Before “Gravel Worlds” 2008-2009
The Good Life Gravel Adventure
Before it became the globally recognized event we know today, Gravel Worlds began as the Good Life Gravel Adventure in 2008 and 2009. This grassroots ride was the brainchild of Corey Godfrey, who, along with a group of local cyclists, sought to create a challenging and fun experience on the gravel roads surrounding Lincoln, Nebraska.
The Good Life Gravel Adventure was not a race in the traditional sense. There were no categories, no prize money, and no official support. Instead, it was a self-supported ride where participants navigated an unmarked course using cue sheets, collected lottery tickets from small-town stores as proof of completing the route, and shared stories and camaraderie at the finish line.
In 2010, the event was renamed Gravel Worlds, marking the beginning of what would become one of the most iconic gravel cycling events in the world. The first official Gravel Worlds attracted around 100 riders to tackle a 150-mile unmarked course, emphasizing adventure and community over competition.
The transition from the Good Life Gravel Adventure to Gravel Worlds was a natural evolution. As the popularity of gravel cycling grew, so did the event, evolving from a local ride into a globally recognized race. Despite the changes, the spirit of the original Good Life Gravel Adventure remains at the heart of Gravel Worlds: a celebration of the gravel cycling community, camaraderie, and the love of adventure.
So, before the world knew it as Gravel Worlds, it was the Good Life Gravel Adventure—a humble beginning that paved the way for one of the most beloved events in the gravel cycling world.
