Training For The Biggest Gravel Race In The World!

[@gcn]

How do you think Conor will get on at Unbound? 👇

[@AndikaGusmantoro]

Go Conor, finish strong!

[@aliensporebomb]

I'm hoping he will do well! I eagerly await the results!

[@miche_amico]

Best of luck, Conor. I think you'll do great!! Welcome to the other side of the pond.

[@inz_uzi]

Connor, you're gonna smash it! Show the rebellious colony who's the boss! 😂 Best of luck.

[@peterfranzjr.1190]

I just hope Conor has fun and paces himself instead of blowing his doors off like the "El Alta Beach Race". PS: Welcome to US Gravel

[@tSobota]

It always amazes me how humble Conor is! Best of luck! You are going to smash it!

[@andrewmcalister3462]

Yeah, for a man whose head is in the clouds, he is always so down to earth.

[@JonLeonardF10]

Couldn’t agree more

[@davidryan4053]

That's the Irish in him.

[@gcn]

He's a gentle giant 🙌 Keep your eyes peeled to find out how Conor got on... 👀

[@charlesdufour9276]

He just finished in 85th with a time of 17 hours 23 minutes 7 seconds! Congratulations Conner on the amazing performance! This has to be among your greatest ever cycling achievements.

[@mikemitchell3085]

That was 85th in the Elite Men Division. There were, unfortunately, well over 400 people who finished the race in less time than he did. Obviously, he had a really tough day yesterday. As someone who served as Support for another rider, I can tell you he was not alone! But, he finished what he started, regardless of the challenges, and for that I congratulate him!

[@gcn]

He smashed it 💥

[@HKRoad]

I love the way Conor is listening to Ollie so carefully. He’s genuinely learning and is genuinely anxious. What a great bloke. Really hope he has a great ride in the States and that he’s learned how to fix a puncture (get some Dynaplugs not those useless bacon strips Conor… and some gloves for the ride). All the very best for Unbound.

[@evigvandrare]

It's great to see the GCN crew take on the bigger gravel races, who's going to be the first to take on one of the bikepacking epic races? Something like the Tour Divide, the Arizona Trail, Badlands, the list goes on. Gruelling, multi day epics.

[@KimiTheCat09]

Good luck, Conor! Rooting for you all the way. Pack enough fuel and spares! 💪😁 #TeamConorOnGravel

[@gcn]

Fuel and spares is a must 👀

[@gcn]

Big Thanks From Unbound 🙌

[@andrewmcalister3462]

Conor, thanks for posting such a detailed view of your training and preparation. All the best for Unbound.🤞

[@gcn]

It was great to bring you on this journey 🙌 Conor had a great race... make sure you turn your notifications on so you never miss a beat 🔔

[@jimtro4403]

Your going to do great Conor definitely rooting for ya! Best of luck!!!

[@michaeldavis7996]

I live in the Midwest and have a few mates doing Unbound this weekend, too. What I learned long ago when doing triathlon was find a plan to follow and stick to it. I hope you have a great day in the Flint Hills-good luck!

[@stephen_cs]

So crazy to me to see my home state as the flagship race for an entire sector of cycling

[@gcn]

Planing planing planing! It really does help being that focused and well trained 🙌

[@darkiee69]

I think someone from GCN should try Styrkepröven in Norway, maybe Hank, or Ollie? 540km 3627m climb. The best did it in 14:32 in 2022. It's the longest and oldest touring cycling classic. 2023 will be the 56th edition.

[@mikew6840]

Content has really picked up, great stuff and best of luck Conor ☘️!

[@gcn]

We're always trying to make better videos for everyone! Conor is going to smash this, what else would like to see him take on? 👀

[@rorycoxhill5607]

@@gcn 600km Audax in Wales

[@alexandersnider734]

@@gcn Connor bikepacking is always a treat

[@sparkvitaminwater]

@@gcn Make Hank race at Driveway Series in Austin, Texas. Make Conor race the SBT Gravel on El Alto. Andrew Feather vs Tour des Station.

[@smudger404]

That bed time routine was totally relatable 🤣"Its not bedtime!" Good luck sir, representing us real life bikers with jobs and families as well as the passion for 2 wheeled adventure!

[@moneydeanm]

Good luck Conor, you’ll give it 110% like you always do! Just watched your video ‘cos I’m sulking that i can’t watch the race itself live. Maybe one day it’ll be covered! Stay safe and enjoy it, can’t wait to see how you do, you’ve certainly put the work in. Whatever happens, we’re all rooting for you and we know we’ll get a genuine, honest and humble take on the race from a guy who knows what he’s talking about!

[@lucyphillips4404]

So neat to meet you today, Connor, and thanks for the chat! You’ve got this 💪🏼 Let’s just hope we don’t have a ton of rain!

[@Jim.Zellner]

You're well prepared Conor! You'll do great over here in the US! Thanks for the look into your real world hard training effort. I just completed the TransVA Mountain Gravel race, a 565 mile gravel ride. It was difficult to get in enough training to complete it, much less be up in the lead. You're real world training efforts are inspiring to the rest of us who have a family, day job, and other responsibilities. Great video and I'm routing for you.

[@gcn]

Wow that's an amazing sounding event! How did you get through such a big effort? Great to hear you enjoyed the video so much 🙌

[@birdergirlrs]

I followed Conor on Live Tracking. No spoiler here, but a day to be proud of. He's inspired me to negotiate space for a trainer with my husband and schedule a training program with my Garmin. Just maybe I could try an event myself. Congrats, Conor 🎉, and thanks for nudging me in a new direction!

[@gcn]

Signing up for an event can be a great way to build motivation 🙌 A goal to focus on can really help to narrow your training.

[@zbeekerm]

It was fun seeing Conor on the course, and I’m super stoked to watch the race recap video! I might even make a cameo coming out of a porta-potty with my skin suit half on at Water Oasis 2 😂. I wanted to say hi, but Conor was looking rough and I was feeling a bit shy. Not long after oasis 2 I then had a crash in the mud and was thinking about abandoning when I ran into the GCN film crew again-they were super nice and offered first aid etc. I was in a dark, dark place but managed to push through and finish, in part thanks to just the psychological benefit of them just being around and then offering to help. (I was concerned about getting DQ-ed for external help so I didn’t take them up on their offers.) Keep up the great work guys and thanks for your kindness out on the course! Also I was so happy to see Conor made it in the end. It looked like he was bonking hard or having heat/hydration issues when I had seen him at oasis 2. Hope he’s healthy and well.

[@Frostbiker]

What a brilliant advertisement for TrainingPeaks. I can picture myself hiring their help to plan for some event in the future. I loved the part where Conor penciled out his weekly schedule and the trainer adapted the plan around that -- it's obvious in hindsight that they would do that for you, but I had never thought about it.

[@ericcoxtcu8037]

This was a great video, but my favorite moment has to be Jesse (sp?) declaring "that it isn't bed time" while standing on the windowsill. Very relatable.

[@Frostbiker]

18:01 I love that Ollie doesn't bother shaving his legs. Nothing wrong with shaving them, but as half-man half-ape hybrid, I find this validating.

[@garygreening2799]

We just had a week of rain so roads will have muddy patches. Forecast for Saturday is 87 with winds picking up a bit. Typical Kansas late spring weather. Hydrate Connor!

[@brycezoeller]

I will look for you tomorrow Conor...you should be easy to find, and finally I'll have someone to get a good draft from. Good luck!

[@kevin._.farren]

Best of luck! I wanted to ride this year but life pushed back. Next year!

[@alolympic]

Best of luck today Connor 💪🏻 Big fan of Unbound and hats off to you for putting in the training and getting prepped. You got this!

[@jcop14]

Wow...all these great riders heading to Kansas. Great video. Good luck Conor!

[@Teeve01]

Video super useful. I’ve never had a trainer but I can see how helpful it is to have one to help you dial in. Good luck!!!

[@gcn]

The trainer is an amazing way to work your fitness around a busy lifestyle. 🙌

[@SiuYunko]

I am so excited for you, Connor and was so excited to meet you today whilst you were getting your bike looked at. Best of luck and enjoy the ride! Can't wait to hear all about it!

[@gcn]

Thanks for saying Hello! 🙌 Conor had a great race, make sure you keep an eye on the channel!

[@888jhs]

Great video showing your training in a busy life. Best of luck for the race!

[@conoreames9825]

From one Conor to another, go well mate, I know you’ll give it your all!

[@joemalone4322]

Absolutely brilliant Connor. Love your videos and sensational result. Keep up the awesome work 💪🏻

[@scottbrown173]

Best of luck from a teacher, track coach and father of two. You are an inspiration!!!!

[@jayshockey5461]

Yer gonna kill it Conor! So enjoyed this video. Good luck and can’t wait for the follow up video👊🏻

[@SirSamTheThird]

Get after it Connor. It's inspiring seeing people who are also in the part time mode cracking on.

[@alkeeling614]

Watching! Looking forward to hearing how you got on. Best of luck Conor, your best video yet.

[@geoffreyhoney122]

Fly fast and furious, fearless Giraffe, fly! Best of luck and deepest respect for you especially because you are choosing this epic challenge but not shirking your family responsibilities! Amazing and well done you!

[@MarrafaCycling]

Please can you share what kind of tires and gear ratios, etc. you will use? Thanks in advance!

[@kennethward9530]

Consider a light coloured jersey-Emporia Kansas is same latitude +/- as Mallorca, sun load can be intense. And best of luck to all participants.

[@jamesmckenzie3532]

Sunscreen on ALL exposed skin as well. Ears and the back of your neck are really important.

[@rubevaughn]

So happy to see you were able to finish, that's great!

[@kalleandersson916]

I have two kids and one on the way. The alarm goes of 05:00 six days/week and I'm home at ~07. Every night I prepare everything (clothes, breakfast etc). If the weather is good I use the bike and otherwise I go to the gym. Been dock kg this for a couple of months and so far I've done 12h/week give or take. It is doable but it takes a great effort in planning and organisation

[@Bhappylife]

Gogogo Connor! You're gonna smash it! Wish you lots of fun, and looking forward seeing you finish top 50!

[@thsaintful]

You got this Conor! I just finished my first MTB Marathon ever last week. 5hrs on the bike was more than enough for amateur me, you're going to crush those 10hrs though! Rooting for you man!

[@gcn]

5 hours on the bike is tough going 🥵 Well done on the race, how did it go?

[@craigr2167]

Don’t lose the bunch Connor! Good luck, sending support your way.

[@danlangevin2459]

Really appreciating the GCN gavel love!

[@kurre_kallkvist]

I'm doing the Rebound Gravel challenge tomorrow, I'll be cheering you on all the way! Go Conor!

[@D_isco_D_ancer]

Yes please do Unbound and film it!

[@christofferstenbeck6630]

Conor! Best of luck on the other side of the pond and great video. With 4 kids in my family this was a great motivational video to be able to find time and get some results from your training. Rooting for you!

[@gcn]

Conor had a great day out 🙌 Keep your eyes on the channel for the full run down 🙌

[@Cribbage1682]

Good luck on your race. I’m rooting for you.

[@jacquelinesim9578]

Fantastic video, to do that training round a busy work life is brilliant but to see you still being a great dad too is, well, the rest of us have no excuse!

[@gcn]

Conor wins the Rad Dad award for sure 🙌 Balancing family life and training can be super tricky, time spent with loved ones is always a must though!

[@chrisshubotham3732]

Great intro video to your Unbound event. So looking forward to how it went for you. All the best, you've got this. 👍

[@DavidS358]

Love the training tips, super insightful. Best of luck Connor look forward to seeing the video

[@uknowbass]

Just did the 100 UB. Your roads don’t even compare to what I just experienced. All the advice tho was solid. Line choice is the biggest one. Prepare for multiple flats!!

[@238949]

Can't wait to see how you get on Conor, we are with you all the way x

[@danielakerman8241]

Love the way you challenge yourself Connor! I just signed up for the May 2024 Gran Fondo New York 100 mile road race. It’s my goal to complete a 100 mile race before I turn 50, and I’ll be 49 then. Now I just need to get: The bike An indoor trainer A head unit The shoes Pedals & power meter Side note: the annual GFNY is DEFINITELY an event GCN should feature on the channel

[@TheChancerdog1]

For a couple friends I’ve biked with for many years giving it a go this weekend. Prayers with you all. Dare I hope the experience is enjoyed? 🙏

[@DavidMackenzie]

Good luck Conner - we're all rooting for you!

[@shawngifford]

Best of luck, Conor! Goal 1 is just to finish. I’m interested in your fueling strategy, bike setup, and logistics for both. Probably just as important as your fitness. Hopefully Conor has been recording all of this time and will tell us how many Dynaplugs he’s brought vs how many he needed. Fingers crossed!

[@gcn]

let's hope he's getting better at those plugs 👀

[@Madmaverick101]

Well dunne, Conor! Great result in the race.

[@HickoryHillside]

Don't worry about the hills, everyone says Kansas is flat. 😂😂😂 And, the wind is always at your back around here. Hope you enjoy your visit to my state. I'm biking all the way accross the state this summer.

[@tonythomas8435]

Good luck Conor! You did the hard work and are all prepped so go have fun!

[@fotmheki]

Go Conor, go! Feed your big engine and smash those gravel! Best of the luck 💪

[@hugobrown2516]

good luck dude have a great race over here!!!

[@davidofoakland2363]

Great episode! Looking forward to race report. Best of luck!

[@dorydiavelone3531]

Comer you are going to SMASH IT I HAVE TOTAL CONFIDENCE IN YOU , YOU ARE HUMBLE BUT REALLY CAPABLE …. WONDERFUL TO SEE YOU PUTTING YOURSELF OUT THERE ….BRAVO!!!

[@bennetthasty7886]

Can’t wait to have you in Kansas, Conner, good luck 🍀

[@dr.j3359]

Good luck Conner! I will be looking for you!

[@tomcoccia7348]

I really enjoyed the video and will follow you at Unbound. Good Luck!

[@pajamasmtu]

You've got this, Con-man! Hope the experience is everything you want!

[@ResilientTim]

Congratulations Conor for completing what was one of the toughest iterations of Unbound Mudvel, I mean Unbound Gravel. Those conditions pushed all of us racers and finishers to the test in mental fortitude, fitness, bike field repairs, hiking, and so much more. Be proud of the finish As far as Ollie's training advice, he missed a few crucial areas. For example, how to hike through mud with a bike on your shoulders. Think when GCN returns here to Kansas, the train up video may be a little different.

[@atrookie1]

Good Luck Conner, My wife and I did UNBOUND last year. Remember to bring a paint stick. We had a one mile walk up a climb in mud so thick you could not push your bike. The Paint Stick helped get the mud out from around the tire. Added 1 hour to our overall time.

[@bubblesezblonde]

Go Conor GO!!! The Flint Hills are really, really humid too so hydrate up!

[@r0bv123]

Well done Conor on training! Good luck and smash it at Unbound!

[@milossibek6621]

Wish You good luck and enjoy it as much as possible😊

[@mrfranchize02]

This was an awesome watch. Good luck Conor!

[@ChristopherSterwerf]

You got this Conor!! Make us tall guys proud! I know you will

[@DavidWhiteOfFleet]

Go for it, Connor. I look forward to the next video,

[@geraintjones6401]

Interesting stuff. It always strikes me how humble ex-pro cyclists are. It's very refreshing. Smash it, Conor. 🤘

[@mikemitchell3085]

Conor, saw you in the Expo in Emporia today. Good luck in the race tomorrow!

[@sarahhanly6681]

Best of luck. I hope you are ready for Midwest heat and humidity and have a good hydration plan!

[@paulgordon7526]

Good luck big man! Don't be a hero and burn it all out at the start aim to finish the race !!

[@valejul]

Well done! Enjoy the race.

[@johnpayne2465]

Good luck Conor! Enjoy the race!

[@ronangeronimo3434]

Let’s go Conor! You’re gonna smash it!!

[@alexandersnider734]

Fuck yeah Connor. Love to see you getting passionate about Gravel and Bikepacking! Would be great to do some gravel riding and bikepacking in the Cascades while you're over here, would be a blast! Thanks again for your shoutout in the other video!

[@matthewrepucci3564]

I AM SO EXCITED FOR THIS!!!

[@dugldoo]

Congrats, Conor! Eager for your report on the ordeal ... ahem, I mean ... coolest of all gravel races. Best wishes on your recovery! A Kansas gravel rider.

[@fluidmx]

Good luck. Can't wait to see how you get on.

[@melaniamonicacraciun9900]

Go champs go for it, cycling is the most exciting adventure out there in the wild, you can bet on it

[@EvgeniyShishkin]

This is great content guys! Brutal race, best of luck.

[@DavidVidaurri]

Good luck Conner you are awesome ❤

[@tomhepner5118]

Good luck to you Conor! You should come out to California and ride with us. Cheers

[@jascollinscork]

GREAT insight to this mammoth race ahead!!! We can ALL relate to this with our own cycling challenges 😄 I got a half Ironman TT ahead and trying to train away!!! Anyways…. Best of Luck Conor…. You’ll be grand…. 🇮🇪ness flowing through your veins 💪🏻💪🏻😀

[@stephencolton299]

All the absolute best Conor from South Africa.

[@Rick--A-F]

Good luck Coner and hope you enjoy it!

[@stratasticB]

Best of luck Conor! If you can, hang out for a week and head to Tulsa, Oklahoma for Tulsa Tough! It's a full weekend of cycling activities and I'd love to see it on GCN!

[@richardrr4220]

Katherine Moore did it a few years ago, 2018 for GCN when Unbound was called the Dirty Kanza, so you're in good company Connor, good luck

[@MichaelLonetto]

Loved this! Good luck Conor!

[@gmadruga]

Living Legend Conor up for challenge again! Good ride!

[@lynxy44]

Good luck big man. Go for it, you can do it 👍

[@stevebassett8944]

Best of luck and have fun!!

[@LIFE_ToBeContinued]

Love to see types of stories. Having just been given a whole bunch of free time, I'm thinking of doing things like the Tuscany Trail (400km) or Istria 300. Thanks for the insight.

[@gcn]

Go for it! Those events look epic 🙌