Quiet Miles – Robin Gemperle at the Unbound XL
27 June 2025
No music. No noise. Just the ride.
Robin Gemperle sets off on the Unbound XL: 350 miles of gravel, wind, mud and will.
“I’m pretty much in my own world. Being in the pain cave…it’s not so easy to really get there. You can always just say no, go a bit slower. But then you are not fast!”
Robin Gemperle
Mile after mile, checkpoint after checkpoint. He stays focused. Calm. Committed. Counting every turn of the crank in silence.
The XL isn’t just a race. It’s a test of self. Of endurance. Of patience. Of staying in your own headspace.
"You might know about that type 2 fun thing. Where they say there are certain things that are not fun while doing but that are a lot of fun when looking back at them. In my case, if I do things that are clearly considered type 2 fun – racing for 20 hours or racing for 2 weeks – for me they are still type 1 fun. I really enjoy it! I think it’s really nice!"
Robin Gemperle
Robin crosses the line after a little over 19 hours in the saddle. Quiet miles, loud results. 3th place overall.
Sometimes, the loudest statement…is the one made in silence.
Experience the stillness behind the speed.
Videography & editing: The Road West Traveled
Photos: Ri Ganey
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