Founded in 2010 by the Pirate Cycling League, Gravel Worlds has grown from a humble gathering of friends into Nebraska’s premier gravel celebration while maintaining its grassroots spirit. The event operates without categories, officials, or prize money—just pure, self-supported adventure through the rolling farmlands of southeastern Nebraska.

The flagship Gravel Worlds 150 launches Saturday at 6 AM from SchillingBridge Cork and Tap House, delivering 150 miles and over 10,000 feet of climbing through remote landscapes. Riders tackle two checkpoints (miles 50-60 and 105-120) plus small-town stops for resupply. The Privateer 75 offers a 75-mile alternative with 5,000 feet of elevation, while newcomers can sample the sport on the non-competitive Buccaneer 50k covering 31 miles and 2,000 feet of climbing.

For the truly ambitious, the Long Voyage 300 begins Friday at 5 PM—a relentless 300-mile, 15,000-foot odyssey limited to 150 participants with a 30-hour cutoff. Nutrition comes solely from convenience stores roughly every 50 miles.

The terrain blends limestone, pea gravel, and dirt roads over sandy soil that drains quickly. Most surfaces are fast, hard-packed limestone, though conditions vary from concrete-smooth dry tracks to challenging Minimum Maintenance Roads that turn to thick mud when wet. Tires of 32mm or larger are recommended, with 38mm being the local favorite.

All events are fully self-supported—no outside assistance, team vehicles, or preplanned handouts allowed. Checkpoints provide water, basic nutrition, and mechanical support from Cycle Works mechanics. The running component, Land Ho Run Series, mirrors this philosophy with 50k, 25k, and 10k options on Friday.