Girls Gone Gravel podcast

Wow, what an incredible week being immersed in the gravel community in Emporia, KS! Unbound 2026 sure was a memorable one, from mud to heat to hail storms, this race had it all. On our episode this week Kristi and Kathryn caught up with a few of the female pros before and after the race to hear how they were preparing, as well as how their race day unfolded. Tune in to get all of the nitty gritty details love from Unbound Gravel 2026.
Follow us on Instagram:
@feistycycling
@feisty_media
Girls Gone Gravel Website:
https://www.girlsgonegravel.com/
Support our Partners:
SILCA: Use the code FeistyUnbound2026 for 15% off at https://silca.cc/en-ca
Wahoo: Learn about the ELEMNT ROAM 3 at https://bit.ly/4tk2j23
Momentous: Use code GIRLSGONEGRAVEL for up to 35% off your first order at livemomentous.com
Register for Feisty Fest at https://feisty.co/events/

Unbound Gravel 2026 is almost here! Kathryn and Kristi are joined this week by Lauren Hall and Sarah Sturm who will both be part of the Life Time media team at Unbound this year covering the 200 mile race. First up, Kristi gives a quick course preview and talks through some of the changes for 2026. Then they take a deep dive into race tactics, possible team dynamics, and how the European women are shaking up the gravel scene in North America. We also hear everyone’s podium picks. With such a stacked women’s field, this is sure to be an electric race!
Follow the race live on the Life Time Grand Prix Youtube Channel at: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XSI5XfzxJk0

On this week’s episode Kathryn and Kristi are joined by 3-time gravel national champion Lauren Stephens. Lauren has been lighting up the road and gravel scene for years, and we are thrilled to welcome her to the show. She tells us about how a second-hand bike from her sister got her started in cycling, and how she went from bike commuter to racing on the women’s world tour. Last year, Lauren and her husband started a women’s cycling team called Next Step Racing. Lauren explains what went into their decision to start the team, and how she hopes it will continue to spur growth in the women’s peloton both in road and gravel racing.
Follow the team on Instagram @aegisnextstepracing
Follow Lauren on Instagram @lollyis_lauren

This week on the show Kathryn welcomes back professional cyclist and coach Hannah Otto. Last fall after finishing in a tie for 7th p[lace overall in the Life Time Grand Prix, Hannah went to the Big Island of Hawai’i to attempt a Fastest Known Time (FKT) on the Mauna Kea climb. This was not Hannah’s first time attempting an FKT, and she talks about what drives her to take on these epic endurance events as well as what she loves most about racing no one but herself. While riding 55 miles straight up hill wouldn’t necessarily be everyone’s idea of fun, Hannah details how she finds joy in these attempts, and how she adapts when things start to get difficult. Hannah is competing in the Life Time Grand Prix again in 2026. She talks through a few of her best tips leading into the last few weeks before Unbound, and how to get the most out of your day there.
Watch Hannah recap of her FKT attempt on YouTube at https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZZ7SrrqEUXM&t=316s

Follow Hannah on Instagram @thehannahotto

If you follow gravel racing, you probably have seen Iz King with her infectious smile and bright orange kit around gravel events. In the last year, Iz’s life has looked a little different; in August 2025 she gave birth to a baby girl and this week she joins us to discuss what that transition has been like for her and her family. She opens up about the challenges and rewards of getting back to training and racing after pregnancy, and how it feels to be coming back to such a competitive field in the women’s gravel pro peloton. Iz speaks candidly about how having a daughter has changed her perspective on risk, in an inherently risky sport, and what is motivating her to continue pursuing cycling as a career.
Follow Iz on Instagram @king_iz
Follow us on Instagram:
@feistycycling
@feisty_media
Girls Gone Gravel Website:
https://www.girlsgonegravel.com/
Support our Partners:
SILCA: Use the code FeistyUnbound2026 for 15% off at https://silca.cc/en-ca
Wahoo: Learn about the ELEMNT ROAM 3 at https://bit.ly/4tk2j23
Momentous: Use code GIRLSGONEGRAVEL for up to 35% off your first order at livemomentous.com
Register for Feisty Fest at https://feisty.co/events/