Over 15 Years Strong
Gravel Worlds® officially started in 2010.
Even though we’ve grown since our first event, we have always kept the focus on every athlete from FIRST to LAST!
No matter the distance or finish time, you are what makes Gravel Worlds® possible.
Before
Before Gravel Worlds existed, the event started as the Good Life Gravel Adventure in 2008 and 2009. A grassroots, self-supported ride in Lincoln, Nebraska, it emphasized adventure over competition. Riders navigated unmarked gravel roads using cue sheets, stopping at local gas stations and collecting Powerball tickets as proof of reaching checkpoints. It was a humble beginning rooted in camaraderie, challenge, and the joy of gravel riding.
Gravel Worlds 2010
The first official Gravel Worlds launched in 2010, attracting roughly 100 riders to tackle a 150-mile unmarked course. There were no digital aids, no GPS, and no formal timing—just cue sheets, checkpoints, and raw grit. The race emphasized community and adventure, laying the foundation for what would become the premier gravel event in the United States.
Now
Today, Gravel Worlds is a globally recognized gravel cycling event, drawing riders from across the country and around the world. The event features multiple course options, professional timing, robust support, and a vibrant festival atmosphere with food, music, and community celebrations. While it has grown in scale and sophistication, Gravel Worlds remains true to its roots: challenging rides, camaraderie, and the love of gravel adventure.
Race Day Info
SEE GRAVEL WOLRDS HISTORY BY YEAR
GRAVEL WORLDS ROUTES
Gravel Worlds has had a new route for every year of the event. Now exploring thousands of miles of unique gravel roads in Southeast Nebraska and always starting and finishing in Lincoln, Nebraska. Check out every Gravel Worlds route and go enjoy them if you’re in Lincoln!
Click on Each Year For More Info, Results, Photo Links, and More
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The OG’s
Our deepest thanks to the original founders and participants of Gravel Worlds, whose vision and pioneering spirit helped create an entirely new genre of cycling and set the stage for decades of gravel adventure.
Corey Godfrey
Founder of Gravel Worlds
Corey founded Gravel Worlds in 2010 after two years of putting on an event called the Goodlife Gravel Adventure. What later became a globally recognized event, started out as a passion project to bring people to Lincoln, Nebraska to experience the roads in his back yard. Corey later went on to be inducted into the first class of the Gravel Cycling Hall of Fame. Corey stayed as the lead promoter of the Gravel Worlds until 2023 after 14 years.
Craig Schmidt
Founder of Pirate Cycling League
Craig founded Pirate Cycling League in 2007 as a group of cyclists who wanted to make cycling fun again. Craig was heavily integrated into Gravel Worlds from the first year and stayed on the promotion team with Gravel Worlds until 2023 after 14 years.
THE Gravel Worlds® Since 2010
Gravel Worlds has thrived and continues to exist today because of the unwavering support of our incredible community — the riders who show up year after year with grit and passion, the volunteers who give countless hours to make every mile possible, the sponsors who believe in our mission, and the Lincoln community that proudly welcomes the gravel family each August. Together, they’ve turned a grassroots dream into a world-class celebration of adventure and perseverance.
Thank you…
Every Participant
Every Volunteer
Every Supporter
Every Sponsor
THE Gravel Worlds Exists Because of YOU