LINCOLN, Neb. (KOLN) – An annual event that has been held for decades will return this year at the Sandhills Global Events Center. Gravel World will take place on roads in northeast Lincoln and throughout the county.
The sound of motorbikes taking to the road is a comforting sound in Lincoln as Gravel Worlds is an annual event that brings together riders of all ages and experience to race at a variety of distances.
This year, about 1,500 people attended, and organizers expect the event to attract 3,000 to 4,000 people and bring in more than $2.4 million for the city and surrounding area.
“People from all over the world come to Lincoln, Nebraska, and have an amazing experience,” said Jason Straubane, chief exhibition officer for Gravel World. “They come here and are treated to a special celebration in our hometown.”
A total of 48 states and 17 countries are taking part in this year's event, including an organization from Florida called “Adventure for All,” whose goal is to introduce young people with autism and Down Syndrome to the world of cycling and teach them how to ride.
How he ended up on Lincoln's gravel road is a story often told by children with disabilities.
“Our rider Josh, you know, called 10 to 15 gravel races and no one would accept him because he has a special talent,” said Allie Williams, head bike coach at Adventures for All. “He's been diagnosed with autism, and they thought it was either a liability issue or they wanted to create a separate race for him.”
Gravel Worlds was the only event that would accept him without any restrictions. One of the other athletes is from Lincoln: Lucas Kuhn, who was training with the organization while in the city in the summer of 2023 and raising funds to compete in the event this spring.
“Garmin Gravel World is for everyone,” said Sophia Gibson, assistant lead promoter for Gravel World. “Whether you finish first or last, we'll have a party on Saturday night that's fun from start to finish. We'll have a live DJ, bubble and smoke machines, a red carpet, a 360-degree photo booth, free Casey's Pizza and discounted drinks. It'll really be a party.”
For more information on the event route and schedule, click here.
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