By Gary Robinson, AvidCyclist.com
As the sport of gravel cycling has exploded into a global phenomenon, finding an event that stays true to the roots of the discipline is a rare treasure. Enter Lauf Gravel Worlds®, returning for its 17th anniversary in Lincoln, Nebraska. Set for August 19-23, 2026, Gravel Worlds has established itself not just as a premier racing event, but as an annual reunion for the “Gravel Family.”
This year, AvidCyclist.com is proud to partner with Gravel Worlds to bring you the inside scoop on what to expect, along with an exclusive discount for our readers. Recently we sat down with Jason Strohbehn, Chief Experience Officer and Lead Promoter of Gravel Worlds, shared his insights into the event’s evolution, the massive safety initiatives for 2026, and the unforgettable experiences waiting out on the gravel seas.
17 Years of Gravel History
Gravel Worlds began long before the industry caught on to the trend. “We started in 2010,” Strohbehn reflected. “Technically, the race was called Good Life Gravel Adventure starting in 2008. So it’s kind of our 19th year of putting on an event here in Lincoln.”
Looking back at the early days, Strohbehn notes the incredible evolution of the equipment. “The original years of Gravel Worlds… they were on cyclocross bikes. They were 33 mil wide tires. You look back at the old photos of Gravel Worlds in 2010 through 2013, maybe 2014 is where wider tires started coming.” Today, gravel bikes feature specialized suspension and capabilities that rival mountain bikes from 30 years ago.
Despite the growth, the mission remains the same: “to create a fun, kick-ass gravel event for all levels of athletes to enjoy.” From elite pros chasing the World Championship Jersey and Sword Trophy to weekend warriors looking to conquer a new distance, Gravel Worlds is an event for the people.
Unprecedented Safety Initiatives for 2026
As gravel events grow in size, safety on open roads has become a critical conversation across the sport. Gravel Worlds is tackling this head-on for 2026 with a massive new initiative.
“A big one this year is added safety,” Strohbehn explained. “It’s pretty much impossible to have completely closed courses. So this year we are going to have course marshals at every single stop sign out on course.”
To accomplish this monumental task across 150 miles, Gravel Worlds has partnered with the Future Farmers of America (FFA). Sponsored by Scarboro Bicycle Accident Law and local influencer Laura Farms, the initiative aims to raise $40,000 for the FFA while placing marshals at approximately 50 stop signs. “Not only are we bettering our community with bringing cyclists and farming communities together by raising a lot of money, we’re making our course safer as well,” Strohbehn said.
Additionally, the event is taking the extraordinary step of closing the most vulnerable sections of the route. “The first eight miles and the last seven and a half miles of our 150-mile and 75-mile course are closed completely except for local traffic,” Strohbehn noted. “That’s when people are in the biggest groups going the hardest… and it’s also at the end when people are the most tired.”
Advocacy on and off the Bike
The partnership with Scarboro Bicycle Accident Law goes beyond course marshaling. As advocates for cycling safety, they assist cyclists involved in traffic incidents nationwide and work on legislative advocacy at the state and federal levels. This commitment to safety aligns perfectly with the values of the Gravel Family and AvidCyclist.com, where “Lawyers for Cyclists” recently became a top sponsor.
The Course: Hero Gravel and Historic Checkpoints
The terrain in Southeastern Nebraska is known for being fast and tire-friendly. Strohbehn describes it as “hero gravel.” “Our roads are predominantly pretty hard and fast rolling,” he said. “Our gravel is super tame on tires, too. It is very rare for us to have flats at our race. As long as you put fresh sealant, you have decently good tires on, you’re going to make it 150 miles, no problem.” He recommends a 40mm to 45mm tire with a semi-slick center for optimal performance.
The 2026 route promises to be one of the most memorable yet, featuring incredible landmark checkpoints. The first major stop on the 150-mile route is Arbor Day Farm, the birthplace of the tree-planting holiday.
But it’s the second aid station that will leave riders breathless. Cyclists on the 150-mile and 75-mile courses will ride directly through the hangar of the Strategic Air Command & Aerospace (SAC) Museum. “You will be riding under a B-17 Flying Fortress, a B-36 Peacemaker, and a B-52 Stratofortress,” Strohbehn shared excitedly.
The Expo and Post-Race Celebration
Before the race even begins, participants can enjoy one of the largest gravel expos in the country. “We already have 70 vendors right now, which means we’ll probably be 80 to 85 by the time Gravel Worlds comes around,” Strohbehn said. Housed indoors at the local fairgrounds, the expo offers a weather-proof environment with ample paved parking right on the edge of town.
When riders cross the finish line, they’ll be greeted by an authentic Nebraska celebration. Thanks to a partnership with Good Life Brands, participants will be treated to certified Piedmontese beef hot dogs. “They’re Nebraska grass-fed, grass-finished beef,” Strohbehn added. A chef from Good Life Brands will also be on-site throughout the weekend cooking up incredible burgers.
For those tracking the elite competition, Good Life Nutrition is sponsoring the pro race, which will feature live coverage on the Gravel Worlds YouTube channel, Outside TV, and right here on AvidCyclist.com.
A Distance for Everyone
Whether you’re looking to dip your toes into gravel or push yourself to the absolute limit, Gravel Worlds has a distance for you:
•Lauf Gravel Worlds 150: The marquee event. 150 miles and over 10,000 ft of climbing.
•Lauf Gravel Worlds 75: 75 miles and 5,000 ft of elevation, featuring the SAC Museum checkpoint.
•Lauf Gravel Worlds 35: A non-competitive 35-mile event with 2,000 ft of elevation, perfect for beginners.
•Lauf Gravel Worlds 300: For the truly crazy. A 100% self-supported, 300-mile journey with over 15,000 ft of elevation.
•Run Series & Triathlon: Prefer to stay off the bike? Gravel Worlds also features a 50k, Half Marathon, 10k, and 5k run series, as well as a Gravel Triathlon!
Join the Gravel Family
Gravel Worlds is more than a race; it’s a testament to the community and camaraderie that makes gravel cycling so special. It’s about remembering Rule #1: “BE COOL!” and honoring the memory of riders like Randy Gibson, whose spirit continues to inspire the #RideForRandy movement.
AvidCyclist.com is thrilled to support Gravel Worlds 2026. As a special thank you to our community, we are offering an exclusive discount for Avid Cyclist Reward Members. Become a member on our Membership Page, with a complete lists of discounts for only $9.95/year.
Use code AVIDCYCLIST at checkout to receive $25 off your entry to Gravel Worlds 2026!
Additionally, if you subscribe to the weekly Avid Cyclist newsletter, you will automatically be entered into a drawing for a FREE entry into the event.
Don’t miss your chance to sail the gravel seas this August. Register today, join the conversation on the Avid Cyclist Facebook Group, and we’ll see you in Lincoln!
Event Details:
•Dates: August 19-23, 2026
•Location: Lincoln, Nebraska
•Registration: www.gravelworlds.com
Stay connected with the Avid Cyclist community on our Facebook Group to share your training rides, gear setups, and excitement for Gravel Worlds 2026!
