CYCLE CITY

CITY CYCLE

RIDE THIS WAY

Emporia is the epicenter of the gravel grinding world. Every year, thousands of cyclists endure the blistering sun, steep hills and rough trails of the Flint Hills. Whether you are here to race in the epic Dirty Kanza, or to experience the solitary beauty of the landscape for yourself, Emporia has the cycling adventure for you.

FINISH LINE CELEBRATION Experience the excitement at the starting line of the Dirty Kanza and cheer on the riders with thousands of other cycling fans that are lining Commercial Street. Later in the afternoon, join the finish line celebration as the first riders complete their trek. All of downtown becomes a street party that goes late into the night as fans enjoy live music, street food, games, and ringing cowbells to cheer riders across the finish line. THE DIRTY KANZA The first Saturday after Memorial Day, over 2,000 cyclists from across the globe descend on Emporia for the Dirty Kanza (dirtykanza.com). This grueling 200-mile bike race through the beautiful and rugged Flint Hills is one of the top endurance races in the world. Just finishing the Dirty Kanza has become a badge of honor for those in the endurance cycling world. The race winds through the very remote and unforgiving terrains of the Flint Hills. There is a reason it is on the bucket list of cyclists from around the world. Riders can also opt for the shorter DK100, the DK50, the DK25, the high school race or attempt the epic DKXL, a 350-mile race.

OTHER GRAVEL EVENTS

LUNAR KANZA JULY 18, 2020 This 50-mile gravel leisure ride takes place under the full moon. Riders get to explore the Flint Hills at sunset and under moonlight. The ride finishes with a late night block party featuring live music and food trucks.

FREEDOMFEST NOVEMBER 7, 2020 A number of rides and runs take place during this November event to support veterans, including the Spur Ride, a unique 5k run and gravel grinding ride that will challenge any athlete.

LA GRIND MAY 2-3, 2020 La Grind is a two day gravel stage race through the Flint Hills. Ride on approximately 150 miles of iconic gravel roads with proceeds going to charity. You can also participate in the 35 mile fun ride or the 60-mile endurance challenge.

KANSAS CANNONBALL 550

SEPTEMBER 25-27, 2020

This ride is a 550 mile gravel bikepacking event that starts and ends in Emporia. This event is an unsupported bikepacking ride.

LAP THE LAKES OCTOBER 10, 2020 Lap the Lakes Gravel Grinder, presented by Emporia Police Benefit Association, is a 130-mile gravel road race fundraiser for Emporia’s Camp Alexander that takes riders around three different local lakes. This fast rolling ride has a 65-mile course too.

RUSH THE RAILS OCTOBER, 2020 Rush the Rails is a fondo ride and relay run along the Flint Hills Nature Trail. The full distance event begins in Osawatomie and ends in Council Grove. You can opt for the 1/2 distance or 1/4 distance, too.

GETAWAYS NATURAL

CYCLING ADVENTURE

For gravel cyclists and endurance riders, Emporia is the spot to be. With a cycling culture like no other, Emporia proves that cycling is not about your destination, but the adventures along the way.

BIKE PACKING The endless unpaved stretches of the Flint Hills are perfect for those cyclists who want to test their limits. Emporia is the epicenter of the gravel grinding world. Every year, thousands of cyclists endure the blistering sun, steep hills and rough trails of the Flint Hills.

Bike packing is a fun choice for friends, couples and families who ride together. Part backpacking, part bike touring, this activity lets you cover more miles than hiking. Plan your trip to explore the

CYCLING scenic Flint Hills and camp at area lakes and campgrounds. GEAR UP No trip to a cycling-oriented city is complete without a stop at the local bike shop. Gravel City Adventure & Supply Co. (716 Commercial St.) is your adventure headquarters. From beginners to pros, they will help you find the right bike and gear to tackle the Flint Hills. Eclectic Bikes(823 Commercial St.) is a specialty bicycle shop where you can rent or buy new or vintage road bikes.

TOP FLINT HILLS ROUTES YOU HAVE TO RIDE

Whether you are here to race in the epic Dirty Kanza, or to experience the solitary beauty of the landscape for yourself, Emporia has the cycling adventure for NEBRASKA you. The Iconic Route Series offers the perfect ride, KANSAS regardless of your skill level.

1Murder Ordained WASHINGTON MARYSVILLE Despite its ominous name, ‘Murder Ordained’ is a very tame, beginner-friendly route. It is nearly pancake flat with only 249 MarshallWashington ft. of climbing over the 13.8 miles.

2Kahola Krusher

CLAY CENTER

Many Dirty Kanza veterans know Kahola

Lake quite well, as it is featured in the final leg of many editions of the famed gravel race. This scenic route will give riders the Riley same taste of those hills without the epic

Clay distance, it is only 53.4 miles. MANHATTAN

SENECA

Nemaha Pottawatome

WAMEGO

Jackson

HOLTON

3The Grind

This route is not to be taken lightly by even the most accomplished gravel riders. Riders will be completely on their own with little to JUNCTION CITY ABILENE Geary ALMA G FLINT HILLS TRAIL STATE PARK Explore the Flint Hills Trail State Park by bike, hiking or on horseback. This TOPEKA Shawnee A C D E F G H I J K L B no civilization in sight for the first 100 miles of its 143.1 miles before arriving in the first town to resupply. Not for the faint of heart! 94-mile trail stretches between Osawatomie and Council Grove. It is the seventh longest rail-trail in America, and the longest trail in Kansas. Trail ESKRIDGE Wabaunsee C 4 Two Wheel Pioneers Ever wondered what the prairie was like for our pioneer forebears? Come check it out COUNCIL GROVE Morris Dickinson heads are in Admire, Allen, Bushong, and Council Grove.B for yourself! The wide open prairies of the A Marion Flint Hills look largely today as they always have. This 3 day, 2 night bike-packing route gives you the opportunity to be a two-wheel pioneer yourself and explore two very historical Kansas towns. COTTONWOOD FALLSMARION Chase E F H I SINGLE TRACK TRAILS Emporia has more than gravel. For mountain bike lovers, Camp Alexander features 4.3 miles of singletrack trails with a wide variety of terrains. Ride the EMPORIA Lyon D BIKE STATIONS Unexpected flat or need a quick repair? Bike repair stations are located around town, including at the All Veterans Memorial, Emporia State University and J K L NEWTON CASSODY Cottonwood River Trail, with the parking lot at 8th Ave. and the trail head at the All Veterans Merchant Street. Memorial, or the Campus Trails at ESU. YATES CENTER

EL DORADO EUREKA

Woodson

Greenwood

Butler

HOWARD Find GPS or printable maps and more routes at Elk gravelcityadventure.com.