John L. Hobbs
Promoter, Storyteller, Innovator, Routeur
"Modern gravel cycling can best be defined as a post-asphalt era in which folks choose to ride gravel when alternate options exist. While it is likely a futile task to attempt to determine when, where, and by whom this modern iteration of gravel cycling began, there are clear examples of this innovative return to our unpaved roots. John Hobbs is one of those pioneers who discerned that not only were gravel roads plentiful in the Flint Hills region of Eastern Kansas, but they were desirable as a means of two-wheeled recreation.
In the early 1980's John worked for a variety of bike shops in the Wichita and Newton, KS area. He would often organize groups of friends to ride routes that he created throughout the Flint Hills that they affectionately called ""Gap Rides."" John would simply look at a map and look for gaps where no roads existed. Knowing this meant the terrain was more difficult and remote in these areas, he knew this also offered the most beautiful and challenging places to ride.
John began hosting formal ""organized"" rides with the OZ Bicycle Club out of Wichita in the mid-'80s. The events were called ""Rough Road Rides."" John then began organizing a ride out of Matfield Green, KS, which was known as the ""Matfield Green 100k."" This event became ""The Flint Hills Death Ride"" which John created and managed from 1989 to 2001. In 2001 John sold the event and it lasted until 2011 under new management. Its 22-year run is a testament to the foundation that John created and the power of gravel cycling.
In its heyday, the Flint Hills Death Ride saw more than 600+ riders that came from all over the Midwest and beyond. It was categorized as an endurance MTB event only because gravel riding had no name and place at that time. Today, we can undeniably recognize that John and his events pioneered this modern movement to find new roads that were less traveled. It was a beginning point for an area of the United States typically known as ""flyover"" country to become recognized as an attractive cycling destination. It was undoubtedly a precursor and inspiration for events like Unbound Gravel and many others that followed suit in the famed Flint Hills of Kansas and beyond. There is no Unbound Gravel without John Hobbs and the Flint Hills Death Ride.
John chartered and pioneered new routes for cyclists that were only known to tractors and cattle wagons. He also published memoirs of the Death Ride experiences and operated his events under the philosophy that ""life is nothing more than the pursuit of stories worth telling to children."" The book is quite the read if you ever get the chance. He was clearly one pedal stroke ahead of the rest in recognizing not only the utility of gravel roads but the unappreciated beauty of an area unknown to many. Through his efforts, many were exposed to the Flint Hills which are now internationally recognized as one of the best gravel cycling destinations in the world.
