LeLan Dains
Promoter, Storyteller, Industry Leader, Routuer
With a gravel resume stretching back to the earliest days of Unbound Gravel’s predecessor, the DK200, LeLan Dains has played a critical leadership role in the sport of gravel cycling. His tireless vision has helped Unbound Gravel grow into the world’s premier gravel event, and his work has been instrumental in putting Kansas gravel on the map as a top travel destination.
Since his early days on the Unbound Gravel promotion team, Dains has tirelessly championed gravel cycling, transforming it into a premier tourism attraction worldwide. Through his leadership and vision, Unbound Gravel has become a globally recognized event, drawing riders from around the world and establishing Kansas as a top destination for gravel cycling. His efforts have created win-win opportunities for communities while setting a new standard for the inclusive, community-focused camaraderie that defines the sport today.
Dains also played a leadership role in the creation of the Great Plains Gravel Route, a more than 3,800-mile network of gravel roads and trails that enables cyclists to experience the rugged beauty of the Central Plains states. The route gives cyclists an opportunity to connect with the places they travel through, emphasizing exploration and resilience. It enables cyclists to appreciate the vast landscapes and unique beauty that make the region so special.
Dains helped create an entirely new form of tourism in Kansas by creating more accessible routes within the state. An extension of the Kansas Tourism website, Gravel Kansas features more than 98,000 miles of curated Kansas gravel routes. Visitors can search for routes by region or rider skill level, so there are appropriate routes for virtually any cyclist. In addition to increasing accessibility to Kansas gravel routes, the project has brought notable economic and social benefits to the state’s rural communities.
LeLan played a pivotal role in bringing NICA High School racing to Kansas, serving as a driving force behind the state's league formation. By touring Kansas and hosting town hall meetings, he inspired future coaches, clubs, and races, laying the foundation for a thriving NICA community. Thanks to his leadership, Kansas became one of the first two Plains states to establish a NICA league, fostering a new generation of youth cyclists.
LeLan Dains’ enduring impact on gravel cycling, tourism, and community development is a testament to his visionary leadership and passion for the sport. From elevating Unbound Gravel to global prominence and fostering economic growth in rural Kansas through gravel tourism, to empowering youth and communities with initiatives like the NICA High School League, Dains has reshaped the landscape of cycling in Kansas and beyond. His contributions continue to inspire connection, exploration, and a spirit of adventure for cyclists of all ages and abilities.
