Schedule of Events

Nebraska Off-Road Series
SHORT TRACK WORLDS!!!

6-9PM

Van Dorn Park

Short Course Worlds will feature three categories: Joes, Bros, and Pros, welcoming riders of all experience levels to compete on a fast short course at Van Dorn Park. Racers have 20 minutes to put in as many laps as they can. The evening start time makes this one of the most unique race experiences in the NOS season, offering riders the opportunity to race as the sun sets over Lincoln. The event is open for registration starting July 20, 2026.  

Welcome Party/Event Discussion Q&A with the Gravel Worlds Team.

5:30PM-8PM

The Rooftop at Bierhaus
151 N 8th St, Lincoln, NE 68508

A community-building time to welcome everyone to Lincoln and answer any last-minute questions about the event and/or routes!

Location: Sandhills Global Event Center

Expo:

12pm-6pm

Stroll through the INDOOR Gravel Worlds Expo and soak it all in!
With 70+ amazing vendors and non-profits, there’s something for everyone, from the latest gear and apparel to inspiring causes and community vibes. Come explore, connect, and celebrate all things gravel!

CHECK-IN:

12pm-7pm

Check-In is open for all race categories!
No matter what you’re riding or running, you’re good to go… Swing by and get checked in!

Yoga provided by Lululemon:

1pm

Don’t forget to bring your own mat if you have one!
This session will take place on the north grass field, just outside the expo. See you out there!
BYOM (Bring Your Own Mat) if possible.

THNG Sponsored by True Grit and GOODLIFE Nutrition:

4pm

Thursday Night Gravel (THnG) Group Ride

Join us for a fun and social ride that starts and finishes right outside the south side of the Gravel Worlds Expo! Whether you're spinning the legs or just in it for the vibes, this ride is the perfect way to kick off the weekend.

*Meets at the Lauf Booth*

BASECAMP PANEL AND HAPPY HOUR

4pm

What does it take to have your best day at Gravel Worlds? Join a panel of experienced BaseCamp coaches—all Gravel Worlds veterans—for a practical discussion of race-day execution. We'll cover racing strategies, nutrition, equipment, and final preparation. Bring your questions as this session is designed to be interactive with plenty of time for Q&A.

TRIATHLON SERIES & GW SWIM :

ALL TRI and SWIM ACTIVITIES AT BRANCHED OAK LAKE STATE PARK: GOOGLE MAP LINK

See Gravel Worlds Tri/USAT Gravel Nationals Info

ALL OTHER ACTIVITIES Location: Sandhills Global Event Center

PRO MEETING (MANDATORY FOR ELITE FIELD)

9am

All elite riders must attend this pro meeting. If you are unable to attend in person, we will have a virtual meeting link that will be included in your race week email.

DIRT SQUAD Community Ride:

10am

Join Crystal Kovacs and the Dirt Squad as they lead a community focused ride to kick off the Friday of Gravel Worlds!

*Meets at the Lauf Booth*

Expo:

10am-6pm

Stroll through the INDOOR Gravel Worlds Expo and soak it all in!
With 70+ amazing vendors and non-profits, there’s something for everyone, from the latest gear and apparel to inspiring causes and community vibes. Come explore, connect, and celebrate all things gravel!

CHECK-IN:

10am-7pm

Check-In is open for all race categories!
No matter what you’re riding, you’re good to go… Swing by and get checked in! We have emergency check-in Saturday morning from 5am-7am for special circumstances.

Yoga Provided By LULULEMON:

10:30am

Don’t forget to bring your own mat if you have one!
This session will take place on the north grass field, just outside the expo. See you out there!
BYOM (Bring Your Own Mat) if possible.

Lauf Cycles Social Ride:

11am

Join Lauf pro athletes Chase Wark and Drew Dillman for a fun, no-drop 10–15 mile social ride. Meet fellow Gravel Worlds participants, spin some local gravel, and kick off race weekend with great company and good vibes. Open to all experience levels.

*Meets at the Lauf Booth*

Women’s Panel:

12:30pm

Don’t miss a special panel featuring some of the most influential women in the gravel community!
They’ll be answering your must know and relatable questions about women’s cycling… Sharing stories, insights, and empowering advice for riders of all levels.

Women’s Group Ride:

1:30pm

Shake out those legs on the official Gravel Worlds Women’s Group Ride, open to all skill levels whether it’s your first event or your 100th!

*Meets at the HED Booth*

Pro Preview Show:

2pm

LIVE MUSIC from josh holland band:

3-5pm

The Josh Holland Band delivers a high energy blend of rock, country, and acoustic favorites that keeps crowds engaged from the first song to the last. Known for powerful vocals, dynamic performances, and a versatile setlist featuring both original music and crowd favorite covers, the band has built a loyal following throughout the Midwest. Whether performing at festivals, community events, or live music venues, the Josh Holland Band brings an authentic, entertaining show that appeals to audiences of all ages.

KiD’s Race presented by WOOM:

4pm

Bring the kiddos and their bikes for one of the cutest events of the weekend!
Join us around 3:40 PM to decorate custom race plates and snag some awesome swag.

The fun course winds through the expo and around the event center grounds, finishing with a triumphant ride through the finish line, where our tiniest Gravel Worlds riders get their moment to shine!

One boy and one girl will win a signed Gravel Worlds jersey and one lucky winner with receive a bike of their choice from WOOM bikes.

Long Voyage Send-Off:

5pm

Head to the south side of the expo building and cheer on the Long Voyage 300 competitors!
Show your support as these riders take on an epic challenge, your cheers will mean the world!

Rider’s MEeting/Raffle

Welcome Speech From Mayor Leirion Gaylor Baird & Raffle!

5:15pm

Location: Sandhills Global Event Center

BIKE START TIMES:

LAST MINUTE CHECK-IN: 5-7am Please only use if you have no other option

• Pro Men’s GW150 Start: 6:25am

• Pro Women’s GW150 Start: 6:35am

• GW150 General Field Start: 7:00am

• GW75 Start: 7:30am

• GW35 Start: 8:00am

• GW10 Fun Ride Start: 8:15am

Fleet Feet x Movemint Shake Out Run:

Join Fleet Feet Nebraska and Movemint for an easy out and back shakeout run!

ARBOR DAY FARM CHEER STATION:

Cheer Zone at The Depot (2611 Arbor Ave Nebraska City, NE), located near Tree Adventure and Lied Greenhouse at Arbor Day Farm.

Join us Saturday, August 22, from 8:00 a.m. to Noon, with most riders expected to pass through the orchard between 8:00 a.m. and 11:00 a.m. This scenic spectator hub is one of the best places along the course to cheer on friends, family, and riders as they make their way through Arbor Day Farm.

The first 100 spectators will receive a complimentary Arbor Day Farm-branded cowbell to help create an unforgettable race-day atmosphere. Food and beverages will be available for purchase throughout the morning, including smoked brisket breakfast burritos, homemade apple cider donuts, coffee, and other refreshments. With shaded seating, nearby restrooms, and plenty of race-day excitement, the Orchard Cheer Zone is the perfect place to take in all the action.

Please note, there is no outside support allowed for riders at this cheer zone. This is for cheers only!

After Gravel Festival:

12pm-6pm

Join our amazing sponsors and participating brands right outside the finish line!
Cheer on the riders, enjoy great food and drinks, and celebrate the sport we all love together. It’s the perfect way to chill out after your ride!

SILCA / NICA BIKE WASH:

11am-6pm

Get your bike cleaned off. Free will donation to our local NICA team. Please give generously.

LIVE MUSIC from marty ray project:

2-5pm

Catch Marty Ray Project live Saturday, August 22nd from 2-5 PM as he brings his signature blend of Southern Soul, Country, Blues, Rock, Gospel, and Americana to the Gravel Worlds stage.

With gritty vocals, heartfelt storytelling, and more than 300 million views online, Marty Ray Project has built a loyal following through authentic music that connects with people from all walks of life.

Whether you’re crossing the finish line, hanging at the After Gravel Festival, or soaking in the Gravel Worlds atmosphere, this is one performance you won’t want to miss.

5K Run Start:

5:30pm

Bring the whole family, and even your pup, for our fun, family-friendly, non-competitive 5K run!
Cross the finish line to live music vibes, then kick back with delicious food trucks and refreshing drinks. It’s a celebration for all ages!

BIKE AWARDS CEREMONY:

6pm-8pm

Awards will be presented to applicable age-group podium finishers, so celebrate your hard-earned success!
And don’t miss the legendary sword award ceremony honoring our 2026 champions. Stick around for the epic finale!

GOLDEN COB AWARD CUT OFF:

4:30pm

Earn your golden cob award by finishing your 150 mile journey within 10 hours! Join the 10 hour pacing group, led by Kae from Lauf!

FIRST2LAST PARTY:

Sunset - 10:59:59

As the sun sets, the celebration kicks into high gear!
Enjoy fun activations like a photo booth, tasty food, refreshing drinks, and pop-ups from partner brands. We’re here to celebrate every participant, from first to last.

And don’t miss the epic champagne spray for our last place finisher, the biggest splash in gravel history!

Live music by Professional Cyclist Alexis Skarda will keep the good vibes flowing all night long.

ALL BIKE Cut Off:

10:59:59pm

10mph GW300

9.6mph GW150

Location: Sandhills Global Event Center

gravel worlds RUN SERIES

Runner Only Last Minute Check-In: 5am

• 50K Run Start: 5:30am (Potential 5am Start for forecasted extreme heat)

• Half Marathon Run Start: 6:30am (Potential 6am Start for forecasted extreme heat).

• 10k Run Start: 8:30am (Potential 8am Start for forecasted extreme heat).

Run Awards:

12pm

Join us at the Main Stage for the 50K, Half Marathon, and 10K Awards Ceremony!
Celebrate the grit, grind, and glory as we recognize the top finishers from each distance. Come cheer them on and be part of the celebration!

ALL RUN Cut Off:

2:00pm