Emporia, KS, US
May 31, 2014
Next entry deadline: Jan 11, 2014
Type: Cycling / MTB - National
added by: silkychrome
What is Dirty Kanza 200?
Dirty Kanza 200 is a solo, self-supported, non-stop, 200-mile-long bicycling endurance challenge on the gravel and dirt roads of the Flint Hills region in east-central Kansas.
Is this a mountain bike race?
DK200 is a gravel road endurance cycling challenge. Good bike choices include: Cross Bike, 29'er Hardtail w/ Suspension Fork, 29'er Hardtail w/ Rigid Fork and a 26'er Hardtail. While you could certainly ride a full-suspension mountain bike, and many have, we wouldn't recommend it. You don't need the added weight and complexity for this event.
When and where is Dirty Kanza 200 held?
DK200 is held each year in Emporia, KS on the first Saturday following Memorial Day. The 2013 event date is Saturday, June 1st. The event will begin and end in front of the historic Granada Theater, 807 Commercial Street, in downtown Emporia.
There are lots of “Gravel Grinder” cycling events. What makes Dirty Kanza 200 unique?
Quite simply… the Flint Hills. While there are many great gravel grinders out there (and more all the time), DK200 is the only event of its kind held in the Flint Hills. Once home to the great Kanza Nation, the Flint Hills is one of only two remaining tracts of natural tallgrass prairie in the entire world. This region is remote, rugged and unforgiving. The Flint Hills have been called the eastern most part of the Great Far West. It's the perfect place for an unsupported, ultra-endurance bicycling challenge.
Who can participate in Dirty Kanza 200?
Any seasoned, well-trained endurance bicyclist. DK200 is NOT an event for the entry-level endurance bicyclist. Assistance from support crews is limited, so participants are basically on their own for 200 miles. Due to the remoteness of the region, riders need to be prepared to travel up to 70 miles between checkpoints. Riders also need to be capable of navigating by map (supplied by us) and a compass (supplied by the rider).
What is the course like?
This area is remote. That means very few people… which means very little traffic… which means very little need for road maintenance. Roadbed consistency will vary from crushed and graded limestone, to fist-size gravel, to dirt two-track. Expect very little pavement. Oh… and you will do about 10,000 feet of climbing if you make it to the end.
Will the course be marked?
Riders will be given a map at sign-in which will direct them to the first checkpoint. At each checkpoint, you will receive a map for the next section of the course. We may have a limited number of course markings to ensure riders they are still on course. However, riders should use the maps provided as their primary means of navigation. You should also bring a compass.
Can I use a GPS?
A GPS won't help you with navigation because you won't know the route before-hand… and we won't give you any coordinates. Due to the remoteness of the area, however, and the difficulty in finding someone who is lost out there, we do encourage riders to carry a GPS with them. That way, you can advise your support crew of your exact location, should they need to come rescue you.
Do I need a support crew?
Yes. In fact, don't come without one. If you get lost, hurt, or just plain worn out and want to quit, we will not come get you. DK200 is a self-supported event. That means YOU ARE RESPONSIBLE FOR YOU. Don't expect someone you don't know to save your backside. You need to have a well thought-out emergency backup plan, that includes at least one support crew person to come get you, should you need help. If you don't have such a plan, stay home!!!
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