We analyze the two-dimensional Palatini Gauss-Bonnet theory on an infinite strip (product of a finite interval with the infinite line, corresponding to “time”). The theory has only boundary degrees of freedom. Its phase space is the cotangent bundle to the group manifold of SL(2, R), subject to a (first-class) constraint quadratic in the momenta. With the simplest choice of boundary Hamiltonian, namely H = 0, the theory is shown to describe geodesics on the group manifold of SL(2, R), with a “mass” determined by the Palatini Gauss-Bonnet coupling constant. Other choices of boundary Hamiltonians compatible with gauge invariance are also possible. The symmetry group contains (left and right) group translations on SL(2, R). These are “boundary symmetries” from the bulk point of view, one copy acting on one end of the interval, the other copy acting on the other end. Comments on the quantum theory are also given.