Press Release: “Gravel Cycling Hall of Fame Created to Honor Pioneers and Innovators”

“Gravel Cycling Hall of Fame Created to Honor Pioneers and Innovators Who Have Helped Shape and Grow the Gravel Community”

“As the sport of gravel cycling continues to expand into the future, one group is working to preserve its history by introducing the Gravel Cycling Hall of Fame. Established to recognize and celebrate those who explore, endure, overcome, and inspire us all in the sport of gravel cycling, the first class of inductees will be announced at an inaugural banquet in Emporia, Kansas prior to Unbound Gravel 2022.”

“It is the community of riders that make gravel cycling so special, so we’re excited to present an opportunity for that community to lift up and celebrate the people who have led the way,” said Gravel Cycling Hall of Fame advisory board member LeLan Dains.

“Nominations for the Gravel Cycling Hall of Fame will be open to the public and anyone will be able to submit a nomination with the permission of the nominee. Submissions will be accepted from January 11 through March 1, 2022. Six categories have been established to serve as a guide for the types of riders and community members who should be considered for nomination (some nominees may fall into more than one category) and include: Promoters, Athletes, Innovators, Volunteers, Routeurs, and Storytellers.

“Once all submissions are reviewed, an election committee of more than thirty cycling industry and media representatives, event organizers, and gravel enthusiasts will make the final selections on inductees. The first class of Gravel Cycling Hall of Fame will be announced April 4, 2022, and then inducted at the inaugural banquet in Emporia, Kansas prior to Unbound Gravel 2022.”

“The Gravel Cycling Hall of Fame received a founding sponsorship from Shimano North America and is seeking additional industry sponsors and personal donors. Donations are used to help honor the 2022 class of inductees and establish a physical museum space in Emporia, Kansas dedicated to showcasing the history and innovation of gravel cycling. Individuals are welcome to donate online and donations of $250 or more will receive two tickets to the induction banquet. The public will have an opportunity to join a group ride with the 2022 inductees on Friday, June 3rd.”

“The founding committee and advisory board of the Gravel Cycling Hall of Fame is comprised of longtime gravel enthusiasts, race promotors, and racers that include LeLan Dains, Tobie DePauw, Kristen Legan, Neil Shirley, and Steve Driscoll.”

For more information about the Gravel Cycling Hall of Fame, the nomination process, how to donate, or the advisory board members and selection committee, please visit www.gravelcyclinghof.com

About the Gravel Cycling Hall of Fame

“The Gravel Cycling Hall of Fame exists to recognize and celebrate those who explore, endure, overcome, and inspire us all in the sport of gravel cycling. The organization is dedicated to preserving the stories of those individuals who have been so instrumental in creating an environment that allowed gravel cycling to flourish. In addition to honoring people, there are future plans for a physical museum space to be housed in Emporia, Kansas.”