Cycling: Gravel Capital

With thousands of miles of gravel roads winding through the Flint Hills, a close-knit cycling community, and the planet’s most epic bike race, Emporia is the Gravel Cycling Capital of the World.

Emporia sits in the heart of the Flint Hills, with waves of rolling tallgrass prairie stretching to the north, south, and west. Gravel roads snake out from Emporia into sparsely populated countryside. These remote unpaved stretches of the Flint Hills provide the perfect backdrop for cyclists wanting to experience something quite literally, “off the beaten path.” Whether you come for our epic events, such as UNBOUND Gravel, to connect with our community of fellow cyclists, or simply to explore in solitude, it’s easy to see why Emporia is the epicenter of the gravel grinding universe.

Famous Finish

UNBOUND GRAVEL is the world’s most recognizable gravel cycling event. Held the first weekend after Memorial Day, this multi-day event contains rides and races of various distances ranging from 25-miles to 350-miles. Over 10,000 riders, family, friends, and spectators converge in Emporia over the course of the weekend to celebrate. All of downtown Emporia becomes a street party with food, drink and plenty of cowbell. You don’t have to be a rider to enjoy the energy and electricity of this world class event.

Gear Up

With three bike shops, there is no lack of support in the gravel cycling capital. ECLECTIC BIKES (823 Commercial St.) is a specialty bike shop where you can rent or buy new or vintage bikes. GRAVEL CITY ADVENTURE & SUPPLY CO. (716 Commercial St.) is your adventure headquarters. From your first gravel ride to overnight bikepacking adventures, they will help you find the right bike and gear to tackle the Flint Hills. At HIGH GEAR CYCLERY (520 Commercial St.) you will find small town service with a big city selection. With a passion for cycling, they will help you find the bike of your dreams.

Group Rides

Locals such as Mulready’s Pub, Gravel City Adventure, High Gear, Eclectic Bikes and Babes on Bikes host weekly group rides to encourage new cyclists, push each other to the next level, or to just simply have fun with other cyclists. There is sure to be a ride to fit your skill level.

ICONIC ROUTES

Here’s the inside scoop on the best places to ride in the Flint Hills. The Iconic Routes Series, created by the folks at Gravel City Adventure, features 11 expertly planned routes for all skill levels. We’ve listed a few of our favorites below. For additional routes and maps, go to https://gravelcityadventure.com/routes. You can also pick up a Pocket Cycling Guide at the Visit Emporia office, 719 Commercial Street.

Murder Ordained

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

County Seat Run

This beginner friendly route takes riders to the town of Americus, which at one time rivaled Emporia for the position of county seat. Because the route stays close to the Neosho River, you won’t encounter a lot of climbing, making this a great exploratory ride for gravel enthusiasts of all abilities.

Teapot Mound

This is what you travel to the gravel capital for – open range and wide open vistas! This loop takes riders over minimum maintenance roads (which can be muddy if wet) and into the open cattle grazing range that makes this area so special.

Prairie Fire

Prairie fires are an integral part of land management in this part of the world. They also make for a splendid light show at night! The burning is what allows for the tall grass that makes this part of the world famous to grow and flourish. Hit this route in the Spring to try and catch a glimpse of this natural wonder.