Is This Even BIKE RACING? (Unbound XL 2023 - THE MUD-APOCALYPSE)

[@76844]

The last feedback portion is more of what we need. A reality check for the average cyclist. Spending thousands of dollars and taking days off of work to trash your bike in 15 miles sure doesn't sound like a lot of fun to me.

[@adamweb]

Exactly, I can't imagine dunking my bike in a creek like so many did... it's the same with pro tour mechanics blasting everything with a pressure washer, they don't care about bearings and seals because they essentially have free unlimited supply.

[@miltonstevenson5326]

I finished the 200 in 2022 and DNF’d (at mile 108) this year… with that said -this isn’t supposed to be an ‘easy’ race. And if someone puts bikes on credit cards and lives beyond their means it’s not the fault of a race promoter. Unbound (DK) is notoriously one of the toughest races out there. And it’s not their job (or even their interest) to lighten it up for the masses or the random people that show up -and I say that as a DNF…

[@mikeloamzzz9593]

Just knowing the reality check and what the promoters are willing to put the racers through is great perspective to have

[@ChrisMillerCycling]

Totally agree, VC's honest take on the "reality of gravel" in many ways contradicts the marketing hype that sells the "spirit of gravel". Great video as always VC ✌🏼

[@davet003.5]

I hit the second long section of mud, this time with leg cramps, and thought about a few more km’s of walking in the muddy grass with a line of hikers as far as I could see. At that point I realized this was past the point of tough bike riding. I looked after my bike by carrying it many times so my bike damage was minimal but I tried to help 6 people to no avail because their derailleurs were trashed. Totally agree with VC’s perspective and am amazed how people did the mudageddons in the dark. Tough Mudder Emporia 2023 was a great endurance obstacle course - not good for riding.

[@aaronpietersen2018]

it’s 2am, and you’ve officially motivated me to get up, strip my bike completely, clean it out, re-grease everything, and put it back together

[@JTMarlin8]

A friendly reminder to not grease the brake rotors or bartape. That might happen at 2am.

[@drones7838]

do it!!!!

[@TChalla007]

@@JTMarlin8 🤣🤣🤣🤣

[@ToolCraze]

@aaronpietersen2018 Not if you've watched the whole video 😮

[@skipdippity]

You did it in a field at night tho right..?! Lol

[@jshar27]

My husband finished the 200 miler last year and was training for the entire year for the 350. He put so much effort and hours into his training and so much thought into his bike set up. We were prepared for this thing. And then his bike broke at 120 miles. I totally agree with you regarding the last part of your video. This wasn't a gravel bike race. The amount of time he spent into training for this, the money that we spent into taking time off of work, flights, hotels...I feel like it was disrespectful for the race organizers to do this to the cyclists and then be so dismissive of the feedback afterwards. We are still debating trying to go back next year.

[@workingguy-OU812]

Why did his bike break though? Was it a choice he made (like wider tires) to try to be faster in ideal conditions?

[@jshar27]

@@workingguy-OU812 His rear derailleur and crank tensioner stopped working due to all of the mud. And then his bike got stuck and he fell over and his wheel broke. 😂 We went to the car wash the next day to wash his bike and the mud was like concrete! He is thinking about bringing his mountain bike next year if we go back

[@workingguy-OU812]

oh my!

[@frangodaniel]

Congrats! I was there and Finished the XL on 20th with 31hours. I know exactly what u went through. Im from Brazil and was hard tô explain tô my friends how insane was this Race. Your vídeo ilustrate very well! I will send it to Everyone. Im so grateful, had mecânical Issues too, flat tires, the whole stuff. But i made it. And this vídeo shows how Big was the achievement.

[@TheHalo14aus]

Amazing effort - well done mate.

[@skibmbp]

You rock, I dnf’ed at mile 270. I could not head back into the mud!

[@bobspatta2179]

Congrats! I pulled out before the El Dorado stop. I saw you cross the finish line. Well done!

[@bobspatta2179]

@@skibmbp Way to go! I pulled out before the El Dorado stop. That was a crazy night. Oof

[@erichidrogo]

Awesome effort!!!

[@mikesimms1]

Been looking forward to this one. I'm impressed with how well you did in those conditions. Still can't get over the barbed wire thing. I feel like I would have missed that and ended up in the emergency room. Also, if I ever do this race, I now know to pack a spare derailleur hanger, chain, and basically enough parts to build a whole other bike while on the side of the road, at night, with just a hex wrench.

[@ParradisoTV]

The barbed wire is crazy to me. That's not something to just pass off. If someone gunned that at full speed they could've been seriously injured or killed.

[@EdWilliamstech]

@@ParradisoTV Cause of death: "The spirit of gravel"

[@buckcitycrunk]

there are mini ratchets with hex attachments. i carry a small one with essential ones in my vehicle but as i do more and more gnarley stuff, i will take your advice.

[@matthewnormand2041]

Having that barbed wire across that crossing was fucked. Good thing that was approached during the day and not night because someone could have been seriously injured.

[@DickSpencer1954]

Tyler! Thank you so much for trying to speak for those who don't have a platform. You finally found the impossible ride. Thank you for what you do and what you stand for in cycling!!!!

[@adolfolozano5573]

Im glad you spoke up about the course. Finally, someone said what the majority of people thought. I've seen so many videos of bike frames destroyed. I know we cant race in perfect conditions, but that was a nightmare. I was actually looking foward to unbound but after this year its been checked off my list.

[@stanion9258]

Not sure that you have to check it off of your list. It is possible to plan for this. It might involve a lot of walking, but you can train for doing CX-style bike carrying. Now everyone should know not to pedal through peanut-butter mud. If you have 190 miles left, you need the drivetrain clean.

[@JTMarlin8]

@@stanion9258 We can thank the pioneers with the arrows in their backs.

[@RookYZRM1]

I work in the industry so I'm in a similar position you are, figured I'd do the 100, be a fast fun 6hr spin through the country after being on my feet working all week, wasn't expecting 2.5hrs of hiking...I dig hard rides, and tough challenges, but that was ridiculous, and like you was thinking "how many normies out here will never be back? Never want to ride again?"...definitely far from our finest hour.

[@xcountrykid]

I can tell you I am the exact kind of rider that Lifetime would be attempting to attract to these events and I have zero interest in them, especially after seeing this year. Even without mud, I can go on more interesting rides any weekend than 90deg turns around farmlands. A growing number of us are realizing we’ve suffered enough on the bike in our lives and it’s no longer fun.

[@pedalnesto]

They had a rain route ready to go and decided not to use it. Organizers dropped the ball.

[@cjohnson3836]

How about can the insulting language. "Normies"? You don't speak for other people.

[@RookYZRM1]

@@cjohnson3836 How bout you stop looking to be offended by everything, "normies" is slang for "normal people" in other words, not hardcore racers, people out just for the fun/challenge of it...and when did I speak for others?

[@RookYZRM1]

@@xcountrykid I hear ya brother, lots of other gravel events out there so don't give up completely...I did both US Grinduro's and the Rock Cobbler this year, all 3 were amazing good times.

[@jayvandy1]

"I'm doin' Trigonometry to try and figure out how this chain works".... HAHAHA

[@BillATL]

Tyler, your rant at the end described my experience 99.9% With one little difference - even with all the training time, costs, f*#king stupid course, broken bike, dnf, & broken dreams - I loved it. And yes, it was your fault. Thank you.

[@JustOneRedSoloCup]

VC, for me this is your best Dirty Kanza/Unbound film to date. I really liked how you provided context for those participants who are there solely on their own dime, ultimately paying for their efforts (and equipment repairs) post-race, versus equipment sponsored individuals like yourself - and I don’t think that any of us on the viewing end got the sense of any douche-canoeing on your behalf! You were genuinely determined not to make it about the equipment for yourself. You’re honest and straightforward about it, and it gave great context to the overall experience. It’s still a great story and you’re a talented narrator of your experiences - we could be sitting around at a table drinking coffee, and that’s how you’re talking with your friends, not an audience of fans. There’s a difference, and it’s what sets you apart from others. Ride all the bikes, man, ride all the bikes.

[@Cheesyfruitball]

Holyyyyy shizzza man that mechanical work in the dark…. NUTS. The mental fortitude to get that thing working again had me laughing it was so impressive. I bet 99% people would have just given up once they had the chain and derailleur off in such a twisted mess. One of the best recoveries I’ve ever seen!!

[@josefliska4080]

No matter what anyone says, you did absolutely amazing, a lot of people would have given up when their bike broke down, but you just shoved a stick in it and soldiered through. You have my absolute respect

[@Marco-717]

Call me daddy

[@Trimate02]

not to even mention that he even filmed it the whole time

[@JustOneRedSoloCup]

@@Trimate02 Definitely, and also in the dark with just a headlamp (I know I would have lost a part), and likely VC was running on a huge calorie deficit. My brain would have been mush.

[@myfrequencies1912]

@@Trimate02 I recall in one of his videos he said he was a filmmaker first & a cyclist second!

[@rmpelnilschen130]

Just insane production. Feeling absolutlely blessed to be able to watch such content. Greetings from Berlin, GER

[@pedalnesto]

Amen. I was there. I raced the 200 and I finished. Am I happy I did it? Maybe. Would I have raced this year knowing it would destroy my bike? No. This year’s UB wasn’t a bike race. Hope Lifetime listens to the feedback they’ve received, and are less defensive about the decisions they made about the course (Google comments from Kimo Seymour regarding the aftermath. PR fail). Keep posting and sharing awesome content, Tyler. Not only do you share the good the bad and the ugly, you share it all with humility and class. 👊🏼

[@noahpeters6266]

Idk, it was probably the most fun I have had doing a race just because it was a little different. But if it would have been more walking would have definitely sucked more

[@GavinHamilton-i1l]

I did the 200 this year. You convinced me to do it (: Mile 11 was BS. I got a DNF at the first check point... Ultra Cyclocross? Ive never walked my bike for so long before. After rubbing most of the skin off my heals I was questioning if Kansas knows the difference between dirt and gravel? Someone should tell them gravel is made of rock. I didn't have a great time seeing so many trashed bikes. But I've got to go back next year for redemption! Next year I'm going to finish before sundown and next year I'm going to see you on the podium!

[@plantstrongcycling]

Always the best recaps, stories, and inspiration. I haven't even watched this yet, but I already want to do the XL next year.

[@BikepackingAdventures]

I suggest you watch it first 😅😀 I've watched many vlogs of Unbound this year and everyone EVERYONE was saying no more mud. Gravel riding is really taking off-right now, it would be a shame for it all to literally become stuck (in the mud). Everyone keeps saying gravel bikes are the "can-do everything" bike - which is simply turning out not to be true. There is a limit to what a gravel bike can do, for everything else is a mountain bike.

[@plantstrongcycling]

@@BikepackingAdventuresI did the 200 this year, and it was the MOST fun I’ve ever had on a bike. Luckily I didn’t have any issues and was able to place well (for me😂)

[@Avioto]

​@Aaron MiaullisLol that's some gatekeepy bs

[@Xhadp]

Thank you for the ending part. It really resonates with who and what these types of experiences are. Hopefully the organizers can keep it a popular gravel cycling event in the future years with changes to help alleviate the things happen issues that may crop up.

[@invalice123]

I love the grit, humour, struggle, and everything in this video. It's mad insane. Struggle makes the best stories.

[@GeoffreyDean33]

Tyler, you are THE best storyteller in the solar system. I've been waiting for this video ever since I learned of your participation. Did not disappoint. These race videos are great! More entertaining than the "Hardest" series.

[@williamward7801]

Loved the "rant". Finally somebody that brings some honesty to balance out the hype surrounding these events.

[@jreev335]

You have some of the best content on KZbin...and one of the best cycling content on all media

[@Simte]

Not giving up when all odds were against you during the mechanical is so amazing. You are a true inspiration Tyler. Telling the truth for people who don't have a platform and were negatively impacted by the course is something to admire.

[@davidhuesers2554]

I was in the 100 this year and everyone around me was complaining about the mud. I just told myself that once you start complaining you lose cause it’s all part of the experience. Mad respect for the 350! Also thank you for inspiring me to do the 100!

[@FelipeSalum]

Tyler, not only the muddy section, but having the Pros sprinting in the middle of the amateur riders arriving at the end was freaking dangerous, even worse than the mud section. I think the organizers failed on this event, I would be pissed if I was there and having to walk for 1h into the first 10 miles and having to abandon the event that quick.

[@pedalnesto]

Kimo Seymour, with Lifetime needs to go.

[@AnitCsah]

Exactly! I can't believe they don't have a separate finishing chute for the leaders of the 200 event.

[@burger8954]

It's happen each year since real pros started racing.

[@Timtimzi]

Pros who do gravel are the same ones who couldn't do road. Maybe separate the gravel races to have pros only vs amateurs only. I don't like the gravel scene at all, but I do enjoy VC vids

[@ando.niyuen]

not to mention the barbed wire. Like what?!

[@plantstrongcycling]

I would have made the same call in your shoes, and I thought you were gracious in your opinions of the race organizers 😂 Hopefully this video will serve to prevent the organizers from allowing stuff like this to happen again. Really proud of you, and it’s your content that made me want to do this race, motivated me to train for it, and gave me the best day I’ve ever had on the bike! Be a goldfish! (Ted Lasso)

[@darshenjason3164]

Watching you pull through this motivated me to fill up my water bottle ,wear my bibs and go for a ride on the end of a really tiring day at work. Thank you so much :)

[@vivekrbs]

loved your rant man. Broke my derailleur hanger around mile 14 and managed to have a fix and rode till 125 and DNF'd in the 200. Sucks but couldn't have done more. Great video Tyler as always.

[@truthseeker8844]

Good job keeping it real. That’s a huge reason why I like your content.

[@markfinney-gp7uo]

Tyler, thank you. Another great video. I tried the 200. Before this I trained hard and was so looking forward to it. On the day I DNF’ed and I think a large portion of that was due to the mud and ensuing mechanical issues. I was one of those people who didn’t have the experience- the kind of rider you reference. That said I had an AMAZING time and can’t wait to come back for round 2. The atmosphere, the excitement, the camaraderie, the sheer niceness of the people in Kansas made it one of the best days I’ve had.

[@od1koneod171]

Bro, you did awesome! Life is so much more than winning. Just keep loving the journey. This is as good as cycling content gets!

[@paulvanderheyden7373]

I have been following your channel almost since the beginning. Your honesty and insight are greatly appreciated. Thanks

[@TreyCoursey]

Don't even get me started on the entry fees for a SELF SUPPORTED, no road closure race such as this! Money grab if you ask me...which no one did..lol. Keep it up man.

[@lebanc571]

This is why with these kinds of routes, I go the week before, rode for free, and compare my time. With my current fitness I'd be riding alone the entire race anyways.

[@lesand5484]

I mean the fees are probably to rent tents, have some kind of festival at the start etc. - but with unbound being this big, they should be able to finance this through sponsors and fans/visitors e.g. by selling merch, drinks and food to visitors...

[@fpeter01]

Self supported is relative new in cycling races. You don't have to do it, if you don't want.

[@SurpriseMeJT]

@@fpeter01 When Mountain bike racing began, you had to be self-supported. You had to end the race with all the materials and bike configuration as when you started. You couldn't even take a spare tube from someone.

[@SurpriseMeJT]

Gravel races are absolutely just a way to profit from a trend. If one is not there to win, then why even pay to go? Why not just do your own gravel ride? Some people just need to be around others to feel good doing something. I got over feeling like I need an event to ride.

[@jaydizfishing6024]

You captured the the essence of this years race. I made an attempt at the 100 largely in-part to seeing your previous rides at DK/Unbound. Bike was dialed, fitness and 15 week training plan dialed and complete, loved every minute of the experience of UG 2023. Highlight was the Eliel group ride with you and chatting for a few minutes while riding. (I'm the guy who used to weigh 400lbs (@cd2fit)). Everyone telling folks to "toughen up, it's part of Unbound" have a good point. BUT, for those that actually went to the riders meeting on Friday night heard the RD say that they were concerned about the section in question and it would be an easy re-route at mile 11. Well it's on them for not recognizing how bad it was going to be. I planned hydration and fuel to get me to the 42 mile water stop, roughly 4hrs or so. That went out the window having to hike a bike for 3+ miles that ate up 2.5 hours. I was done at 25 miles even with a kind rider giving me a bottle. Will I do it again, hell yeah! Logging is reserved for next year. I learned a lot and will have 2023 in my back pocket to motivate me. Keep being you Bro.

[@USC9210]

Vegan: I have been watching and been informed and entertained by your videos for a while. I came to cycling late in life and after a spinal cord injury. Somehow, I had not seen a video in 10-11 months, and was unaware you were the national champ at ULTRA DISTANCE cycling. When I saw you were posting a video of your experience at Unbound (what I knew as "Dirty Kanza"), I was unprepared for a 350 mile race. Dude, big ups to you and all who entered that insane distance in the chunky peanut butter Kansas mud. Even better of you to call out the organizers for the near impossible conditions for the whole race at various distances; with the perspective that most of the people trying to complete the race are not sponsored and the frustration at the expense of completely ruined bikes only to DNF.

[@brianmccloskey6451]

First I can't stress how incredibly insightful your video account is. It generates a whole new level of respect for taking on this supremely difficult challenge. I can't even fathom riding THAT hard for THAT long and then having to deal with seemingly endless MUDAGEDDON in the middle of the night. Crazy. Kudo's for the effort and thanks for offering such a sobering and accurate account of the event. Too often people find these events romanticized via different media forums and they assume this type of event is for everyone who wants to challenge themselves and take on an adventurous challenge. But the fiscal reality of taking this on and then the disappointment at walking for hour after hour in mud and then realizing your bike is completely shot...well that's certainly NOT for everyone. I love using my bike for adventure, but your video makes it apparent that Unbound 100,200 or XL isn't for most adventure seeking riders.

[@jimbonds9654]

I kept hearing Unbound was nuts with mud this year. Now I get it. That amount of mud would trash some mountain bikes. I’m seriously impressed with your accomplishment and am now looking forward to your next videos. Ride on!

[@ethan9255]

Amazing perspective as always 😀 really appreciated your POV and feedback at the end! Big time fan regardless of your finish, all my best!

[@jaroslavscz1821]

I cannot tell you how good your videos are ! I cannot stop watching them, so interesting and you just have a knack for narration of your adventures! Well done !

[@kylecouture1917]

Hey VC. My dad passed away a couple days ago, only 2 weeks after his 60th birthday. He collapsed randomly while on a mountain bike group ride. As a whole family of cyclist who happen to be vegan, we have always been fans of you. But he was your biggest fan. He rode ALL THE BIKES (road gravel mountain). If you ever posted a video he'd be one of the first to watch it and always ask me when I would go over "did you watch the new vegan cyclist video?" I just wanted to leave this comment here for you so you know how much of an impact you made on him. His name was Clermont Couture. So the next time you go for a KOM, take the crown in honor of my old man.

[@xXSgtJackXx]

This has to be one of if not the best race coverage of any bike race ever

[@Mykelridesbykes]

As always you delivered! When i saw you dnf on Strava i was bummed but had crazy anticipation for your upcoming video. I know you'll do great next year for sure! I look forward to seeing you on the podium at ultra this yr. Also your wife is awesome! You'll get unbound podium next yr. Hope to see you then!

[@ottovonblood]

I just subscribed to your channel based off that last feedback section. Very admirable.

[@CWBDHARMA]

Well said at the end! I do t think that pros tell much about what is given and I can say your mindset definitely changes when you were given sponsored equipment. My heart goes out to the people who do spend a lot of time and money to get out there and I think it’s good to have your opinion as it’s very valid. We can shred our bikes and have them fixed but so many take the time off work and take years to build their dram bikes so maybe less mud sections so they can feel accomplished it demolished. Love your videos! You left it all out there and it’s absolutely amazing you did what you did! ❤🦄

[@chrishomel9558]

Kudos Tyler. Your totally right about this event. It's all I hear or have read about this event. Too much mud. Many Pros and amateurs alike DNF'd. You're a hero to take it on as hard as you did. Make it hard, YES but it's also supposed to be fun.

[@domoel]

Tyler is one of a kind when it comes to story telling and I was laughing so hard at 10:50!! YJMMD

[@ptonewood]

I think you have a very valid point at the end. Not to mention the many hours of training to prep and all of the sacrifices both pros and amateurs have to make.

[@mterranella]

Keep going! You inspire more than you know. We keep watching and following your lead to get out and pedal. I was delighted to cross you @ double peak this year. Got some of your berries on the climb up only to see you on my wafer decent. Thought I was done on the approach but we all find it in us to keep going past break point and watching your efforts is part of that.

[@KanedaJones]

not even into the sport and expected to watch 5 minutes or so to get the feel for the event and ended up staying for the entire video. thank you for being honest about the experience and being good at telling your story.

[@zacharyolsonn]

Dude your videos are so great! I love watching every new creative video you post. Keep up the great work and excited for your future content!

[@PeterStreusel]

Man, so good, the DNF here and the commentary is real, appreciate the authenticity of the experience you had and letting us watch over your shoulder

[@tonygSDWR]

Dude, I really like your insight, passion and humor, but what cracks me up is when you get ticked off. I feel bad I find entertainment when you're pissed, but I'm the same way. Mechanicals piss me off, and watching you deal with the derailleur showed extreme patience and perseverance (I would've found a way to burn my bike to the ground). Your footage really showed what's going on in this race, man! Well done.

[@wrxzboost]

this was hilarious...i really enjoyed your misery and feel for you at the same time! thank you for putting this together.

[@joegalope1491]

I feel your take on the race promoters/LifeTime was spot on and well said.

[@palaine]

I LOVED this video! Thank you for being so real Tyler. Keep up the amazing bike riding and continue to please pump out these amazing adventure videos. You inspire me!

[@ReneWilliams-g8y]

Thank you so much for the final section of this video, I have SO many stories of people going to do gravel races and coming back and swearing it off because of what was expected vs what they got as far as course goes, or worse, coming home injured as the course was too technical for the skill level promoted to. you're awesome

[@viralnorn9173]

Thank you for your honest assessment at the end of the vid about the conditions of the course in this race. From year to year the roads are at the mercy of the elements and the promoters aren't going to cancel when the mud makes them nearly impossible to ride because of the money involved. Maybe August would be a better month because it is much drier. But the heat would probably kill everyone.

[@pedalnesto]

They had a rain route ready to go and decided not to use it. Organizers dropped the ball.

[@cjohnson3836]

@@pedalnesto No they didn't. People needed a reality check. This isn't a club ride. Over 500 amateurs DNF'd the 200. That tells me there's a lot of people with egos that got them into a race they weren't prepared for. There's 25,50, and 100 for a reason. If you can't afford to replace your bike, or pay for a hospital bill, you shouldn't be entering races. Let alone this one.

[@viralnorn9173]

Harsh!

[@pedalnesto]

@@cjohnson3836 what do you mean “No they didn’t?” I was there! At the rider meeting the night before, they said they would use the alternate route if rain continued to fall. They did not use the route. Those are the facts. But hey, you KNOW better right? Look at the DNF results for the 200 from years past. 2023 was unprecedented. Almost 30% of the pros and 44% of the regular field DNF. And my view here is not because I didn’t finish. I did. However, the experience could have been better without making a bike race a Spartan race.

[@cjohnson3836]

@@pedalnesto You said, "organizers dropped the ball". I reply, "No they didn't". What is wrong with your brain?

[@jeremiahschuur4940]

Great video. I agree 100% with your complaints. I am a 5x finisher of the 200 mile route and I think the decision to have us walk through 3 miles of mud in the first hour was terrible and AVOIDABLE. I was prepared for an epically hard day, and I got through the mud without any damage...But this was not a gravel race... more like a tough mudder. My letter of complaint: To Leaders of Unbound and Associated Organizations, I am writing to express my concerns as a 6-time 200 mile participant (and 5 time finisher) that the decision to not reroute around the mud at mile 10 significantly hurt the event and the experiences of many who participated and will have significant negative effects on Unbound and the associated organization. I have had a love affair with DK and now Unbound since late 2016. While riding an early gravel event in Massachusetts I met a man who had ridden DK, so I signed up for a motel room in late 2016 and convinced my riding partner A. to register in 2017. We first came in 2017 and have been back every year since. I completed my 5th 200 last year and received the 1000 mile chalice. For 6 years we have stayed in town, supported local businesses, donated after the tornado struck Eureka, and spread word of the event throughout New England and encouraged many other people to do the event. I returned this year to support A. in his quest for 1000 miles, because we convinced two other friends from Massachusetts to ride and because I love the event, Emporia, and the people. I turned down the Oregon gravel grinder to do unbound. First, it was clearly evident that the mud at mile 10-13/14 presented a significant risk of requiring a long hike-a-bike and causing mechanical damage to bikes. When I first came to emporia in 2017, on our first day we did a shakedown ride including the start of the course. Here are two photos from Thursday, June 1, 2017. This is our first ride in Emporia ever, and at the exact spot where the mud started this Saturday. Road 120. It is known to locals as an area that develops peanut butter mud. We learned in 2017. Note it was a sunny hot day (it had rained the night before). We tried hiking our biked that day, and did so on and off for 1-2 miles before turning around. Second, it was possible to reroute the course. The race organizers had previously re-routed around this section for fear of unrideable mud. In 2018, after a start line thunderstorm, the course was re-routed minutes before the start. It was still a long hard day, and I doubt a single person complained that they did not get to do that section. You mentioned possibly doing this at the race meeting Friday, and it rained after this meeting. Third, the early mud section caused significant negative effects on the ride and amateur riders that were avoidable. These are the Issues: Hiking 3+ miles of avoidable mud is not what people signed up for. People signed up for an epic gravel CYCLING event. We all know the Flint Hills are wild and unpredictable, and some mud and hiking may be unavoidable. Last year, for example, the mud was not fun, but it happened mid day after a localized rain storm, and in the course of that event did not have a significant effect on people’s outcomes. Early hike-a-bike had many cascading negative effects on the rest of the day that were predictable. The added work of hike-a-bike likely led many people who could finish to drop out. This hurt their experience and stresses the systems that rescues riders. While the Unbound should and always is hard, this section added unneeded stress to many. I imagine this particularly affected the exact communities that you are doing so much good work to try to grow in gravel. The early slow down and effort made everyone late through the rest of the course. This meant later arrivals at checkpoints and later finishes. Keeping crew teams in Madison late meant these people did not go to Emporia to enjoy and spend at the downtown event. Pushing people to finish very late means they get back after bike washing, food and drink. Their experience is much less positive. My unscientific assessment is that the downtown area was much less bust from 9: 30-12pm than it has been historically, and I think this is because of the delays on course and drop outs. I would bet that spending downtown Saturday night was lower than past years. Mechanical damage to bikes. I witnessed many people try to ride through the mud and break derailleurs, wheels etc. I spoke with many people who had over $1000 of bike damage from this section and had to abandon. You can tell people not to ride the mud, but you know human nature and if it is your first experience with peanut butter mud, you don’t believe it until it’s too late. Completely avoidable. Potential damage to the prairie. In 2017-2019, Jim Cummins and team always stressed that if we had to hike, it was important to stay on the road because hiking up by the barbed wire killed grass and led to erosion and would put future access to these roads at risk. While I don’t know if this is still true, I assume he wasn’t warning us for no reason. 1400+ people who hiked beside the road (not in the road) certainly damaged the vegetation. Personally, the decision did not affect me that much. I did fine in the hike-a-bike (except for a heel blister), because I have experienced it before. I felt as expected throughout the day, and was typically tired, but riding fine heading into Madison. I dropped out at mile 167. I think I could have finished but, as I neared Madison, I said to myself, “I can ride (and likely walk) 3 more hours in wet and dark and get in at 1130-1145 in dark and after last call, or I can abandon and get dinner and beers at Mulready’s.” Since I already have my 1000 mile chalice, and I was not having much fun at that point, I made a rational decision for one of the first times in my long distance cycling career. I have no bitterness about not finishing. I had a great end of the night and got to cheer on riders and watch my 2 friends cross the line at 11:35 and A. got his chalice. This single decision resulted in many participants not finishing, not enjoying their day as much as they would have, and will hurt the reputation of Unbound. Ultimately, this decision meant that for many you did not achieve your mission: “UNBOUND Gravel is a grassroots event, organized and managed by folks who are passionate about cycling, and have done so for the primary purpose of providing life-enriching CYCLING experiences for our event participants.” On my ride home from Madison, there were three other riders in the truck: A woman in her late 50’s from Florida, doing the 100, and had to abandon because the early mud slowed her down so much. A man from Portland, OR in his late 40’s with significant gravel experience, who broke his derailleur hanger at mile 12, and replaced it (came prepared) but ultimately dropped out because he was running late and bike not working. A man in 50s from England who has completed many difficult long distance events including Paris-Roubaix gran fondo in the mud year. He suffered some mechanical damage in the early mud and dropped out because he was slower than expected and bike wasnt working. All three said the early mud led to them dropping out and that they will not be returning. I am writing this because I have had such a positive experience with DK and Unbound over the previous 5 years. I think this single decision did great harm and I feel bad for the many volunteers and riders affected. I hope the organization will publicly acknowledge its mistake. Thanks to Emporia and all of the volunteers and staff who have made my 6 DKs and Unbounds happen. Sincerely, J

[@stevebarratt6912]

You are still awesome, P.s. Thanks for taking the time and letting me and my Friend get a photo with you, it was greatly appreciated!

[@merseypicsvids]

Dude, I have been refreshing YT every day looking forward to this vid. Didn't disappoint

[@estebana.miralles3619]

That repair was "vodou". Totally amazing!! I love your fighting spirit! Cheers from Philly

[@rayacosta3510]

You did well! I totally agree with you on the last bit rant. Thank you for doing this video. Cant wait for next year

[@claudiuuscatu2155]

Mate, you did great. And that disclaimer at the end, really hit home. Way to keep it real!

[@jamesshields1969]

Tyler, not only is the video a great one, but bruh>>>> your commentary is top notch hilarious

[@segiv4860]

man, your videos are so true to the real thoughts of what someone would put ahead of their minds. thanks for keeping it real here in the internet. I also kill it in my group bike ride, but also second guess myself sometimes with stupidity.

[@jonathan_FS]

Man, I’m back to your channel after years without watching, your are a HERO, nothing more to say ❤

[@CarbonRider1]

As many have said, thank you for the honesty, and keeping it real.

[@DanBirasi]

Thx for another great and honest video. Sometimes a gamble does not turn out the way you want ito. That's why it's called a gamble. And also thx for the rant at the end. Deepest respect from Germany

[@dwahearn]

I live in St Louis Missouri and I have been thinking about doing this race year after year until this year. I don't make a lot of money and this would absolutely crushed me to destroy my bike in this way. Mud is not gravel. It's as simple as that. Thank you VC for standing up and saying something for everybody that lost their wallets that day. Does somebody in the organization have past experience in Tough Mudders and forgot what kind of race they were designing?

[@leewood4825]

If ever a VC vid deserves a thumbs up man this is it. No Vegan excuses here man. Fixed the bike ffs in the middle of the night unreal. Way to go Tyler 👏

[@TheRampax]

Great video as always. I really enjoy watching these events from yourself, Dylan Johnson and Fernwee etc. The events look completely insane, more like survival training. It blows my mind how anyone can even finish these things, let alone go at the pace the leaders go at.

[@Souzaphotos]

How you are racing and dealing with so much and still managing to record footage to make these awesome Unbound videos is wildly impressive. Great job!

[@danavanvoorhees3958]

Man, super fun watching your unbound recap, mud and all. I think these experiences will be looked back on as character building and help you in the future in the event you have to dig even deeper on one of your impossible routes. I mean, you just never know with the crazy shit you do. Thanks for vocalizing your support for the amateurs, which is the glue that holds Unbound together.

[@86309]

your analysis of the race is right on the money. Glad you actually said it outloud.

[@MasteringGrappling]

You are a better man than me on this one. Big props for doing as well as you did. This race seems like far more than just a race. It seems like the race is already tough enough without having to deal with the amount of mud and mechanical failures that you had to deal with.

[@LDuquetteLD]

I have been waiting for your video Tyler! You are such a great story teller. I appreciate your honesty and always root for you in whatever endeavor you take on. That’s what makes you relatable, you are unapologetically you, tell us how you really feel and take us with you during training and the race. Racing in hard events, besides being a physical challenge, are a mental and emotional roller coaster. In those ultra events you have a lot of time to be in your own head. Over the years I have learned to deal with the demons that show up to tell me to stop, quit, do easier things, that nobody really cares on how I do in a particular race. But I care, and I’ll know if I didn’t give my best and I will hate it. It’s very refreshing when someone cycling on a high level says that sh*&*t is hard! You didn’t fail, you learned things that will help you in the future. Future you will Thank you 😊

[@DMVMTB]

WOW! Thanks for the honesty on this video

[@obetman6776]

I’m planning to go next year and I’m extremely excited. but after seeing this makes me think twice. Thanks VC

[@bobspatta2179]

Come anyway! Better yet, if you can, come early and pre-ride the course. I'll be happy to show you around it.

[@ianwigmore2675]

Kudos! Great performance, Great Vlog delivery, the honesty, the reality! Very informative and most importantly entertaining!

[@threed821]

aayyyoooo "I Love hard things" - Tyler. Haha, good stuff - was waiting for your Unbound vid!! Thank you!

[@SirTobiDerKINGderH]

Nice on VC, also your statement und expressed support for the regular mortals. Thumbs up!

[@digitalenglish3620]

Great vid as usual VG. Katie Kookaburra reminds her followers to bring an extra derailleur hanger (or two coz they’re cheap as chips) in your seat bag because you’ll need one and won’t have one. This winter I went to Jamaica to do some base training, luckily I brought an extra derailleur hanger for my Trek coz on an 8% incline my derailleur decided to was done and snapped in two severely bending my hanger. Went to the bike shop, got a new derailleur and used my new hanger, Bob’s your mother’s brother! Thinking about a Grizl, now that I’ve watched your video, my minds made up now to get it with the Rudy front shock. Cheers mate,

[@robbchastain3036]

You do a really great job with these anthologies, Tyler, thanks for taking us into your trials and tribulations and lack of frosty sodas when you needed them most. And no, you don't bear any responsibility for the course, the course officials need to find alternate routes when hours of bike-and-spirit-busting mud await the competitors, both those seeking top results and those seeking strong personal performances. And hopefully something good will come from this mess because, as you say, people really can't afford to spend their time and big bucks on this sort of experience, too much of a downer, especially when it is hyped as the epicenter of gravel, the best disco in town. Thanks again, Tyler, and hopefully you'll win next time because gravel is getting to be like it all. You gotta be a winner, baby, just win. And I grin. 😀

[@cjohnson3836]

Sule Kangangi died on a reportedly straight, smooth and well maintained stretch of the Vermont Overlander. If its not mud, its a wreck. Its a car on an open course. Its stochasticity; no one actually knows how Sule crashed. At some point, riders needed a reality check. If people can't afford to replace their bike, they shouldn't be entering races.

[@danavanvoorhees3958]

So, racing is only for the wealthy?? You’re literally saying “Don’t race if you can’t afford to buy a new bike in the event your bike gets destroyed in a race??” Who the hell can afford to replace a bike?? That’s some serious elitist bullshit. What planet are you living on Mr. deep pockets?

[@jameslopez958]

I'm Cheering 📣 For You Man 👏👏👏. You have perseverance 👍👍👍

[@KwadSkwad]

I think you captured something that I haven't really been able to put into words. Last year I showed up to this race to finish. 2022 I finished. goal met. wahoo!! This year? My goal was to beat the sun. by mile 15, I was already 1.5 hours behind schedule, off fueling, and suffering(leg cuts, twisted ankle, mud marathon fun). the bike survived with no issues though, and I rode another 6 hours, but I was looking at another 7-20 hour finish. That's not what I came this year to do, and I decided to DNF before putting in so much damage to myself in recovery that I couldn't continue to ride bikes. So I stopped to ride another day. Last year recovery took the better part of 6 weeks.

[@stephencolton299]

Tyler, you are a true athlete. You don't have to prove a thing. Well done!

[@craigprather5887]

We are all human. Getting the nutrition right in race like this is a lot of it. I've done quite a few 6, 12, and 24 hour races, 200 mile TTs, and 400 mile TT's. Makes me want to try this one!

[@sjjw43]

Fantastic video, again! Honest, heart on yr sleeve stuff brilliant well done mate nothing to regret here.

[@eedoamitay3341]

I watch your videos before I go on my bike rides, they get me pumped to go out and have a great ride

[@uknowbass]

Great to see you at your start. Your live tracker said you were still at the start like you forgot it or something. I did the 100. Been waiting for this vid on bated breathe. I think you nailed the mud issue. Imagine doing the trans Continental ride which I’m following on Facebook and their days of mud!

[@trevorfoley7236]

Awesome video thank you for sharing

[@jeremybennett6880]

Liked even without seeing more than the 1st minute! Was excited to see a new VC vlog!

[@stevedare4480]

I’ve been waiting for this video and hear all about what you experienced . Doing the the 100 myself i can relate to the mud adventure. Thanks for your comments at the end . I didn’t know to suck it up almost wrecking my bike , no one talks about ! I do think they should re route some of the course around the heavy mud sections but then again it’s supposed to be challenging . I’m on the fence on this subject . I am questioning bringing my 9 thousand dollar bike again next year if I get in . Thanks so much Tyler for sharing your experience in detail .

[@alexharvey2000]

Was so excited to see a VC vid out. For us non-instagram users, hoping to see some more KZbin content!! Love the vids

[@Zack-dv6rz]

I love riding my bike, but there's no way in fucking hell I could ride through gravel nor mud, fuck that. Great video!

[@sammariel]

Great video loved the honesty and glad you record those frustrating moments

[@EndUser-yu7gg]

Beast mode dude... I watching your videos of this to get in the mental space for.my.own.xl fresh off. injury I am fighting back to fitness so ... yeah push the limits ✊

[@bepooch]

Flashback to 2019 and my UB entry is confirmed. A quick Google turns up your video from the year before. It was the perfect for the time. I've now completed 3 consecutive Unbound 200s without much in the way of calamity. I adjust my goals along the way as things unravel - like dont loose to JB by more than 6 hours. Anyway, thanks for the content, inspiration and perspective. Don't let this be your impossibly route. I think I will pass on the XL though.🤙

[@kidthatcould9454]

Super valid take on who the event is suited for bro. Thank you for keeping it 💯 and capturing this facet. Sorry it panned out this way Buddy. Still super proud of you for sticking it out though bro.

[@marcuspartridge11]

All of your fans and followers are super proud! You were a lion out there! Keep it up!

[@BIIIKES]

Speak out, brotha. Spot on feedback at the end. While there are a ton of races out there that have unrideable sections due to weather, the barbed wire section was inexcusable.