UNBOUND Gravel

Johnathon Blake is 37 years old and lives in Olathe, Kansas with his wife of twelve years, Kaitlin, and his twenty-month-old daughter, Ray. Johnathon works as a Physical Medicine & Rehabilitation physician at two local hospitals.  His job and residency experience have given him the opportunity to work with patients after organ transplants and other life-changing medical events. 

Johnathon grew up in rural Southeast Kansas, where sports and activity were a huge part of his childhood.  He went to Washburn University in Topeka, KS, and earned a degree in Athletic Training. In college Johnathon became interested in triathlons and started cycling more regularly.  He completed many triathlons in his twenties, including a 70.3 distance triathlon, and was fortunate enough to compete at the National Championships one year.

After undergrad, Jonathan was accepted into medical school, and completed his MD degree at the University of Kansas. For residency, he chose Physical Medicine & Rehabilitation and was accepted into the program at the University of Colorado in Aurora, Colorado.  This gave Johnathon the opportunity to live in Denver where cycling became even more predominant in his physical activity.  He loved riding in the front range near Denver, as well as taking on the higher elevations deeper in the mountains.  He completed the Triple Bypass ride three times, cycled up to the peak of Mt. Blue Sky, and enjoyed many other fast, winding descents in the Rockies.

After moving back to Kansas, Johnathon joined an amateur cycling club in his area, and currently enjoys going on group rides and competing in local criteriums.  While he doesn't get to take on the long alpine climbs much anymore, he has more than ample access to the peaceful gravel roads of rural Kansas.  

Jonathan completed the 100-mile ride at Unbound Gravel last year for Team CKF and had a blast!  It was incredible for him to experience one of the best gravel rides in the world in his own backyard with not only a positive team with a great mission, but one that was amazingly supportive of his ride.  He looks forward to the opportunity to represent CKF again in 2025.

Chris Paxton, born in Omaha, NE and raised in rural Northwest Missouri, currently resides in Lee’s Summit, MO since receiving a degree in Graphic Design/Commercial Art in 1998. 

During his sophomore year at the University of Central Missouri, Chris’ kidneys failed due to Alport Syndrome. After spending 8 months on dialysis, both peritoneal and hemodialysis, he received the gift of a living related kidney donation from his father on December 5, 1995.

Following his successful transplant, he picked up cycling and bike racing to stay healthy and to enhance the longevity of his transplant health. Since receiving his life saving gift, he’s traveled the US and internationally, taking part in both the Transplant Games of America and World Transplant Games, showcasing the success of organ, eye, and tissue donation and the need for more registered donors.

A passionate advocate for organ, eye, and tissue donation, Chris oversees a local charity for donation awareness in Kansas and Missouri, known as Team MO-KAN. Additionally, he serves as the Brand and Marketing Director for World Transplant Athletes, an international nonprofit promoting transplant health and longevity through sport.

He is the proud husband of Valerie, a father to Riley, Austin and Marisol, and grandfather to Avalyn and Thomas. All gifts made possible by the gift of life . . . organ donation.

Paul Komendacki was born and raised in Chicago, Illinois. He works as an operating room nurse at Rush University Medical Center, where he primarily focuses on orthopedic surgeries. He also has opportunities to assist with organ transplants/procurement procedures, which resonate with him to a great extent. To Paul, these surgeries represent not just a medical procedure, but a second chance at life for countless individuals and families. Witnessing the transformative impact of organ donation inspires him daily. For Paul, it is a powerful reminder of the hope that exists even in the most challenging circumstances.

Outside of his nursing career, Paul has extensive experience in the hospitality industry, particularly working in craft beer at Half Acre Beer Co in Chicago. This background has taught him the value of community and connection. He finds it important and fun to work in this venture part-time as it has been a great part of his life for so long.

Beyond biking, Paul finds joy and inspiration in a variety of outdoor activities. Running has become a newfound passion. Completing his first half marathon was not just an achievement, but a celebration of perseverance. The sense of accomplishment and the community he experienced during that race reminded him of the importance of support systems for both athletes and patients alike. Additionally, he loves motorcycling, watching the White Sox (through thick and thin), fishing, and immersing himself in nature, where he often reflects on life’s beauty and complexity.

Creativity is another outlet that enriches Paul’s life. He expresses himself through music, photography, linocuts, and mural painting, each medium allowing him to capture moments of wonder and convey messages of hope. Art has the power to inspire and connect people, and Paul believes it plays a vital role in the healing process for many.

Every adventure he embarks on, from gravel riding to artistic endeavors, reinforces his belief in the importance of community, resilience, and the transformative power of giving. Through participating in this charity-led race, Paul aims to raise awareness about organ donation, honor those in need, and inspire others to see the beauty in giving the gift of life.

Troy Toman started riding bikes over 50 years ago. After extensive road cycling, including several MS 150s, he took a break after a major accident in 2013.

Troy jumped back on the bike in 2023, and fell for gravel biking in 2024 when he completed his first Unbound 100 and Big Sugar.

Troy loves to ride in gravel events, but really only races against himself. It’s all about getting a little better every ride and learning the value of doing “hard things.”

Chris was a professional snowboard racer when he was placed on the National Transplant Waiting List three years after being diagnosed with Primary Sclerosing Cholangitis (PSC), a rare degenerative bile duct condition. After six years of being on the waiting list and three months at a critical stage, the day came.

On July 28, 2000, Chris received his liver transplant! “It was like a new engine was dropped in me!” Six weeks later, he was back on his snowboard. He had the opportunity to represent the USA at the Winter Olympics in Salt Lake City, UT, where he won a Bronze Medal.

During Chris’s time on the waiting list, he promised himself he would do everything he could to spread the message of organ & tissue donation once he was able.

Alongside his wife, Missy, and two children, Bali and River, Chris lives an extraordinary life savoring every moment. He manages his own Real Estate business in Aspen, CO, and makes the time to train and compete in endurance races such as the Elk Mountain Grand Traverse, Power of Four, and the Leadville 100 Mountain Bike Race.

This will be his first Unbound Gravel.