Grounded Nebraska Gravel Festival 2023

Welcome to the second year of Grounded Nebraska!  A community-centic bike race, ride and festival just outside of Lincoln brining us all together for a summer camp weekend..but, with bikes.

Cycling is For Everyone

Inclusion is woven into the way our event operates with three gender categories, equity-based cash prizes, land usage tax, and an Advisory Board.

Summer Camp Vibes

Adults deserve summer camp, too. We have on-site camping, finish line s’mores, jumping pillows, and activities for all ages.

Race, Ride or Party-Pace

We invite you to show up as you are, whether you’re a racer, rider or party-pacer. There are three distances to choose from meant to be challenging, but not soul-crushing.

For some, it’s all about the race - being packed in with the lead group and soaring over the crest of hill after hill, all to land on the podium. Not to mention cash and prizes, too. For those who are racing themselves instead of others: your limit-testing and goal-setting make crossing the finish line a moment to be proud of in itself. And, the riders who come for the fun and sun, bringing tunes, high vibes, and a party pace, you know who you are, and we’re here for it.

In the end, the finish line can bring all sorts of surprises, but you can know there’s food, cold drinks, and a group celebrating everything the day and life has brought us until the sun goes down.

Women & Non-Binary/Gender Expansive Racers Win 20% More

We believe in equity until equality. Since statistics specific to the cycling pay gap are hard to nail down, we chose to base our prize amount off the average pay gap between genders in the United States. Over all podium finishers of the women and non-binary/gender-expansive category will win 20% more than those in the men’s category. The 125 mile cash podium amounts will be published several months prior to the event. Participants who register for the Masters or Junior categories of the 125 Mile route will be eligible for the cash podium. 

The Route – Three Distances to Choose From

Riders of all distances will roll out from Roca Berry Farm, winding through acres of farmland on the most coveted roads punctuated by off-road sectors. Don’t let the misconception that Nebraska is flat fool you, as the course will feature a steady stream of undulating hills. Final routes will be announced the week prior the event. While the event is unsupported, there will be very well-stocked aid stations throughout the course.

And Maybe You'd Rather Run

We have something for you as well! The 5k walk/run will happen alongside the bike race on Saturday, with the course taking you through Roca Berry Farm and on the Jamaican Trail. 

Rider Support Program

The goal of Rider Support Program is to fully support the travel, lodging, nutrition, coaching, and gear support for the program’s athletes. The program will focus on supporting BIPOC, LGBTQIA+, and women cyclists living in rural areas. Often overlooked, rural areas bring a unique set of accessibility barriers regarding race opportunities, bike shops, and community. More information regarding the Rider Support Program will be shared prior to opening the application process.

Land Acknowledgement

We ride and run on the ancestral and ceded Indigeneous lands of the Oceti Sakowin, Pawnee, and Omaha nations. We acknowledge and thank these caregivers for their centuries of sustained work to this land. For using their land, we pledge a portion of each registration to the Lincoln Indian Center.

Please direct any questions regarding the event here or info@groundedne.com.

We can't wait to hang out with you in 2023!