Corey Godfrey

2022 Gravel Cycling Hall of Fame Inductee, Corey “Cornbread” Godfrey, is the gentle giant of gravel cycling. His calm, laid back demeanor exudes a humble confidence that’s honed by the countless challenges he’s conquered, including many of the toughest gravel cycling events in the world.

With a background rooted in mountain biking, Godfrey was introduced to gravel road cycling in 2000 as an alternative when the singletrack was too wet to ride. Around that time, looking for an alternative to the traditional racing infrastructure, Godfrey teamed up with a couple of friends and created the Pirate Cycling League to provide a more inclusive cycling club for participants of all backgrounds and abilities.

“We started out as a group of friends who loved riding and just wanted to get more folks riding together across cycling disciplines,” Godfrey said. “The Pirate Cycling League broke down a lot of barriers to participation. No categories, no officials, no prize money. Just friends riding together, encouraging each other, and sharing stories at the finish.”

Thanks to his strong legs, giving nature and magnetic personality, Godfrey’s status grew quickly in the cycling community. Initially, by hosting rides, and later as the promoter of the Good Life Gravel Adventure which started in 2008, which became Gravel Worlds in 2010, Godfrey has helped countless cyclists find their own love of gravel.

Godfrey announced his presence on the national gravel scene with an overall victory at the 2010 DK200 (now Unbound Gravel). He’s also a four-time TransIowa finisher, a two-time DKXL/Unbound XL finisher, and finished the 2016 Tour Divide in his first attempt.

But for all his accomplishments on the bike, Godfrey says he’s most proud of how the gravel community has focused on inclusivity.

“When the modern era of gravel events began, there wasn’t much diversity,” Godfrey said. “Many events now focus on inclusivity and have seen increasing diversity. We still have a lot of work to do, but we’re making steps in the right direction.”

Through Gravel Worlds, Godfrey and his team have raised tens of thousands of dollars to support programs to benefit cycling, youth, and outdoor programs. Funds have gone to support organizations including the Lincoln Parks Foundation: Randy Gibson Memorial Fund, Nebraska Interscholastic Cycling League (NICA), the Adventure For All fund, the Nebraska Trails Foundation, and the YMCA Strong Kids campaign.

Recently, Godfrey and the Gravel Worlds team launched a “1,000 Women of Garmin Gravel Worlds” initiative, with the goal of having one thousand women participate in the 2022 event. For each female entry, $15 is donated to the Nebraska NICA GRiT (Girls Riding Together) program, to a maximum of $15,000.

In addition to his work with Gravel Worlds, Godfrey is a board member of the Great Plains Trails Network, the MoPac Alliance and a former Board member of BicycLincoln.

When asked about his induction into the inaugural class of Gravel Cycling Hall of Fame, Godfrey said it’s an incredible honor.

“I’m humbled beyond words and consider myself lucky to be selected with such an outstanding group of people,” Godfrey said. “The entire class of inductees are true pioneers and have dedicated thousands of hours to help grow the sport and community.

“I’m still a bit surprised I was selected, but will accept the honor on behalf of Lincoln, the Midwest and all the family, friends, and volunteers that have helped nurture and grow the sport.”