Gravel race prep checklist

UNBOUND and SBT GRVL both require a government-issued photo ID, and only the registered athlete may collect the packet. SBT has no race-day pickup.

Source UNBOUND Gravel: 2026 50 Mile Athlete Guide (PDF) · UNBOUND Gravel: Race Day Guide · SBT GRVL: Rules, Regulations and FAQs

Organisers disagree on mount rules. Follow the athlete guide for your start; a folded or cut plate can void timing or a start.

UNBOUND

Race plate flat on the front of the handlebars; not bent, folded or wrapped

SBT GRVL

Nameplates cannot be altered or cut; cut plates mean no start

Source UNBOUND Gravel: 2026 50 Mile Athlete Guide (PDF) · SBT GRVL: Rules, Regulations and FAQs

Park Tool's pre-ride list starts with front and rear tire, axle play and wheel true. Do it the night before, not at the start line.

Source Park Tool: Coach Calvin bike inspection checklist (PDF) · Park Tool: Repairing on the ride See Tire pressure calculator See 40 mm gravel pressures

Hunt says top up every 2 to 3 months, sooner in heat. Makers disagree on volume for a 40 mm tire.

Stan's

60 ml (2 oz) for 700c x 40 mm; liquid for 2 to 7 months

Hunt

80 ml for 40 mm tires; top up every 2 to 3 months

Source Stan's: Original Tubeless Sealant · Stan's: How much sealant · Hunt: How much sealant and how often See Sealant top-up guide

UNBOUND lists two or more spare tubes as supplies you should seriously consider, yes even with tubeless tires, plus plugs if you run tubeless.

Source UNBOUND Gravel: 2026 50 Mile Athlete Guide (PDF)

A helmet is required at every race checked here. The approval label the organiser names is not the same everywhere.

UNBOUND

CPSC or Snell approved

SBT GRVL

ANSI certified, on at all times on the bike

Gravel Worlds

Helmet required at all times, including group rides

Source UNBOUND Gravel: 2026 50 Mile Athlete Guide (PDF) · SBT GRVL: Rules, Regulations and FAQs · Gravel Worlds: Rules

UNBOUND's course is unmarked; each rider navigates by GPS from the site. SBT marks the course but still says download it to your GPS in case signs move.

Source UNBOUND Gravel: 2026 50 Mile Athlete Guide (PDF) · SBT GRVL: Rules, Regulations and FAQs

UNBOUND's must-carry list: hydration for the distance (at least 2 liters for 50 miles) and nutrition to the next checkpoint. Gravel Worlds: if you need it, bring it.

Source UNBOUND Gravel: 2026 50 Mile Athlete Guide (PDF) · Gravel Worlds: Race Day · Gravel Worlds: Rules

UNBOUND also lists plugs, patch kit, boot or tape, CO2 plus a hand pump, tire levers, multi-tool with chain tool, spare quick links, a red tail light and a payment card.

Source UNBOUND Gravel: 2026 50 Mile Athlete Guide (PDF) · SBT GRVL: Rules, Regulations and FAQs

SRAM says check derailleur battery status before a big ride and charge if needed. Green on the AXS App means good to go; carry a spare CR2032 for the shifters.

Source SRAM: Road AXS tech tips and tuning

UNBOUND requires two hand-operated brakes. Gravel Worlds requires at least one functioning brake. Park Tool: squeeze both levers in the pre-ride check.

Source UNBOUND Gravel: 2026 50 Mile Athlete Guide (PDF) · Gravel Worlds: Rules · Park Tool: Coach Calvin bike inspection checklist (PDF) · Park Tool: Repairing on the ride

SBT GRVL bans aerobars on the race and the ride. Gravel Worlds bans aero bars and aero-bar-like setups for Pro racers.

Source SBT GRVL: Rules, Regulations and FAQs · Gravel Worlds: Rules

SBT bans earbuds or speakers on the race and the ride. Gravel Worlds bans earphones, bone conduction, headphones and earplugs that impede hearing.

Source SBT GRVL: Rules, Regulations and FAQs · Gravel Worlds: Rules

UNBOUND: outside support only at official checkpoints. SBT: only neutral aid (Black Course has one team feed zone). Gravel Worlds: self-supported; no outside support at checkpoints.

Source UNBOUND Gravel: 2026 50 Mile Athlete Guide (PDF) · SBT GRVL: Rules, Regulations and FAQs · Gravel Worlds: Race Day · Gravel Worlds: Rules