his own race in order to help you overcome heat exhaustion and bonk, that’s simply saintly.

[@Frostbiker]

While I don't enjoy watching presenters suffer, watching somebody as fit and accomplished as Conor struggle this much serves as a yardstick to understand how brutal the race truly was. Fair play to everyone who tried, whether they were able to finish or not.

[@conordunne219]

Thanks David! Loved Unbound. And yes, doesn't matter who you are or what your background, if you don't quite get Unbound right or miscalculate a couple bits, it'll punish you big time... all part of the fun and the challenge! Epic route and course, would love to go back.

[@LownSyndrome]

Hey Connor! I saw you there when you had your head on the handlebars. (That might've been me in the distance passing through) looks like you had your fair share of hell for the day! Definitely not an easy day, so happy you saw it all the way through! Killed it! 💪 I got wiped out by another rider on the descent right after the first water point 😵‍💫 had to finish with a damaged shoulder and ac joint. (couldn't reach water bottles or snack on my right side) Talk about a crazy race! Hope to see you come back for some redemption!

[@USMC7178]

Connor giving his Dad a hug!! Best part!!!

[@garryhaines3066]

From a MTB rider……that was an amazing ride, race and endurance from you. Have to say what an absolute legend that man is for getting the water……loved the vid and well done👏👏

[@110markb]

I think that off road Connor is my favourite, forget speed, watts, aero. Fun, perseverance and good memories means so much more. I would love to see Connor revisit that FTK route and turn it into a chilled bike packing event. Because you Connor inspired me to do my first bike packing three day ride just a few weeks ago.

[@conordunne219]

ah nice one thanks Mark!! So cool you're up for giving bikepacking a go now, you won't regret it!! Thanks for watching the vid, appreciate the kind words Conor

[@rodgrierson9621]

This video provides some very helpful context to what I saw at the 2nd water oasis. Conor was laying under a tent when I rolled in. He, along with a handful of other riders, looked like they were seriously in the hurt locker. Glad to see you didn't give up. Well done.

[@conordunne219]

Thank you.. yep I was in a pretty bad dehydrated way, but a bit of rest, water and crisps from the heroes at that aid station brought me round. The rain also helped heaps. Hope you enjoyed the ride, was an epic one! Cheers for watching the vid, Conor

[@lucperon9600]

Honestly just a huge shout out to all the dads. They could have gotten you in to cycling, they have been your support car, they have probably picked you up way out of town or dropped off a tube and pump. I wish I started cycling earlier when mine was still an absolute force to be reckoned with. Wish I could have been there for his race days the way he is there for mine.

[@ishmaell]

This video and Manon’s are probably my favourite inspirational videos I’ve ever watched. They both show all of us have limits and we know where to stop or continue on with the help of several amazing people out there! Love the support that your dad showed here Connor! Good job and thank you GCN for these videos!

[@gregdelves3615]

GCN Gold. Congratulations Conor, that's a hell of a ride. Seeing you still smiling at the end reminds us why we love riding bikes.

[@the-crossing]

Awesome experience! I had a similar day with similar struggles. Ultimately we all got through it and finished. Great job Conor!! Congratulations on finishing the hardest gravel race in the world.

[@gcn]

Thanks a lot!

[@breitemasse]

much love to you connor! awesome heart, tough guy

[@HeibesHealth]

That was super inspiring, Conor. I know that feeling of having to really push yourself to continue on because you doubt you have anything left in you to give. I think you were beyond that feeling but still pushed through anyway. That’s a huge testament to how powerful your mind is! What a beast you are!

[@tomcoccia7348]

This video captures the spirit of gravel. The people make the race, what a great sentiment! Well done Conor!

[@EdsterTube]

Well done Connor! That looked brutal. Good on ya for not quitting and finishing the ride when you looked like you could not go on. Amazing effort and you should be so proud of yourself. Also kudos to those that helped you along the way, what amazing and generous people when they’re also probably battling through.

[@conoreames9825]

The support from Conor’s dad was fantastic and you could see how much it meant to them both. I watched this with my little boy napping on me, hoping we can have grand adventures when he’s older. Thank you for this video.

[@geoffreydoyle4034]

Such a high quality video and your commentary is amazing! I finished about 2 hours after you - you captured it perfectly. For me the sun set just as I reached CP2, while for you it was about halfway between CP2 and Emporia … just awesome!

[@conordunne219]

It was some sunset, actually really glad i was still out on course to enjoy it. Cool to hear you finished, epic achievement in the conditions we experienced. Really happy you enjoyed the vid ! Thanks for watching, Conor

[@geoffreydoyle4034]

@@conordunne219 yeah, the sunset was great, as well as that Stawberry (full) moon!

[@islastaff5629]

Broke my heart to see Connor struggling so much. Well done for carrying on , what a legend!

[@a.sarmiento5116]

Congratulations Connor!!!💥👍✌️Thought you're gonna quit that was mental using your bike like a walker dunno if you bonk or what.. but you have a heart of a lion and finished it!!! That was really epic! Even former winners dnf. 🥳👊💯

[@davidschiffer4448]

Glad you got to experience a bit of my backyard. That dang race is a beast, for sure. Well done, Sir! Way to never give up and finish it off. I hope to see you out in the Flint Hills again someday.

[@fredrickawinyo]

Absolutely felt Connor's pain, was in that state in my first race last year and it's rough! Somehow the body adapts after getting past the pain threshold and keeps moving. Crushes at the end...

[@sligo070764]

DUNNE and Dusted, Conor is the reason I subscribe to GCN, such a courageous ,honest ,funny and decent person.

[@TheChancerdog1]

I know how that heat bonk feels. I was riding a century yesterday and it got to 90F with a brutal headwind.. can’t imagine that amount of climbing on gravel at that distance. Two people I know attempted and one finished in 15:38 the other crashed 80 miles in. The whole idea is insanity

[@kokonanana1]

Hotter-n- Hell. One year 107* with 30mph winds.

[@TheChancerdog1]

@@kokonanana1 Not even safe. How many IVs were given that day? 😳

[@matt_m126]

I know GCN likes to make fun of the "spirit of gravel", but having each other's back like we saw is exactly what the spirit of gravel is. Happy that you finished. Not gonna lie, I actually teared up during this video.

[@conordunne219]

For sure Matt, you've hit the nail on the head! It was so cool to feel that and be part of it all.. loved it! and thank you - was a real challenge and personally it felt awesome to make it to the finish. Cheers for watching, Conor

[@TheGreenhillsCyclistInRagOrder]

Agree 100%. It isn't just gravel that has that spirit, I'm a commuter cyclist, (non-lycra), my crank arms jammed up on me when I was commuting to the shops, a lycra wearing cyclist out training stopped and got them unjammed, don't ask me how they jammed or how he got them unjammed.

[@shaunroach7829]

Simply outstanding!!! Connors metal toughness not giving up, the love of family you saw between him and his dad and the camaraderie between the fellow riding and that rider that went back to help you with the water bottle. Connor to be so close to the edge of pulling the plug but not quitting was awe inspiring. Conditions were rough but finished!!! Congratulations and thank you GCN for arguably the best of 2023 so far!!!!

[@Joshuavoice29]

Way to persevere Connor! We've seen you do tough rides before and watching you get to such a low point and find the will to keep going, awesome! Well done you.

[@gcn]

Cheers!

[@juliesmiley4396]

As a local cyclist, I always love to watch all the post Unbound videos and see what everyone has to say about our crazy race. This year was one for the books & I couldn't wait to see your video. Congratulations on fighting through our psycho Kansas weather and making it to the finish line! It's tough to beat the feeling of riding down that chute after an epic day. Kudos to your dad for his fine support crew skills too! Now that you're the veteran, you'll have to come back and bring Si or Hank along😉

[@Stealthsuit25]

Hah I would kill for a video where both Hank and Si do this race

[@jdeckard1243]

Just when we thought GCN had half lost it's touch , here comes Connor to bring it back to the top. What a ride , what a race, your determination to finish against all that you faced, kudos to the guy for bringing you the water. He needs a life time subscription from GCN, if you can find him.

[@Veloworthy]

It was so brutal out there. Glad you survived!

[@strokenumber3]

A father's love for his son always brings a tear to my eye...... Congrats to a highly valid father and son cycling team, once again Conor's contribution to KZbin shining brighter..

[@ianprice9563]

I agree. My father died when I was seven, so he never saw what I achieved and I never developed the sort of relationship with him that I see - and am very envious of - in some father/son partnerships. It’s a beautiful thing. And I’d say to anyone reading this: cherish your father, he won’t be there forever.

[@anthonyscrivener2267]

That’s some impressive mental resilience. Getting back on the bike after sinking that low is inspiring. I think even Mark Beaumont would be impressed with that comeback.

[@echomike8591]

I cycled through rain, mud, concrete pavement, gravel and etc. but not the distance you conquered, Connor. I would have given up already halfway. Hats off to you for taking the challenge. I'm sure there are so many things that happened but couldn't be compressed into a 23-minute video, keep them treasured as part of your cycling memories.

[@hucklejoko4838]

Mental ride Connor! That was a phenomenal effort!

[@gcn]

Thanks!

[@flamencoguru]

Community is everything. We are nothing without them! And, of course, a big shout out to dad for always being there! Dad's are the best! God bless!

[@ASGundogs]

When you struggled on the Ridgeway double, I did think Unbound was gonna be a bg ask. Kudos for finishing but more than that- KUDOS for your amazing attitude throughout. Inspirational 💪🏻

[@gcn]

Thanks so much!

[@fartman10284]

That's what I love about cycling events, the camaraderie among cyclists. I've been on the receiving and have helped people hurting along the way.

[@larsulveland2690]

Awsome effort, but such a pity that he didn't bring El Alto. He definetly looked like he enjoyed that mud more than the competitors. All of them. Together :D

[@steffenandersensahl9443]

Well done Connor! You completed probably the hardest Unbound to date with all the mud and the conditions as they were. And also a big shout out to the guy that rode all the way back to get you some water and save your race, that was super great of him to do and for us to see.

[@neon3690]

Well done Condor on coming back to finish from being totally broken.

[@JonLeonardF10]

It’s not condor …. It’s Hodor 😅 😊😅

[@conordunne219]

Thank you!!!

[@bryanprince2708]

Unbound Gravel this year was my first venture into the gravel world as well as my first race ever. Only did the 50 miler but I learned so much that I cant wait to go back and do it again next year. And you're correct. The people and fellow riders are what made that race memorable. Amazing spirit from all involved as well as the citizens of Emporia.

[@hackfabrication139]

'The Horror... The Horror...' If Si was attempting this, the sight of all those cows would have surely made him quit early. Outstanding job Conor! Such a grueling test of human endurance. I don't believe one could ever launder (or bathe) out all the grit after that ride.

[@conordunne219]

I was thinking this haha... a couple herds early on we didn't see in the video to navigate too!! All part of the fun! Thanks for watching and for the kind comments, Conor

[@DaneKromer]

Courage! Hats off to you mate, for hanging in during the dark patches. Thanks for sharing your experience. You captured what makes US gravel events so special, the community.

[@tylerreid1789]

How did you like that 5 mile hike a bike 11 miles in? An epic, brutal day. I actually rode a few miles with Conor which was pretty cool. Nothing like crossing that finish line!

[@conordunne219]

I think mainly because I didn't know how. long it'd be haha! Kept thinking each corner would be the end of it. Nice to share the road with you mate... and yes some feeling crossing the line at the end of it all!! Maybe see you back another year ;) Thanks for watching! Conor

[@iconhotel182]

Conor - you are an inspiration and the definition of perseverance through physical limits and external challenges. You make me want to not quit, no matter what.

[@sc20777]

Shoutout to the guy in orange! 💯

[@nevakos24]

Now we have Conor's Dad... he is a gem. You did great Conor!!

[@tednruth453]

Next challenge for Conor?......learn how to look after yourself mate. Ÿour twice the size of most folk, you need a hell of a lot more food and water ✌️I love Conor, he's the only GCN presenter I always watch, but JEEZ he doesn't help himself 💗

[@andrewmcalister3462]

I think he needs to borrow Alex’s bike trailer just to carry enough water with him.

[@dannygarretti5865]

Glad you hung in there and finished, mad respect for all that lined up and started Unbound!!!!!

[@anon7789]

Looked like heat exhaustion. Horrible to go through.

[@gcn]

Our Conor's a tough cookie!

[@ZenEndurance]

EXCELLENT coverage of what it's actually like riding a long even int the heat of the Midwest. Tunnel vision, stopping in the shade, running out of water. You gotta carry way more water here in the summer than you'd think. Very proud of your race! I bet you got dehydrated falling behind a normal schedule while lugging your bike through all the mud at the beginning. Happened to most people.

[@gcn]

What challenge should Conor take on next? 🤔 Put your suggestions in the comment section below 👇

[@fredrickawinyo]

The 1-hour record in the velodrome...

[@DavidS358]

A well deserved rest

[@thekeytoairpower]

Dunno... but I am guessing he is happy that he is "not in Kansas anymore"...

[@DavidVidaurri]

Conor should try another gravel race. He can carry his form from this one into another❤❤❤

[@Dolbouck7]

One he doesn’t die on.

[@Ody-up6kg]

And finished with a smile on his face! I am so surprised he recovered from such a deep bonk!

[@Jpearse1]

How as an ex pro do you not fuel or hydrate yourself properly

[@ericpmoss]

No domestiques, for one. But I keep seeing UK KZbin riders repeat the same mistakes - wear black in the summer sun, keep long hair, wear the water on their back where it heats up and overheats them, leave their helmet on when trying to cool down. I grew up in that region, and wouldn’t do any of it the way they do. But they are tougher than they are sensible, it seems.

[@jhlbk1724]

They had to walk for over hour so that blew up most peoples food and water plan.

[@michaelganshirt8795]

Oh my word, Connor! Strangely, this video makes me want to try this event. That gent who brought water back for you! What a generous and compassionate gesture!.

[@ericpmoss]

One quirk I notice in many videos like this - they always forget one obvious and vital thing. This one - chain lube, and enough food, and light colored clothes for the hot sun. Mad dogs and Englishmen do that a lot. Haha

[@JamesSmith-qs4hx]

Thank goodness for armchair experts.😍

[@winstonwinston3487]

Its refreshing to see GCN present these videos in the most humanizing way possible (no sugarcoating the experience ). Even elite riders such as Connor can have immense struggles to overcome thar are far to common with simple weekend warriors such as myself . Congrats on the finish

[@stephencharles6932]

Well it did seem a bit like "amateur hour" - no rain jacket, running out of fluids, bonking. Really you should have been more prepared imho.

[@ericpmoss]

Not sure what it is about UK cyclists on KZbin. But they are always wearing black in the summer sun, and always bonking. And not getting short haircuts for it. And wearing water bladders that heat the drink and heat their back and put extra strain on their joints.

[@davet003.5]

It was crazy hot & humid before the storm (44C max) and the mud section chewed up my legs. I drank a hell of lot of water/ hydration mix and still felt like shit. The hydration packs are the only way to carry enough water unless you have an Adventure Hydration 4l “tank”. That mud is something else and its like riding with flat tyres (if you can turn the wheel) until you can wash it off. You dare not use drinking water for washing. Kudos to Connor.

[@justsomedude7556]

How you willed yourself back onto the bike as you were sitting under that tree says a lot about your ability to work through pain and your never give up attitude. That is something that a lot of people do not understand about endurance sports and cycling in general. To the gent that rode back to give you some water, that is what it is all about, community. When a fellow cyclist is down, you stop to make sure they are ok and ask if you can help. I've watched quite a few of the video's on this years Unbound and I noticed that the heat really hurt the riders from Northern Europe, then by the grace of god, the rain came and provided some lifesaving water to cool the bodies and give them that extra push needed to finish. I live in the south and deal with the heat and humidity most of the year, so I know how hard it hits. Congrats Connor and everyone that took a chance whether they finished or not. If this was easy everyone would do it.