At Lincoln South Rotary Club, we heard from Jason Strohbehn of Gravel Worlds on March 1, 2024. Besides reading below, check out the Gravel Worlds website.
Jason shared the story of Gravel Worlds which officially started in 2010. There have been many changes - the programs have expanded - but there is a focus on the participants. He shared that one of his favorite things to ask people is "What does the gravel family mean to you?".
Before Gravel Worlds, there was a group of friends that got together to just ride bikes - no races, no competition. Since the first Gravel Worlds, they have seen growth every year. But they stick to their grassroots beginning and keep the family feel.
Gravel Worlds is now one of the longest running gravel bike races in the world. Originally a 150-mile race, they added 75-mile, 300-mile and 50k bike distances. They even added gravel running a couple of years back.
In 2023 they had participants from all 50 states. For years before that they would be short 1 or 2 states - but they had all 50 in 2023. And, there were participants from 17 countries.
They measured the economic impact to Lincoln and the surrounding area at 2.2m in 2022. Jason explained that many of the riders bring their families and make a week-long event. They come in the weekend before, staying in the hotels, enjoy Lincoln restaurants and bars, and they shop. It is becoming a new form of active tourism.
The Gravel Worlds race starts in the Fallbrook area of Lincoln and the course takes the riders around southeast Nebraska. It started as a loop around Lincoln. but as it grew they moved away from the interstates. They have an event that introduces young people to the world of riding. They get to cross the same finish line as the adult riders - a wonderful feeling of accomplishment.
When asked about the intrigue of gravel and Jason shared that it is safer - less traffic and slower traffic. It is also a bit of a challenge to ride on gravel vs. pavement - between pavement and riding a mountain bike.
Jason wanted to share that Gravel Worlds is not just about competition. In fact the competition takes a back seat to much of what they have accomplished. Rather than seeing other races as competition he view it as an indication that the activity is growing - it is satisfying to see new events.
It is Community over Competition. He stated, "when you stop viewing others as competition you're free to be your best self". He continued to explain that when you see others as community instead of competition it can be an inspiration. Don't be jealous of others which just builds division.
In his presentation he said that this applies to all aspects of our lives. At home, if we treat our family - spouses, children, siblings - as community it reduces stress from division. When we encourage our friends - support them - we succeed along with them. He compared Rotary to how we build Community in organizations - inspiring each other and supporting other groups. And finally he talked about work - take care of clientele and co-workers.
Gravel Works has developed unique ways to support the community.
They created a "1000 Women of Gravel" event the first-ever event with over 1,000 women, donating to develop the next generation of women cyclists.
Another event provided donation-based prizes. A donation would be made to the winner's charity of choice. Jason said that was particularly rewarding because they found they were helping organizations they may not otherwise know about.
They have built events and activities that may not have any profit - but it helps support the community and guild the Gravel Family.
In all, Gravel Worlds has given over $160,000 in support since 2016 - $42,516 in 2023 alone.
He shared that they have a summer camp called "Adventure for All" for kids with autism and downs. The reward is to see these kids come to Lincoln and ride the 50K course. It s success for kids who have been told they would never be able to do much of anythings. This becomes something they can do. During the most recent camp they helped 4 kids and one of those will be riding in the next Gravel Worlds.
BIO
Jason Strohbehn is the Director of Operations and Marketing with Gravel Worlds join the team in 2019. He helps run the day-to-day operations and all things marketing and sales with their globally recognized gravel cycling event.
Jason has been working in marketing and sales since 2010. Previous to Gravel Worlds he worked at Sandhills Global in marketing and in sales.
Gravel Worlds is going on year 15. Over the years we've had riders from all 50 states and 24 countries come to Lincoln to experience our gravel roads. In 2022 we had an independent economic impact study done that showed a $2 Million impact on Lincoln and the surrounding areas.
Jason has been working in marketing and sales since 2010. Previous to Gravel Worlds he worked at Sandhills Global in marketing and in sales.
Gravel Worlds is going on year 15. Over the years we've had riders from all 50 states and 24 countries come to Lincoln to experience our gravel roads. In 2022 we had an independent economic impact study done that showed a $2 Million impact on Lincoln and the surrounding areas.