Never Give Up the Fight! Unbound Gravel 200 Race Report

[@ninamachina5446]

How BHD's race went: - Attacked off the start and double flatted on the first speed bump rolling out of town. - Fixed it using other rider's CO2s because BHD never brings his own tools. - Attacked again at mile 10 out of 200 and *shocker* couldn't hold. - Flatted yet again and took the DNF, riding back in the sagwagon with a beer in hand. Satisfied with his result because at least he got start line to first corner KOM.

[@ponderingfox]

Sounds right.

[@gte534j]

You clearly know Dylan well!

[@tgoods5049]

BHD will be back next year with the same plan, I'm sure.

[@poochie8208]

@@tgoods5049 except this time he will go around the speed bump

[@KipsanBeck]

He dropped Durian Rider on his bamboo bike in that 2nd surge #bhdftw #hypergainbeastmodeproteam

[@Thomas-eb1fr]

Backwards Hat Dylan does 612 TSS on rest days...

[@TimHodson]

The picture of BHD on the velodrome during a rest day needs to be on one of those 80's inspirational posters.

[@AdamRobergeCycling]

Dylan is a Badass. He literally passed me 3 times during the race. This guy never gives up. Excited to race again man!

[@goldenretriever6261]

Where did you finish?

[@AdamRobergeCycling]

@@goldenretriever6261 My race recap will be out this week ;)

[@polthomaskeeley7860]

Hey Adam. Yes, he is! You too!! We know who you are, sir hehe :-) Nice KZbin channel, and great results recently 👍😎

[@goldenretriever6261]

@@AdamRobergeCycling been waiting 🙂

[@TarmacSkin]

At Americus i saw Dylan on his aerobars headwind, by himself on full beast mode. Impressive pace! Had to be over 24 mph at that point.

[@TarmacSkin]

My Most anticipated video of Unbound.

[@cae8978]

100%. Now I just await Vegan to drop his

[@theriskinator5736]

@@cae8978 vegan is an annoying KZbinr but Dylan is awesome

[@cae8978]

@@theriskinator5736 I still enjoy both of them.

[@theriskinator5736]

@@cae8978 cool my cycling friend no hate

[@swather85]

You blasted by me with 1 mi to go as I was struggling to finish my 100mi journey. My mouth moved in a motion that said "Way to go Dylan! Love the channel!" But honestly, I don't think any of that came out because there was no air behind them:) So, I'm saying it here. Keep of the good work.

[@robbchastain3036]

Looks like you won the 210, Dylan, if that's any consolation.

[@robertmennow7761]

Man - what a story! My wife and I rode together and I used the Specialized tires after your previous post about them being the best overall gravel tire (we also ride for a Specialized shop so…). Luckily we didn’t have tire problems and finished in 14 hours which enabled my wife to be 2nd in her age group. Saw you there waiting for coffee and was trying to not be the “OMG there’s Dylan” guy & gal. You showed the mental toughness that it takes and we appreciate you, your videos, and the mental training bonus that you just shared with all of us. Goal #1 is always to finish, Goal #2 is realistic, and Goal #3 is if you have the best day ever. It was super hot, humid, and my wife also jumped in the creeks. We’re from Phoenix so, thankfully, we are used to 1000mg of sodium/hour, etc…but I literally was watching people who passed us laying under trees hours later. Grit, guts, and determination - congrats and thank you for all you do to help teach and inspire all of us!!

[@paulantosh5501]

Phoenix heat is awesome. Nothing like SoMo repeats when it is 115...as a recovery ride of course. The guy who won the 350 with a record average speed is a South Phoenix legend.

[@dannyodum3460]

Honesty is refreshing - this stuff is not easy. Thank you, it inspires

[@AndrewBrown-em3ti]

Absolutely epic ride Dylan. Given the issues you faced on the day it’s a great performance. Just finishing the race is such an achievement but to be at the front end takes unbelievable talent and effort. Thanks for sharing your experience with us and good luck with the rest of your season.

[@Veloworthy]

Way to go Dylan (and BHD)! Glad we could be part of the experience with you.

[@clas683]

Your mentality for racing is spot on. We put loads of time into our training and plenty of hard earned money into our sport. The limiting factor for success should never include poor motivation or whining from pain. Giving up at may feel good for 15min then you don’t ever want to talk about that race again. Not giving up despite pain and all sorts of trouble will still bring on a smile years a head.

[@rob7177]

You are the best cycling content youtuber right now bud! Hands down!!

[@magnusahman3886]

Finally something to do on a rest day

[@jmecklenborg]

Dylan you passed me at your mile 195. I was on a fat bike in mile 95 of the 100. It was funny to recognize you from these videos because I think you're the first person I ever recognized from youtube and you were blazing by in excess of 20mph. I wondered why you were about 45 minutes behind the lead riders and this explains it. The only technical riding on the 100 was between miles 20 and about mile 50. From Council Grove back to Emporia was pretty easy.

[@dougduchateau443]

Its one thing to throw out tips on YT. Its another thing entirely to actually use the information you offer and put yourself out there in competition. This is why you carry such gravitas. Can't wait to see you win again!

[@jljl73]

Great effort Dylan (and backwards hat Dylan). A lesson in stoicism. Many people would have quit after all those issues and delays. True grit! 💪👍

[@oldanslo]

Like Adam Roberge

[@JoshMcGehee]

Been refreshing KZbin for a week waiting for this content.

[@richards4422]

Refusing to QUIT - Proud of you dude !!!

[@OatesClan]

Dylan, I was really hoping to meet you! (I knew it wouldn't be on the course, :) I cracked a rib at mile 35 and made it to mile 148 with multiple flats and a mechanical issue. Didn't make the 2nd checkpoint in time. Had a great day and I'll be back to hammer this race again!

[@richardwoodworth8357]

Love the brutal honesty of this video. You won't get that type of narrative from other riders.

[@WelshdragonRugby]

Cheers Dylan for all your great content! Really appreciate the effort you put into it, and all the best for the rest of your season! Love that "never give up" mentality!

[@matt.eggleton]

Way to show grit! DNFs hurt MUCH worse than bad losses or placings. Like you said, survival is a huge component of how you finish and how you evaluate yourself afterward. I'm very happy for you! Hope to see you again soon!

[@matt.eggleton]

BTW, I know in those hard moments you also thought about your coaching clients holding you accountable. You showed them how to do it. Congrats!

[@jgogl9791]

Thanks a lot for the insight Dylan, appreciated. I think you’ve got to be pretty happy with that, given presence of World Tour (ex-)pros etc.

[@theriskinator5736]

He can’t be too happy with how he preformed

[@keirinmaster]

At 3:19; LOL!! Buddy, those aren't sustainable numbers for 98% of humans. You did awesome. Love your content.

[@ucanskixc568]

Thank you for a very honest report of your Unbound Race. As you said, do NOT quit a race unless it is absolutely necessary. I quit a couple of races out of hundreds that I did do in (swimming, running, cycling, and Nordic Skiing..1980?..Nats), and those two races still haunt me. I remember them as if it was yesterday. Have a great season.

[@comtruise9779]

Thanks for another great report Dylan. If you do make the heat acclimation video, please include any science, or your own thoughts on nutrition deep into hot days when your body starts to hate the thought of trying to drink warm fluids in your bottles / hydro pack, trying to eat anything solid becomes impossible, and there's no team car bringing up cold soda to save the day. This is something I have always struggled with 5-6 hours into rides where it's ~85F+. Hope to see you at Gravel Worlds!

[@flowformulas135]

Another great report DJ! Effing flats!!!! Already looking forward to being there with you next year. 🤗

[@huubmunstege3428]

Great race Dylan! Totally agree with your 'do-everything-to-finish' mentality. I guess when you were riding back to the station, you never imagined that you were going to finish 12th! Big Kudos!

[@emersonrezende]

Ultra endurance race: 1st 1/3 is raced with your fitness, 2nd 1/3 your heart, the 3rd 1/3 it is your souls that brings you to the finish line. I was there and will try and be there again. Mentioned this already but here it goes again : your training plan and videos were crucial for me to finish the thing. Thanks Dylan.

[@LlenadeMalo]

You are right about finishing. It could be a race or just a normal ride: sometimes it just doesn’t go your way. You need to mentally figure out what the goal is then. It could just be finishing. It could just getting to the top of the next hill. Regardless just abandoning feels awful. Good work, man. Inspirational for sure.

[@alexanderkuhn6172]

Man I’ve been waiting for this video for so long, was most excited for your race report

[@chuckfrizzell8668]

Great lesson for us all. Unbelievable effort no doubt. I just installed Specialized Pathfinder Pro on my Niner Rlt 9 Rdo. Yep - we listen to what you have to say…thanks Dylan.

[@holmston1973]

It was your recommendation of Pathfinders last season that made my mind up about using them this year when I got a gravel bike. I'm glad I chose them now.

[@cypriano8763]

"Dont torch your legs with the flame thrower in the first part of the race" chris horner

[@stianpollestad754]

No, you should shave them prior to the race ;)

[@cypriano8763]

@@stianpollestad754 you dont shave yer legs for gravel.get real

[@stianpollestad754]

@@cypriano8763 Some do, some don't. I guess it's a personal choice.

[@Fred_Nice]

I love these race recaps and feel free to get on your soapbox as much as you like. Hearing about your struggles and your will to finish was just what I needed. Really inspiring, thanks for that. Just came back from 6 months in NY to Singapore, and am struggling to reacclimate to the heat and humidity. Looking forward to the heat acclimation video.

[@randyleblanc3465]

Truth @ 8:05 - 8:45 - Thank you for all that you do sir.

[@bobqzzi]

Love the race reports. I'm hoping you'll do one of the technical aspects of your bike/equipment. It is completely wild how gravel racing competition has become so keen.

[@emilioc700]

I ran the Pirelli Gravel H 40c since they were released about a year ago. One big puncture that required a plug and I think one small that seal healed, but that's in training. Emailed Jarno at BRR (bicycle rolling resistance) to test the Pirelli and Michelin Power Gravel last year. To my surprise, the Power Gravel came out ahead in puncture resistance and has way better traction than the Pirelli. So I switched a few months back. Ran the Michelin's at Unbound and for the first time in 4 tries, no flats in Kansas. Was in the lead group until 1:55 into the race when I twisted my chain with a bad shift, so I was moving quickly. So maybe test the Power Gravel. I think whatever belt material Michelin uses is a bit stretchy and far more flexible than the Pirelli. I found the Pirelli so stiff that you had to run them crazy low to get any grip or shock absorption, like sub 30psi (159lbs). The Michelin OTOH, has better grip and shock absorption at like 5-8psi higher than the Pirelli. My .02

[@oldanslo]

I ran the Michelin PowerGravels 40mm (32psi F/35spi R) as well but got a sidewall slice on the rear tire on that double track sections heading up toward Alma 2.5 hrs in. Couldn't plug it so booted-n-tubed. Surprise flat as I was off the saddle letting the bike move at the end of a downhill section. No other tire issues the rest of the ride. Wasn't going as fast as you but not shy about letting it run on the downhills.

[@emilioc700]

@@oldanslo Yup. Nothing is puncture proof and any single testimonial is still anecdotal.

[@oldanslo]

@@emilioc700 Checked the results and noted you beat sunset! Nice ride. I finished an hour behind you. I bought the Michelins after reading Jarno's testing. Bombed around PNW logging roads this spring without issue. Still like the tire, although the rear tread is noticeably worn. If you asked me today, I'd probably go with Pathfinder Pros next year.

[@emilioc700]

@@oldanslo Thanks, congrats to you for finishing too. I didn't take enough electrolytes in and got hyponatremia. Stomach full of water and just shut down. Did the second half of the race on about 400 calories at about 125bpm Lesson learned.

[@carlosflanders518]

@@emilioc700 have you posted a race report to MTBR? really enjoyed your BWR Utah from last year.

[@robertask9027]

Dude these race analysis are amazing! Keep going and do the same stuff, you are awesome!!!

[@giorginonaval7300]

Constantly refreshing your channel and waiting for this. What a badass! Thanks for sharing your inspiring Unbound experience with us, I think I'm gonna go ride my bike now.

[@peterbell8564]

Great video Dylan! You constantly give me inspiration to get better at gravel riding, hopefully one day I’ll be able to do Unbound when covid is over.

[@RGCastro7]

Impressive mental strength, Dylan. Kudos on managing the setbacks so well and on reflecting thoroughly on what can be done better next time. Thank you for sharing!

[@roebbiej]

Dylan, you're a legend, and I'm a massive fan of yours. Love all your video's, especially the race recaps!

[@reloadbaggage]

I can always get great insight and motivation from your videos, even though i'm nowhere near this level. great work, and major props for not giving up! thanks for the video!

[@jeremytheys]

Good effort. Solid video. The field was stacked. Thoroughly believe next year will have entire teams working together.

[@loneoceans]

Thanks for sharing your story with us! Your perseverance despite the troubles you had is motivational! 👍

[@guglio7350]

I love this channel, simple and to the bone...no need for more.

[@zigismundus]

Thank you for including kmh and celcius.

[@cybersomu]

A lot of grit there! Kudos! :)

[@jaydesimone4297]

Interesting analysis! I like these videos, not just to see how you did, but how to analyze my own performances. The numbers you put out are just amazing, though.

[@GiorgioCoppolaCycling]

Just entered my first gravel event, having watched you and some other KZbinrs recent videos… mine will be slightly different I’m just hoping to survive 😅😂

[@johnjohnson6891]

Dylan thanks for the update on this race. I was wondering how your race went. It’s pretty amazing to have the issues you did and still finish as well. I have been riding the Pathfinders and have been very happy with them.

[@armarac]

Hey dude been waiting this video for ages !! 💪🏽

[@renatocolenghi6300]

Cheers from Brasil! Keep up the good work. A pleasure to somehow witness your journey.

[@WanderingSword]

crazy amount of flats. Tire manufacturers should take note.

[@paulantosh5501]

Just Kansas sending its regards.

[@billincolumbia]

Well done, sir. Pain is temporary. A DNF lasts forever.

[@caspian21]

I was waiting for this video to see what you would say about forgoing the Pathfinder Pros. I appreciate the honesty as we all run into equipment regrets in gravel. No way to be sure you would have had better luck with a different tire. For the record I have stuck with the Pathfinders but only because the Pirelli's were out of stock.

[@gte534j]

Good thing you got those co2 from people other than me cause you know I would be charging you like $50 a co2!

[@bennetthooks8816]

Enjoyed the video. I used specialized trigger pros for the 2nd time and did not have a puncture either time. Tire choice is huge. I had thought about tire inserts but decided against it and I saw 2 people riding w inserts over their shoulders later in the race and that helped confirm my decision.

[@alsayers]

Not is your class at all but you make videos that are relevant to me.

[@rquinones27]

What a tough day. Way to go for keep plugging away during adverse conditions and congratulations on a respectable result all things considered.

[@chrisroe6603]

I'm "glad" to see the pros had the same issues we mere mortals had. I did the 100 and the heat and rolling hills really caught me off-guard. It was all I could do turn my pedals over at some points. I was running Panaracer Gravelking SK 43mm with Vittoria Air-Liner Gravels with 35psi up front and 40psi in the back and had zero issues with punctures. But maybe that was just luck

[@marcelomo1]

also did the 100, the heat was BRUTAL I still cant believe people could finish the 200 on that heat and wind.

[@mauricedejongh7969]

Nice race update! Your 'mental viewpoint' is inspiring!!

[@jd2ndacct431]

Excellent commentary and analysis of your event. Would be good for 2022 if you can video bits of your race and add these in to switch it up now and again. Great content still mate

[@markpalmer3071]

Just the distance alone flaws me. I really enjoy watching these. Nice one.

[@richardmarzec7349]

I was thinking of getting the same Pirelli for my gravel bike. When I heard in another video that you said you were using them for Unbound I thought I would wait and see how they performed. I'm glad I waited. I hope to be there in 2022

[@porsche45353]

i nave the Pirelli never had a flat butt they are realy fast

[@whizler]

I filled my tires with Hyper Gain Beast Mode Mass Gainer and didn't flat once on the XL route. Give it a try!

[@pauloh4571]

Funny!!!!

[@jessewark9185]

Lol That’s for gettin jacked bro!

[@poochie8208]

was that the new Hyper Gain Beast Mode Mass Gainer Latex flavour?

[@bluemystic7501]

BHD was a big favorite. That sucks he double-flatted almost immediately.

[@poochie8208]

I wonder who would win between BHD and the vegan cyclist, that would be a hilarious excusa-thon

[@acanfield87]

Amazing performances by so many racers that day! Great job and thanks for the summary.

[@saddleweary9709]

That 101 brought tears to my eyes. Telling it so seriously only poured honey over it.

[@jaimedebrum8557]

I can imagine the frustration you felt! Kudos for having the mental strenght to finish such an eventful race 💪👏

[@jdgang70]

Will have to agree with you about quitting. I did the Stoopid 50 this year (well the 30) . I was DFL caught up by the sweeping on the very first climb and gave up right when I made it to the top. After getting back I had so much regret not just finishing the race. so will try again next year.

[@cnjlakes]

"Bro Dylan" is hilarious.

[@michaelstoecker4178]

BHD is hilarious! Outstanding recap, and all things considered an awesome result. Congratulations! 👍👍

[@josepassospereira875]

Great video. Never give up. Keep it up!!! 👌😎👍

[@robertcastellani5301]

Inspiring Dylan … wonderful words !

[@riktye8800]

Well done 👍🏻 so much motivation listening to your race journey. Thanks for producing your honest take on things 💥🏆. Everyone truly deserves their medal 🏅

[@77septimo]

Great advice, Never Stop!

[@redwoodJB]

I switched to Pathfinder Pros because of you and have never looked back.

[@frankhammond9909]

Awesome job! I ran the specialized pathfinder pros on that race and had zero flats. Although, I wasn't going nearly as fast.

[@rudiberden1088]

Congrats on your great finish Dylan. I suffered heat exhaustion last year on a 50 mile ride here in Southern California (it was a 112F). I'm looking forward to see your video on this topic very much.

[@coreyreeder3549]

Dude, you could have won this race with fewer flats. I’m a fan of your channel, and this looks like your biggest and best effort so far.

[@pauloh4571]

Resevoirr. That's funny. Great post, Dylan. I'm glad you stuck it out but I'm not at all surprised.

[@chrisvanbuggenum871]

Well done mate. So unfortunate. But after all that to be 12th!! That's awesome!!

[@TimothyM]

I was really looking forward to this after seeing you in Velo's video. Well done, Dylan!

[@8000296]

Thanks for the small details. Km en km/h! The Numbers are impressive 💪

[@brandennall]

Great update and sharing! Sounds like an awesome adventure. Even sometimes on a bike we can enter the NO-FUN ZONE. Those are the rides that mean the most when you're finished! The stop and dump water down the back of your head and back - is on point and a phenomenal tip for heat recovery and power replenishment. Works like a charm - and pretty much immediately. Kudos and keep crushing it out there.

[@jeremywall4235]

I've been looking forward to seeing this. Thanks for the recap. Congrats on a good race even though it wasn't easy. Way to not give up.

[@abyn8220]

I really enjoy all your vids, thank you. I havent watched this vid yet, but i wanted to ask you this: "what would you have done differently to better prepare you for this event? Yeah, hindsight is 20/20, but reflecting to improve on future endeavors is super valuable! Thanks again for all your videos!

[@davidschiffer4448]

Great Job! It was a hot one. And you are right, not finishing sucks. Had major issues with 21 to go. Ah well, there is next year! Love your videos. Keep it up!

[@chasepalpatine170]

I’m not surprised dumping cold water helped you during the race. I seem to recall 🤔 a racer used that technique in the 2006 Tour de France Stage 17 to ride off the front of the peloton for 10 minute advantage and victory on the stage. I think he credited the constant cold water dumps (and whiskey) for the victory. In all seriousness, way to not give up and keep going. 👍

[@kaboutermannetje]

well done Dylan!

[@Rugpull13]

Good thing about bike racing is being strong and tactically suave isn't enough to win, you need good luck too, and lots of it especially after 4 hours ++ the odds get crazier. DJ you're still a legend 100% confirmation lol.

[@sergioahuirbretones]

I would give a try to higher volume tire with somewhat reinforced sides, 45mm i.e.. Being able to run lower pressures reduces shearing stresses on carcass when passing through sharp rocks, wich lead to cuts in the tires. Not to mention better damping (less vibration, less fatigue), despite aero and inertial cons. Kudos for the impressive content. Regards from Spain.

[@danderoma]

nice work that race is insane

[@rpdole]

Awesome result! Great inspirational video.

[@abhateja29]

Nice summary! Thanks for sharing!! And chapeau👍

[@vivekrbs]

Nice Video as always Dylan . What's your opinion on the 2 former world tour pro's who rode till the end. Ten Dam and Boswell. Great to see former pro's in all the gravel events.I will be there at unbound next year.

[@francoporco9780]

Still a fantastic result 👌👍

[@spokesandchokes8755]

Great work Dylon