Unbound Perspectives: Jenna Rinehart
In our series about changes at Unbound over the years, we talk today with Jenna Rinehart. Riding for the Rene Herse gravel team this year, 2025 will be Jenna’s third Unbound. Many things have changed in just three short years: During this period, Unbound stopped mixing men and women pelotons. Instead, there is now a separate start for the elite women. To complete this transition, different groups aren’t allowed to draft any longer, starting this year.
JH: Which race are you entering this year?
Jenna: I will be doing the 200 mile Elite women’s race.
JH: How many Unbounds have you ridden?
Jenna: I have started two Unbounds, but finished one. My first was 2023 with the infamous mud (above), and I did not finish. Last year I came 14th, ten minutes behind the winner. This year will be my third Unbound 200.
JH: Even in just three years, gravel bikes have evolved. How has your equipment changed?
JR: My equipment has mostly stayed similar, except my tires. Each year, I have chosen to go wider. During my first attempt at Unbound, I rode 42 mm tires. It’s hard to imagine choosing that size now. Last year, I ran the 44 mm Manastash Ridge and Snoqualmie Pass tires. This year, I’m strongly considering going to 48 mm.
JH: The rules of Unbound have changed, especially for the women. How do you view these developments?
JR: The race has really improved in fairness for the Elite Women’s field, with having our own start. When I rode my first Unbound in 2023, women had our own start, but the time gap to the men was really small. We ended up catching the men’s field 10 miles into the race, and it was chaos. You quickly lost sight of the other women and what place you were in. Last year, we had a bigger time gap to the men, and that worked really well for most of the race. This year, there are no-drafting rules with other categories, so I’m excited to see how that plays out.
JH: Tell us a bit more about your bike!
JR: I will be racing the Specialized Crux. It’s so light and responsive. It will be good for all the punchy climbs that the North Course has. I’m still deciding between the Corkscrew 44 mm tires or going with wider 48s. I’m going to get there a few days early and do some pre-riding to see what feels better. Also keeping a close eye on conditions, especially with respect to the mud…
JH: What is your strategy?
JR: During each attempt at Unbound, I’ve learned so much about the race and myself. I think having done the same North Course last year will be a big advantage. Knowing how the course rides and where things get tough, etc… With the women having mostly our own race last year, we had a lot more pack dynamics versus more of an individual time trial in previous years. I plan to focus on positioning myself well, so I can conserve energy, but also be ready for when moves happen. I will also try to be more efficient at the aid stations. Last year, we had quite a big pack when we got to Aid 1, and you had to be quick to make sure you got in and out quickly to stay with the pack.
JH: How does that strategy affect your equipment/tire choices?
JR: With the women’s race now having a bigger peloton riding together longer, this makes tire choice even more important. We will most likely hit some rough sections in a big group, and you won’t be able to see as well and pick your lines. As I mentioned, I’m considering going to a wider tire to help with better flat protection and comfort.
JH: Good luck this year! We’re all rooting for you.
