Open Range was created in 2017 while deployed overseas in a sandy area.  I wanted to provide an opportunity for riders to see a unique area and give back to a community that helped develop who I am.  2018 was the first year for the race and it has only grown in popularity.  

Open Range starts in Pratt, Kansas.  Home of the Miss Kansas Pageant, Kansas Department of Wildlife and Parks, and the famous "Hot & Cold" Watertowers.  The Open Range course takes riders through the High Plains and ruggedly beautiful Gypsum Hills of South Central Kansas.  If you think you know Kansas but have never seen the Gypsum Hills, you're in for an experience like no other!

There are two distances for Open Range.  A 100k+ (approx. 68 miles) and 200k (approx. 128 miles) course.  Open Range is known for varying types of roads (or no roads) used throughout the course.  Riders can expect to ride through numerous cattle ranches on "Open Range" roads.  Riders will experience almost 5,000' of elevation on the 200k course. Kansas is not flat!

In 2024, Open Range Gravel Race joined with 5 other races to form the Great Plains Gravel Cup.  Riders are automatically enrolled once they register for any of the races.  The GPGC provides riders a unique opportunity to be recognized for supporting local grassroots races.  While these races maybe considered "local" they draw international riders every year.  

The Open Range Gravel Race is an ultra-endurance bicycle race through a remote and rugged area of the state.  Start time for the 200k race is 8am and there will be a 10 MPH pace cutoff.  The distance for the 200k will be between 125 - 132 miles. If you don't think you can maintain a 10 mph average, please feel free to sign up for the 100k+ or the Open Range Tour.  The 100k+ starts at 8:20am.

NEW THIS YEAR:  Pratt Volunteer Fire Department will handle Drop Bag and rider extraction service. If you want a drop bag delivered and returned, sign up for their service.  Proceeds go to support the Pratt Volunteer Fire Department.   

Sun City and Medicine Lodge will be the checkpoints for the race.  Sun City is around 35 mile mark and Medicine Lodge will be around mile 80.  Checkpoints will have water and light snacks.  There is a drop bag service available (proceeds support Pratt Volunteer Fire) to riders. Bring your nutrition in a clearly marked bag or soft-sided cooler and we'll move it to the checkpoint(s).  Heavy duty slider zip bags with ducktape and name work great!  If racing in the 200k they will take 2 bags (one for Sun City, one for Medicine Lodge- they will not move the same bag from checkpoint to checkpoint). 

While we do allow transfers up to registration close, we do not allow refunds for race fee.  If you think you might need a refund, we suggest the race insurance provided through BikeReg.  Proceeds from Open Range go to local non-profit.

www.openrangegravel.com

If you are familiar with Kansas, you may know the state moto is “Ad Astra Per Aspera.” Depending on how you google it, the Latin means “to the stars through difficulties.” We wanted a race that was awesome and represented Kansas. We felt “The Bad Astra” was a great name for a gravel bike race. “Bad Astra” in Latin means “really cool bike race…” probably.

We will be offering distances of 100 miles (The Bad Astra), 50 miles (The Half Astra), and 25 miles (BA Party Pace).(

(All distances are rough estimates. All race distances will be a minimum of the number miles)

Elrod's Cirque is a self-supported gravel course through the Flint Hills in south central Kansas. Riders will begin in beautiful downtown Winfield before enjoying backcountry gravel roads throughout the southern Flint Hills. We suggest taking a moment to appreciate the historic stone bridges and beautiful scenery throughout Cowley County.

The 100 mile course is the crown jewel of Elrod's Cirque, taking riders through the far reaches of Cowley County. Featuring over 4,000 ft of climbing this course is as rugged as it is beautiful. In 2023 we're offering a 150 mile adventure to commemorate Winfield's 150th Birthday! The brave souls that sign up for this are certain to have a day they won’t soon forget.

If that sounds like a bit too much fun, there are also a 50, 25 and 12 mile options. The 50 mile course can be fast or make a day of it and ride to enjoy the sights. E-bikes are welcome on the 50 mile course.

The 25 mile option will travel over mostly well groomed gravel roads with a couple hills for good measure. The 12 mile course will stick to mostly pavement and keep away from major inclines. Both of these rides are suitable for e-bikes, beginners, families and anyone else who's looking for a great excuse to get outside.

Riders will all start in downtown Winfield before venturing through the best roads in Cowley Co. Riders in the 12, 25 and 50 mile course will have snacks and hydration provided at the turn-around point. Those riding in the 100 mile race will have at minimum two SAG stops. The 150 mile course is an adventure, please bring cash to resupply at convenience stores. In the event of abnormally hot weather extra hydration stops will be added to the course.

Bring your lawn chair to relax after the ride! We’ll have food trucks and alcohol available on site but you’re welcome to bring your own food and drink.

Get excited to grind some gravel, experience the beauty of the southern Flint Hills and kick back to enjoy a darn good day on the bicycle. If you have any questions please feel free to ask us, we can’t wait to see you May 11th!

REGISTRATION LINK

NO SAME DAY Registration

100 MILE Route - $75

62 MILE Route - $65

25 MILE Route - $50

AFTER April 9th, 2024  REGISTRATION FEES will increase by $10 for ALL ROUTES and ALL CATEGORIES.

MUST BE REGISTERED BY April 10th, 2024 to receive a SFUGG T-Shirt.

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SAGs

(Support & Gear)

100 Milers - 3 SAGs

62 Milers - 2 SAGs

25 Milers - 1 SAG

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EXPECT

an AWESOME Beer Garden,

FABULOUS Food Trucks,

 and GREAT Music!

Packet Pick-Up - Saturday, April 27th

• 12:00 to 5 PM
•   Luigi's 418 - 418 Cherokee Street, Leavenworth, KS  

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Race Day Packet Pick-Up  -

 Sunday, April 28th 

• 5:45 to 6:45 AM 
•  Leavenworth  Riverfront Community Center - 123 S. Esplanade Street,  Leavenworth, KS 

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FACEBOOK LIVE SAFETY BRIEF - Friday, April 26th @  5:00 PM

A 200 km bicycle race through the scenic High Plains and rugged Gypsum Hills of South Central Kansas.  A ride like no other in an area like no other.  On the 200 km course you will experience: Gravel, Asphalt, Sand, and Brick Roads along with professional electronic timing, t-shirt, and custom finisher award.  

Come join us at the beautiful, historic JM Collingwood Barn for a day of riding the roads around the north fork of the Ninnescah River in southern Reno County!

We are an all-female team organizing this bike event and so proud of this unique property we operate. We hope to bring you a memorable day of exploring new roads, breaking personal bests, meeting new folks, eating a comforting homemade meal afterwards...all in a peaceful setting 3 miles west and 1.5 miles north of Pretty Prairie, Kansas.

The route will take you into the solitude and raw beauty of the Ninnescah River Valley. Think red dirt roads, massive cottonwood trees displaying their golden leaves for the fall season, rolling sand hills, grassland galore, and a great, big wide-open Kansas sky. 
The roads in this part of Kansas range from hard pack and loose, small pea-sized sand to some stretches with deeper sand, that changes with rainfall amounts. It is a super fun challenge to find the lines on some of the roads. Flat and fast, red roller hills, some deeper sandy spots that may test your skills (either shift down and spin or dismount cyclocross style and go by foot), and wide open spaces to either cruise at your max speed or a take-it-all-in approach for the tour ride! 

Registration fee includes a t-shirt, a weatherproof sticker for your vehicle, bike rack, etc. and a homemade post-ride chili/soup meal (meat and vegetarian options) made by volunteers from the Pretty Prairie Food Pantry Board and melt-in-your-mouth cinnamon rolls from Carolyn's Essenhaus in Arlington.

The top 3 riders of each race will receive a custom award created by talented, local artists. Stayed tuned to our Facebook group page for photos!

We are capping the event this year at 300 people, so keep that in mind as the months go by! 

There will be 2 mobile SAGs roving the course, in case of an unexpected mechanical issue. One SAG will be at the 25 mile mark for food and water.

AND, you know how the line goes for the bathroom before the ride with porta potties? Well, hey, we're gonna make that whole ordeal go away with a luxury restroom trailer from Precision Plumbing in Cheney...all the comforts of home with 4 stalls...and hot and cold running water!! It's the little things in life!

To top it off, the largest barn in Kansas built in 1913 will be open to tour...it's a hidden gem and you'll be in awe of its architectural craftsmanship and unique beauty! 

Spencer & Rains, a folk music fiddler duo will be sending you off at the starting line and sharing their music with you in the barn loft during your post-ride meal! 

A portion of the registration proceeds will go to the Pretty Prairie Food Pantry Building Fund, a local non-profit 501-C(3) dedicated  to providing food and essentials to the community of Pretty Prairie and the surrounding areas. 

If you live a good distance from here and wish to arrive the night before, as to not have to drive too far the morning of the ride, there are options for lodging closeby! Listed below are several that we recommend.

The Lodge at Pear Tree Lane, ph. 316.371.4384, www.thelodgeatpeartreelane.com             

Champion Ridge Inn Bed and Breakfast, ph. 620.532.5693 

Diana McDaniel, ph. 620.553.2644 

Mary Ann Strohl, ph. 620.931.5191                                         

Jen Niemann, ph. 316.371.9020                                                                                     

Nathaniel and Gloria Miller, ph. 620.727.7616, blessedbunch@gmail.com.                               

Potter Creek Lodge, ph. 620-727-4771                                                                    

Here is the group Facebook page dedicated to the ride...updates and information will be posted there, but you, as a participant, will also receive important information regarding ride day by the email you provide us through registration.

WE ARE SO EXCITED to host this event and we cannot wait to meet all of you and make it a very special day! 

Saturday, October 28, 2023 will mark the 5th annual Maple Leaf Gravel Grind. We will offer 3 separate routes, a 16, 35 and 70 mile option that will highlight the beautiful fall foliage in and around Baldwin City, KS. Each rider will receive a custom glass and t-shirt included in their entry.  All races will be timed by the Timer Guys.     

Proceeds will be split between Prairie Paws Animal Shelter in Ottawa, KS and the Baldwin City Recreation Commission's scholarship fund.

For the 70 milers, we will offer a cash prize for the top 3 riders in each the male and female category:

Event Details

Ottawa Bike and Trail will once again be onsite offering light maintenance as well as swag for sale.  Prairie Paws Animal Shelter will be on site with animals available for adoption as well.       

Maple Leaf Gravel Grind Bicycle Raffle Tickets coming soon! Purchase your tickets!

Maps

• 16 Mile Route
• 35 Mile Route
• 70 Mile Route

Additional Details

• Date: Saturday, October 28
• Time: 70 mile will begin at 9:00 am, 16 mile and 35 mile will begin at 10:00 am
• Fee: $40 for the 16 and 35-mile routes. $50 registration day of.
• $50 for the 70 milers. $60 registration day of. 
• Swag bag included for all participants!
• Location: Start and finish on High Street between 7th and 8th street

After the race stay around for the 3rd Annual Beer, Wine and Spirit Fest Event. The event will run from 2:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m. and will include 20+ breweries, wineries and distilleries.  Tickets will be discounted 50% for Gravel Grind participants using code MLGG23.  You may also purchase tickets the day of the event or purchase in advance by calling 785-594-3670.

If you are familiar with Kansas, you may know the state moto is “Ad Astra Per Aspera.” Depending on how you google it, the Latin means “to the stars through difficulties.” We wanted a race that was awesome and represented Kansas. We felt “The Bad Astra” was a great name for a gravel bike race. “Bad Astra” in Latin means “really cool bike race…” probably.

We will be offering distances of 100 miles (The Bad Astra), 50 miles (The Half Astra), and 25 miles (BA Party Pace).(

(All distances are rough estimates. All race distances will be a minimum of the number miles)

A 200 km bicycle race through the scenic High Plains and rugged Gypsum Hills of South Central Kansas.  A ride like no other in an area like no other.  On the 200 km course you will experience: Gravel, Asphalt, Sand, and Brick Roads along with professional electronic timing, t-shirt, and custom finisher award.

COST

200 km: $70 / rider  (8 am Start)

100 km: $55 / rider  (8:20 am Start)

200k TOUR:  $95 / rider (8:00am Friday Start)

*Free Drop Bag Service

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Open Range 200k (OR200k): 

Classes:  Men's Open, Women's Open, Men's Masters (50+), Women's Masters (50+), Single Speed (fixed gear bike), Fatbike (tire width min. 3.8"), Tandem, Military/First Responder

No e-bikes or recumbent.

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This ride will provide you with varying terrain and road types, access to private ranch lands, and some of the most amazing views.  Participants will receive an Open Range T-Shirt (if ordered prior to T-shirt deadline).  All finishers will receive custom finishers award and pint glass.  Rewards for top 3 in each class.

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Open Range 100k (OR100k):

A 100 km race to give a "taste" of the Gyp Hills.  The OR100k will have a support area in Sun City.   (mile 35ish) Participants will receive a T-shirt and finisher's award.

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Open Range TOUR (200k route):

A "Touring" version of the 200k Open Range route.  This is an un-timed ride of the OR200k course with an overnight stop at the Gyp Hills Guest Ranch outside of Medicine Lodge. Riders are allowed to drop off camping equipment before the ride.  Primitive camping included.  Please contact the Guest Ranch if you'd like the "Glamping" options.

Prizes:

MEDALS for TOP THREE (3) in each category of the 100 & 62 Mile Routes.

• Generous Prizes/SWAG will be raffled off to registrants.

• MUST BE REGISTERED by April 9th, 2023 to receive a FREE T-Shirt. No exceptions.

REGISTRATION

Registration is at BIKEREG.comNO SAME DAY REGISTRATION

PACKET PICK-UP & SAFETY BRIEFING

 • Packet pick-up—Saturday, 04/22 from 12 PM—5 PM:  Luigis 418 , 418 Cherokee St, Leavenworth, KS

 • Race Day pick-up—Sunday, 04/23 from 5:45 AM–6:45 AM:  Leavenworth Riverfront Community Center, 123 S. Esplanade, Leavenworth KS. Parking available.

 • Facebook Live SAFETY BRIEFING: Friday. 04/21 @ 5 PM

  APRIL 23rd 2023

100 MILE route: $75

62 MILE route:    $65

25 mile route:      $50

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ROUTE RELEASES will be announced and made available on Ride With GPS

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SAGS:

There will be three (3) SAGS for the 100 mile route, two (2) SAGS for the 62 mile route, and one (1) SAG for the 25 mile route.