In its 13th year, Garmin Gravel Worlds continued its tradition of leveling up. The 2022 edition in Lincoln stood out not just for record-breaking performances, but also for bold expansions: the event added a 50K Ultra Run to its lineup, and launched a Double Double Championship in partnership with Mid South Gravel. These changes brought new faces, fresh challenges, and deeper meaning to the weekend’s events.

A Milestone for Women in Gravel

Perhaps the proudest moment of 2022 came long before the first riders rolled out of Lincoln. For the first time ever, Gravel Worlds reached 1,000 women registered across its events — becoming the first gravel race in the world to hit that number. The milestone reflected years of intentional effort to build inclusion and welcome more women into the sport.

The “1,000 Women of Gravel Worlds” campaign was a community movement, not a marketing push. From local group rides to social media storytelling, the focus was simple: create space, encouragement, and visibility for women of all experience levels to take part. That momentum led to a partnership with NICA GRiT (Girls Riding Together), and Gravel Worlds proudly donated $15,000 to help fund programs that empower young women through cycling.

It wasn’t just about numbers — it was about progress. That line of riders stretching out from Fallbrook included first-timers, veterans, and entire families, proving that the gravel community is strongest when it’s shared.

Embracing More Ways to Play: Run & Double Double

2022 wasn’t just about bikes. Gravel Worlds introduced the Land Ho 50K Ultra Marathon, adding a running component to the weekend’s offerings. The run was almost entirely on gravel and dirt, giving endurance runners a chance to explore Nebraska’s gravel seas on foot. Lauf Gravel Worlds+1

Even more ambitiously, Gravel Worlds teamed up with Mid South Gravel to present the Double Double Championship: a multi-event biathlon combining the run and bike events across the two weekends. Riders’ total times from both events were combined for a unified challenge across the disciplines. Lauf Gravel Worlds+1

This reflected the vision: to honor not just speed on a bike, but athletic versatility and commitment across gravel sport in all forms.

Racing the Roads: Elite Battles & Course Brilliance

On the 150-mile “Gravel Worlds” route, the men’s race was one for the ages. Adam Roberge charged to a new course record, finishing in 6:59:44—the first sub-7 hour performance on the route. Hot on his wheels was local legend John Borstelmann, finishing mere seconds behind in yet another stellar home podium.

The women’s race also witnessed excellence. Lauren De Crescenzo defended her title handily, crossing in 7:33:03—a powerful solo ride that distanced her from the field.

In the Long Voyage 300, Colin Patterson and Paige Redman claimed overall wins (17:21:41 and 20:14:11, respectively). Meanwhile, the inaugural 50K Ultra brought its own champions: Josh Baden (3:28:39) and Kaci Lickteig (3:58:56).

The Everyday Rider: Grit, Community, Discovery

For most participants, Gravel Worlds is less about winning and more about enduring—and belonging. In 2022, that role was richer than ever. The introduction of the 50K Ultra allowed runners, cross-training cyclists, and mixed sport athletes a pathway into the gravel weekend without needing to commit to 150 or 300 miles.

On the bike side, riders dealt with the usual Nebraska variables: crosswinds, shifting gravel, and rolling hills that seem innocuous until mile 120. Many spoke of the aid stations as lifelines—cold water, shade, moral support, and reminders that they were part of something bigger. Mechanical setbacks, nutrition errors, doubt and elation all came and went. But most of all, the finish line remained the great equalizer: dusty, heavy-legged riders hugging one another, swapping stories, and celebrating that they made it.

Because in 2022, Gravel Worlds didn’t just test the elite—it tested the entire gravel community: runners, riders, volunteers, locals, and newcomers alike.

Why 2022 Stands Out

🚴‍♀️ 1,000 Women of Gravel Worlds — the first gravel event ever to reach that milestone.
💰 $15,000 donated to NICA GRiT, investing directly in the future of women’s cycling.
The addition of the 50K Ultra Run expanded the event’s reach and invited more athletes into the gravel conversation.
Partnering with Mid South Gravel to create the Double Double Championship underscored a vision of unity, athletic diversity, and pushing boundaries across disciplines.
Record performances by Roberge and De Crescenzo pushed the competitive envelope on Nebraska’s gravel.
The continued success of durations beyond just the primary race—through the Long Voyage and running events—demonstrated that Gravel Worlds is not static, but growing with its community.

Gravel Worlds 2022 was a statement: this is no longer just a gravel bike event. It’s a full weekend of grit, options, challenge, and community, where every athlete, regardless of how they show up, finds a place to play.

2022 Through Thick and Thin Award

Lawrence “Larry” Lohmeier

The “Through Thick and Thin” Award will be given out every year to an individual who has overcome challenges and perseveres through tough times while also keeping an overly positive attitude that inspires and encourages us all.

On April 15th, 2022, while on a ride east of Lincoln, our honoree was involved in a crash with a pickup truck. He was severely hurt and sustained many critical injuries including a crushed chest cavity, bruised lungs and heart, two broken collar bones, a broken leg, a fractured spine, and severe facial lacerations. He was on the ventilator for over a week and had multiple blood clots and surgeries during the course of his hospitalization. He spent many months in hospitals while rehabbing prior to going home with his family. He overcame so many challenges during the past four months, but still wanted to compete in the Long Voyage presented by Good’r! That is a testament to his incredible determination and willpower. While he wasn’t able to compete this year, he still dedicated his time and energy to volunteer at Gravel Worlds to help other riders.