Please note: The most current information will always be available on the website: wickedwilsongravel.com
The Wicked Wilson has everything you expect out of a Kansas gravel race! From rolling fast on pristine gravel one minute to navigating low-maintenance B-roads the next, the hilly, beautiful course will keep racers entertained every mile.
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
WELCOME TO OUR AMAZING 21st Emporia Freedom Fest! Emporia Freedom Fest is a series of community events bringing together people of all ages to enjoy the outdoors, exercise, mingle and honor all Veterans and their families. This event provides annual charitable support to the Emporia All Veterans Memorial Park; the 137th & 635th Regimental Scholarship Fund, North Lyon County Veterans Memorial Fund, USD 252 South Lyon County Honor Flight program, and the KSARNG Enlisted Associations Programs.
2024 Updates:
Help us have another amazing year as we Run-Ride-Release-Ruck so we can Honor Veterans, the All Veterans Memorial Park and currently serving Service Members.
Our 20th Anniversary was an amazing year! Thanks to the almost 500 participants who made it a memorable year both virtually and on-site! On site we had over 400 participants, several dozen virtual participants including over 80 disc golfers and 90 Norwegian Foot March participants during perfect weather! Participants came from eight states and we had virtual participants in two other countries!
Visit our webiste - emporiafreedomfest.org for all the details and use this site to register. Registration is live the 1st of July. Virtual events start on Patriots Day (9/11) and end on Veterans Day (11/11). ON-site events are held 11/9/2024 at the Emporia All Veterans Memorial. Please visit emporiafreedomfest.org for details about every event.
"RUN" Freedom Run 5k
The 5K Freedom Run is one of the flattest runs you will find in Kansas. The Course keeps to the flood plain south and east of the All Veterans Memorial Park. Place top three in your age/gender category to win Emporia Main Street Gift community gift certificates. Top three male/female riders earn our custom bike and tank part trophies!
"RIDE" Freedom Ride 20 and 50 mile Gravel Grinders:
Lyon County State Bank/USD 252 Vet Honor Flight - (SGT Timmerman Ride): (20 miles) Back by popular demand is our LCSB/USD 252 Veterans Honor Flight Ride (Timmerman Ride) - This twenty mile ride takes you directly to the South Lyon County Veterans Memorial Park adjacent to Olpe High School This is very fitting as our net proceeds for this ride support USD 252 Annual Veterans Honor Flights - to learn more about USD 252 Honor Flights visit https://www.usd252.org/page/honor-flight We are helping fundraise for the next USD 252 Honor Flight which pairs district High School students and staff with area military veterans. It is an awesome event! Top three riders (male & female) earn custom tank/bike part trophies! NOTE: E-Bikes are not eligible for awards.
Merchant Cycling (President Eisenhower) Ride: (52 miles) Our Eisenhower Ride is making a dramatic change and heading North! Good news is we are headed for the first time to the beautiful North Lyon County Veterans Memorial Park in Bushong Kansas. We know you will appreciate the hard work and beautiful veterans memorials and park. Total distance is approximately 52 miles. Top three riders male / female earn custom tank/bike part trophies! NOTE: E-Bikes are not eligible for awards.
"RUCK" Vigilance Martial Arts/EANGKS Norwegian Foot March
Let's take a hike! Test your hiking skills and see if you can earn a true military badge by completing the Kansas Army National Guard Norwegian Foot March! Norwegian? Yes! Our military partners with our allies for many events and exercises to include the 18 Mile Norwegian Foot March! This event is approved by the KSARNG and the Norwegian embassy and is open to all service members, veterans and civilians. It's a tough event but many can attest to the excitement of finishing the march and earning your Bronze, Silver or Gold Norwegian Badge
"RELEASE" Dynamic Disc Freedom Fest Open
Thanks to world famous Dynamic Discs, we are honored to host the Dynamic Disc Freedom Open. As you may already know, this course is only setup once a year at Soden's Grove park adjacent to the Emporia All Veterans Memorial Dynamic Disc is an amazing partner and sponsor and as we all know holds fantastic events. Open to all and winners receive custom disc awards.
North Star Will to Win Warrior Spur Challenge
Combine them together and what do you get? Needing a bigger challenge? Try your hand at our multi-event Will to Win Warrior Spur Challenge!
Try and earn your Auxiliary Member Order of the Spur Armor Spur from the 1-635th Armor Regiment. This event is our version of a triathlon with a taste of the traditional Cavalry/Armor Spur Ride Event (Never heard of a Spur Ride? Check it out online....) First time completers earn the silver spur while 5th time completers go for the Gold Spur. Truly hardcore competitors think long-term and upon completing their 10th event earn the legitimate Cavalry Stetson.
CARGILL FREEDOM FEST EXPO
To help celebrate our 20th year we are planning on MANY static displays and demonstrations from our regional military units, branches and service members. Plenty for family and friends to discover, get hands on and explore! We will also have many of our Sponsors, Vendors and some great local food on-site for those not competing in events or providing support. Visit our Website and our Facebook event page often to find out who is coming! The Expo closes each year with a very popular event "the Storming of the Bridge" a WWII bridge clearing re-enactment hosted by the 101st Dog Company WW2 Re-enactment team.
"RECOGNIZE!"
The most important thing we do for this event (and why we hold it) is to honor our Veterans, their families and support local organizations who serve and support our Veteran Community. Net proceeds for our events have provided over $100,000 the last two decades to the Emporia All Veterans Memorial Park, the 635th /137th Regiment Scholarship Fund for children of Unit Veterans; the USD 252 Honor Flight Program, North Lyon County Veterans Memorial, and the Enlisted Association of the Kansas National Guard. Photos of past presentations and information about these charities can be found at our website.
Join us at the historic JM Collingwood Barn, west of Pretty Prairie, Kansas in the beautiful Ninnescah River Valley!
Last fall was our inaugural event and we are excited for year number two!
We are an all-female team organizing our bike event and so proud of this special property we operate. The largest barn in Kansas, built in 1913, is a hidden gem and you'll be in awe of its architectural craftsmanship!
The route will take you into the solitude and raw beauty of the Ninnescah River Valley…red dirt roads, massive cottonwood trees, rolling sand hills, acres and acres of grassland, and the great, big wide-open Kansas sky. The roads in this part of Kansas range from hard pack to loose, small pea-sized sand with some stretches of deeper sand, that change in firmness with rainfall amounts. Flat and fast, red roller hills, and 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 WEATHER-RESISTANT VINYL GLITTER STICKER, A HOMEMADE POST-RIDE SOUP AND CINNAMON ROLL MEAL (MEAT AND VEGETARIAN OPTIONS), AND A CRAFT BEER FROM SANDHILLS BREWING. Soup made by volunteers from the Pretty Prairie Community Food Pantry Board and melt-in-your-mouth cinnamon rolls from Carolyn's Essenhaus in Arlington. 100% of the proceeds of the meal portion of your registration go to the Pretty Prairie Community Food Pantry new building fund.
YOU MAY BUY ADDITIONAL MERCHANDISE ITEMS IF YOU WISH…Extra t-shirts, stickers, and meal vouchers. There is also an option to donate an additional monetary amount to the Pretty Prairie Community Food Pantry (501-(c)(3) new building fund.
The top 3 riders of each race will receive a custom award created by talented, local artists. First place will again this year be our one-of-a-kind metalwork barn rats. Stayed tuned to our Facebook group page for photos!
All riders will be given chip-timing bibs provided by Timer Guys when picking up their packet before the start of the race and a live finish results link will be provided for the day of the ride.
There will be 1 mobile mechanical SAG roving the course, in case of an unexpected minor mechanical issue. (More major mechanical issues will unfortunately end the ride for that registrant, but we will have someone pick the rider up to take back to the barn.) One SAG will be at the 25-mile mark for food and water. Our wonderful volunteers will also be placed throughout the course, as well!
Precision Contracting of Cheney, KS is once again providing a luxury restroom trailer...all the comforts of home with 4 stalls...and hot and cold running water!! It's the little things in life! We also have one ADA compliant restroom on the first level of the barn.
Spencer & Rains, an Old Time music duo will be returning to send you off at the starting line and sharing their tunes with you in the barn loft during your post-ride meal!
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 close by! Listed below are several that we recommend:
Nathaniel and Gloria Miller, ph. 620.727.7616, blessedbunch@gmail.com
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
Potter Creek Lodge, ph. 620-727-4771
Saturday, October 26, 2024 will mark the 6th annual Maple Leaf Gravel Grind. We will offer 3 separate routes, a 16, 40 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. 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, so be ready to take home your new family member!
Post race, we will offer entertainment, food and drink options as well as shaded seating to allow you to catch your breath and recover. In addition, we will have your commemorative glass ready for you at the Baldwin City Beer Co. waiting for you to fill with your favorite post-race libation, on us!
Take advantage of the Friday night packet pick up taking place form 4:00PM to 7:00PM at the Baldwin City Beer Co. (520 High St.) to avoid the lines Saturday morning. Specials will be available to Maple Leaf Gravel Grind participants, so come down, sample what’s on tap and grab some dinner Friday night!
**Register by Wednesday, October 9 to be guaranteed a 2024 Gravel Grind T-shirt**
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)
Find yourself at the center of the U.S. as you finish this unique race! The entire course is on unpaved country roads in north-central Kansas. Enjoy the natural beauty of the Kansas prairie as you run from Smith Center, KS to the Geographic Center of the Contiguous United States near Lebanon, KS. You may run the race or ride your bike. This race is certified by the USA Track and Field Association.
This year we are also having a 10k run that starts and ends at the Geographic Center. This is in addition to the Half Marathon Running and Half Marathon Cycling races.
1. Registration/packet pickup is Friday 6:00 p.m. - 8:00 p.m., or Saturday 6:00-6:45 a.m., in the Old Dutch Mill at Wagner Park at 218 E. 2nd Street in Smith Center.
2. Race time is 7:30 a.m. for half marathon runners. Bikers start at 7:45 a.m. from the same location, which is the cemetery about 1 mile north of Smith Center. The 10k race begins at 9:00 a.m. at the Center of the U.S.
3. Vehicles may be left at the start line, Fairview Cemetery just north of Smith Center. Transportation will be provided from the finish line at the Center of the U.S. back to the cemetery. We will also haul your bike back if you need it.
4. There will be 7 water stations from beginning to end. These stations also have fruit.
5. There are restrooms at Wagner Park, two porta-potties at the start line, three porta-potties along the route, and three porta-potties at the finish.
6. There will be refreshments and snacks at the end of the race for runners and riders, including breakfast burritos.
7. Award ceremony will take place at approximately 10 a.m. at the U.S. Center Park right by the finish line - on Google Maps it's called the Geographic Center of the United States.
8. Follow us on Facebook for additional information and updates: https://www.facebook.com/RaceToTheCenter/
9. If you want to stick around afterwards, the Lebanon Bash is going on just 2 miles from the finish line. It features events all day, including the parade and a concert.
10. Find the race and location map below. For spectators, the best route from start to finish lines is along Highway 36, then north past Lebanon to the Center of the U.S.
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!
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.
_______________________
SAGs
(Support & Gear)
100 Milers - 3 SAGs
62 Milers - 2 SAGs
25 Milers - 1 SAG
_______________________
EXPECT
an AWESOME Beer Garden,
FABULOUS Food Trucks,
and GREAT Music!
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:
| Place | Prize Amount |
|---|---|
| 1st Place | $100 |
| 2nd Place | $75 |
| 3rd Place | $50 |
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!
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)
The 34th annual Junebug Jog & Ride, hosted by William Newton Hospital, Winfield Recreation Commission, and Walnut Valley Outpost, offers a road race or bike ride for all ages. Choose to run, walk, or ride the scenic course that starts and ends near the main entrance of Winfield High School. Both pavement and gravel options are offered for the 18-mile(ish) ride. View Course Maps
Enjoy a special appearance by the Midwest Moos collegiate baseball team! Catch them on the course as volunteers, and meet the players after the races.
6:45 am - Registration opens
7:50 am - 18-mile Cycle starts
8:00 am - 5K Run/Walk
8:10 am - 1-Mile Run/Walk
9:00 am - Jr. Junebug 100-Meter Dash (Ages 8 & Under) (not timed)
9:20 am - Awards
5K Run/Walk, 1-Mile Run/Walk, or 18-mile Cycle: $20 (+online registration fee) until June 9 at noon; $25 race day registration
Jr. Junebug (ages 8 and under): $3 (+online registration fee); $10 w/shirt (+online registration fee); $5/$12 on race day
Snacks and refreshments will be served at the finish line. Door prize drawings for all timed events will occur after the race events. To guarantee your shirt on race day, register by May 25.
The 5K Run/Walk, 1-Mile Run/Walk, and 18-mile Cycle will be digitally timed by TimerGuys. Awards will be given in the following categories:
5K and 1-mile:
Overall Male/Female
Top 2 Male/Female for 10 & under; 11-14; 15-19; 20-29; 30-39; 40-49; 50-59; 60+
18-mile Gravel:
Overall Male/Female
Top Male/Female for 10 & under; 11-14; 15-19; 20-29; 30-39; 40-49; 50-59; 60+
18-mile Pavement:
Overall Male/Female
Top Male/Female for 10 & under; 11-14; 15-19; 20-29; 30-39; 40-49; 50-59; 60+
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
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.
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.
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.
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.
MEDALS for TOP THREE (3) in each category of the 100 & 62 Mile Routes.
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
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.
The Wicked Wilson has everything you expect out of a Kansas gravel race! From rolling fast on pristine gravel one minute to navigating low-maintenance B-roads the next, the hilly, beautiful course will keep racers entertained every mile.
2022
Distances: 200K & 100K
200K = ~124.27 miles
100K = ~62.14 miles
Categories
Men Open
Women Open
Men 50+
Women 50+
Single Speed
RULER OF THE MOUNTAIN COMPETITION (PRIZES TBD!)
Participants will also compete against each other on several long steep climbs, one of which approaches a 20% grade. Results for these climbs will be determined using Strava. Riders will compete against the others in their categories and must finish their distance to be eligible. Riders also must set their activity on Strava to public. Prizes TBD.
Check back here often as we hammer out all the details.
1 SAG will be provided for the 100 km route (with food and water). Mobile SAGs will be on the route.
No USA Cycling License is required to participate in this event.
Pre race packet pick up at Ten Penny Restaurant, 529 Cherokee Street on Saturday, April 23, from noon to 5 pm. All packet pickups will require a signed waiver and COVID 19 Questionare. Both will be emailed to riders. Riders may pickup multiple packets with signed waivers and Covid Questionare.
Safety Briefing: Saturday, April 23, 6 pm will be via Facebook Live.
Race Day Packet pick-up at Leavenworth Riverfront Community Center, Sunday, April 24, from 6:00 am to 8:00 am - 123 South Esplanade Street, Leavenworth, KS
Breakfast will be available at the Leavenworth Riverfront Community Center Sunday morning as well from 6:00 am to 8:00 am. You may preorder your breakfast on this registration page.
Start and finish at 419 Delaware St., Leavenworth, KS.
Get ready for the 18th Annual Emporia Freedom Fest! Last year we had a tremendous turnout and we know it will only get bigger!. Registration for all events opens the 1st of July at our RunSignUp page. Thank you to our long-term and many loyal participants. It's great to see kids who ran this event now fully grown and bringing their youngsters!
Stay up to date on our latest activities through social media - search @emporiafreedomfest if you have not yet liked or joined our site.
Update on our charity support- In 2020 we made our 17th annual donation to the Emporia All Veterans Memorial Park, we were happy to award scholarship donations to the KSARNG 137th/635th Scholarship Fund, the Kansas Enlisted Association project fund, as well as send over 1,000 lbs. in items to service members overseas who were deployed.
We look forward to seeing everyone again next year and don't forget to follow us on our Facebook page for more updates on what's ahead for EFF '21!
Saturday, October 23rd will mark the 3rd annual Maple Leaf Gravel Grind. This will be an in-person ride in 2021 and 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 medal 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:
| 1st place | $100 |
| 2nd place | $75 |
| 3rd place | $50 |
Ottawa Bike and Trail will once again be onsite offering light maintenance as well as swag for sale. They will also be raffling a brand-new bike and tickets will go on sale closer to the event. Prairie Paws Animal Shelter will be on site with animals available for adoption as well.
In addition, all riders that sign up will be eligible for an exclusive ticket buying opportunity to the Maple Leaf Beer, Wine and Spirit Fest that will be taking place from 3:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m. that day in Sullivan Square (at the start-finish line). The ticket will include beer, wine and spirit samples, light appetizers as well as food for purchase.
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