Unbound Gravel is a big challenge no matter how you approach it, whether you’re racing to win or trying to complete the massive 320km ordeal. For four Hamilton, Ont. runners, the challenge of finishing the race did not seem enough. In addition to the races, the Canadian foursome raised $16,000 (and counting) for New Hope community bikes.

The four friends, Chris Griffiths, Brian Harskamp, ​​Kyle Ford and Matt Penman, are not pros. They all have day jobs and limited training time. But all four enjoy the sense of community they get from riding the bike, and gravel events in particular.

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The goal of fundraising for New Hope is to spread that sense of community to cyclists who might not otherwise have the opportunity. New Hope Community Bikes is committed to Indigenous communities in Ontario, “using bikes as a means to build community and create equitable access to cycling-related resources.” It is a learning center for building and repairing bikes, educating new riders on bike safety, and helping with proven access to affordable transportation.

Check out the foursome experience at Unbound in the video below:

An unforgettable unlimited experience

Chris Griffiths and Brian Harskamp crossed the finish line together in Emporia after 15 hours and eight minutes of cycling. Kyle Ford and Matt Penman followed 47 minutes later, logging 15 hours 55 minutes in the saddle.

For the quartet of Unbound riders, New Hope’s direct impact on communities helped motivate them in their personal goals of riding to complete Kansas’ infamous gravel event.

“The four of us are very passionate about the work New Hope Community Bikes is doing to address inequality in cycling. We have witnessed their impact in Pikangikum First Nation, through Ride Smart, their ability to teach children to be safe riders, through community workshops, their ability to create confident riders and reduce barriers, especially for women, and their generosity towards those who need a bike. to navigate a new city or get transportation through a pay-as-you-go initiative. So we ride Unbound and collect for New Hope Community Bikes.

If you would like to support New Hope Community Bikes, the the donation page is still open.