Riders’ Bible

A 200-mile-long gravel road bicycling challenge
through the Flint Hills region of east-central Kansas.
Saturday, June 2, 2012
Presented by Dirty Kanza Promotions

Overview of Event:
Dirty Kanza 200 is intended to be a fun, yet extremely challenging ultra-endurance gravel road bicycling event. It has been called the “Ultimate Gravel Grinder” by seasoned endurance cyclists. Dirty Kanza 200 will use public-access gravel and dirt roads, through the Flint Hills region of east-central Kansas. This is a remote, rugged, and often unforgiving area. We stress to all participants they are totally on their own, and responsible for themselves. We will provide no rider services during the event. We will, however, supply course maps, as well as information we think participants will need to make informed decisions, such as the location of hospitals, food and beverage outlets, potentially dangerous highway crossings, and the like. We will also offer suggestions concerning appropriate equipment, clothing, tools, etc.

Dirty Kanza 200 is not an event for entry-level cyclists. If you have never completed a solo 12-hour bicycling event, you should think twice about participating in Dirty Kanza 200. Riders will be totally on their own for 200 miles. With the time frame given to complete the event, you will not have the option of sleep, nor much rest. Participants are solely responsible for their personal well-being, will have to make their own informed decisions, and suffer the consequences of those decisions. Please be aware… if you break down or become injured, it is YOUR responsibility to contact your support crew to come get you. DO NOT CALL US. WE WILL NOT COME RESCUE YOU. EVENT PROMOTERS AND SPONSORS ARE NOT RESPONSIBLE FOR YOUR SAFETY AND WELL-BEING. So if you sign up for this event, make sure you have a support crew with a well thought out emergency back-up plan. If you do not feel you are prepared to meet such a challenge, please stay home. (For your sake, as well as ours.)

Course Description:
The course will be a 200 (plus) mile-long, single-loop route through the Flint Hills region of east-central Kansas. This area, once home to the Great Kanza Nation, is quite scenic and rich in history. It is also very rugged and remote. Often times, riders will see no signs of civilization for miles on end, other than the gravel (or dirt) road upon which they are riding. The course will be flat on occasion. At other times it will be extremely hilly. (Hint: It will be more hilly than flat.) The entire course will be on open public-access roads. Although some blacktop roads will be necessary from time to time, the vast majority of the course will be gravel and dirt roads. Some of these roads receive little, to no maintenance throughout the year and can be quite primitive in nature. This course will require a high-quality, well-prepared bicycle with a wide gear range and good tires. Participants should be prepared to suffer, and to have their physical, mental and emotional strengths tested to the full.

The event will start in front of the historic Granada Theater, 807 Commercial St., in downtown Emporia, Kansas. Participants will leave the starting line under police escort at 6:00 am. Each rider will have received a map at Friday evening’s Rider Sign-In. This map will direct them to the first of several Official Checkpoints. At each Checkpoint along the route, riders will receive a new map, directing them to the next Checkpoint. Although there will be a small number of course markings to assure riders they are still on course, participants must use the supplied maps, along with their own personal compass, to navigate the course. As a general rule, Checkpoints will occur every 45 to 65 miles along the route, and are normally located near a convenience store.  Note… This is an extremely remote area.  You will likely not pass through any towns, and therefore no c-stores between checkpoints. 

Additional Checkpoint Information:
Official Event Checkpoints are the only spots along the entire route where participants are allowed to meet their support crew to re-supply and fix equipment. Checkpoint locations will be announced during Friday evening’s mandatory Rider Sign-In. Participants may receive any amount of assistance from their support crews at official event checkpoints, as long as this level of assistance does not violate any Event Rules as outlined below.

 COMPETITION CLASSES & ENTRY FEES:
Open Men (39 & under) Cost = $75.00

Veteran Men (40-49) Cost = $75.00

Masters Men (50 & over) Cost = $75.00

Open Women (all ages) Cost = $75.00

Single-Speed Cost = $75.00

Tandem (Open age / gender) Cost = $120.00 per Team

NON-COMPETITION CLASS:

Two-Person Team Relay Cost = $120.00 per Team

One team member will start the event and ride to the first checkpoint. It is here the baton will be passed to the second rider, who will then complete the next section of the course. Teams may switch riders at official event checkpoints only. Note: This is a non-competition classification, designed to serve as an introduction to endurance cycling. If you are new to enduranace cycling and hope to someday compete in Dirty Kanza 200, but feel a little intimidated by the thought of 200 miles of gravel in one day, then this class may be for you. Grab a buddy, sign up and check out this gravel grinding thing. Get 100 miles of gravel under your belt this year. Then go for the full 200 in 2013. If you are seasoned “Ricky Racer” types, looking to throw down a couple of hot gravel centurys… please look elsewhere. That’s not what this class is about. No prizes will be awarded for top finishers in the Team Relay event. However, all Teams completing the entire route will receive a special Finishers Award. All Team Relay entrants will also be eligible for our multitude of prize drawings and give-aways. Past DK200 Finishers are not eligible to participate in the Relay Class. Riders successfully completing the Relay event will not be eligible for this class in future years. The Relay Class is intended to serve as a stepping stone to endurance cycling, and specifically for those riders hoping to eventually participate in Dirty Kanza 200.

EVENT REGISTRATION:
Participation in Dirty Kanza 200 will be allowed on a pre-registered basis only. Registration will begin on Saturday, January 14, 2012 at 6:00 am (EST), and will be conducted on-line at the following website: www.bikereg.com. Participation will be limited to the first 350 individual entries, and to the first 25 two-person teams. (For a total of 400 participants.) Event registration will close once this limit is met, or on Sunday, May 13, 2012, which ever comes first. Note: Act quickly. Last year we filled up in less than 48 hours. Registrations will not be accepted after May 13th.

PRIZING:
There will be lots of goodies for higher-placing finishers in each of our Competition Classifications, as well as special Finisher prizes, random drawing give-aways, and more. Salsa Cycles will return in 2012 as our Premier Sponsor. In addition, most of our previous event sponsors, as well as several new sponsors have graciously agreed to support Dirty Kanza 200, and will be adding to our total prize package. For current information on prizing and sponsors, check our website (dirtykanza200.com) for all the details.

SCHEDULE OF EVENTS:

Friday, June 1, 2012

• Rider Sign-In – 4:00 thru 8:00 p.m. inside the Granada Theater, 807 Commercial St.
All riders MUST sign in Friday evening.
• Pasta Feed – 5:30 thru 7:30 p.m. at the St. Andrew’s Episcopal Church basement, 828 Commercial St.
• Riders’ Meeting 7:00pm.  HUGE Prize Give-Aways - LOTS of prizes. Don’t miss it!!! Granada Theater

Saturday, June 2, 2012
• DK200 Start – 6:00 a.m. In front of the Granada Theater, 807 Commercial St., Emporia, Kansas
• DK Lite Fun Ride – 6:30 a.m. (20 mile and 50 mile options)

• Family Fun Events happening all day in and around the Granada Theater.

• Block Party – 4:00 pm ’til Midnight.
Food, beer, soft drinks, live bands and fun activities for the kids.
First Riders Finish – Approx. 6:00 pm. Be there to cheer on the riders as they cross the line.

There will be lots to do all weekend long. We hope you will schedule an extra day or two of vacation, and bring your entire family. Keep checking our event website at www.dirtykanza200.com for updates on special hotel / visitor packages, weekend activities, times and places.

 

Event Rules:

1. The EVENT SPONSORS, ORGANIZERS, PROMOTERS, STAFF and anyone having anything to do with this event ARE NOT RESPONSIBLE for your safety or well being. Think of this event as a 200-mile hard training ride with prizes. We can not stress this strongly enough…

 YOU ARE RESPONSIBLE FOR YOU!

2. Dirty Kanza 200 is a non-stop, self-supported, bicycling marathon event along the gravel and dirt roads of rural Kansas. This is a remote and rugged environment. Participants must carry with them all necessary food, water and equipment.

3. Each participant is considered to be on a private excursion and remains solely responsible for any accidents in which he or she may be involved. No responsibility can be accepted for participants becoming lost, stranded, injured… or worse.

4. Participants will be supplied a course map, which along with their own compass, will be their primary means of navigation. The course may also have a limited number of markings to re-assure participants they are on route.

5. There will be several checkpoints along the route where all participants must check in. It is here that participants will receive a map for the next section of the course.

6. A “Cut-Off” time will be established for reaching each checkpoint. Any participant not reaching a checkpoint before the established cut-off time will not be allowed to continue past that point. Cut-off times are based on an average speed of 10 mph. These times may be adjusted, as deemed necessary by event staff, to account for unforeseen circumstances such as inclement weather, poor course conditions, etc. Cut-off times are established for the purpose of rider safety, and will therefore be strictly enforced.

7. Outside support is not allowed. This includes, but is not limited to assistance with navigation, supplies, lighting or lodging. The only exceptions to this are outlined in Rules 8, 9 & 10 below.

8. Official checkpoints along the route will serve as neutral areas where event participants may meet their support crew to restock supplies and repair equipment. These checkpoints will be the only locations along the entire course where participants may receive assistance from their support crew. Receiving assistance from a support crew, or any other non-participant, at any other point along the route will result in immediate disqualification from the event. NO EXCEPTIONS.

9. Participants may help other participants with mechanical support, navigational assistance or by any other means.

10. Each participant must have present at the event at least one support crew person to come get them should they need to abandon the event. Coming to this event without a support crew will result in disqualification. Not only does that put yourself at great risk, it places the burden of rescuing you on the shoulders of someone else. WE WILL NOT COME GET YOU. YOU ARE RESPONSIBLE FOR YOU.

11. Support Crews are NOT allowed on course, except to pick up a rider who is abandoning the event. If a support crew vehicle is spotted on course for any other reason, their rider will be disqualified from the event. Providing support to a rider while on course goes against the self-sufficiency spirit of this event. It is unfair to other participants, and therefore will not be allowed.

12. Participants may stock up on food and other supplies at stores and businesses along the route.

13. Participants may not advance along the route by any means other than bicycle, or by foot. There will be no hitching rides.

14. Participants may, in the case of an emergency, mechanical failure or other unforeseeable problem, be assisted by motorized transport. By accepting such motorized transport, you will be automatically disqualified from the event.

15. The primary route must be followed at all times. No short cuts or alternate routes are permitted. (The course may be altered by the promoters in the event of inclement weather, or other unforeseeable circumstance. Should this occur, participants will be sufficiently advised.)

16. Choice of bicycle type is up to each individual participant. We are allowing mountain bikes, cyclocross bikes, 29”ers, single-speeds and road bikes. Just be aware that some thought and research should go into your final bike choice. The gravel roads of Kansas can get pretty harsh. It is suggested that tire width be a minimum of 1.75” (44mm), but then again, this is up to you.

17. Participants must start and complete the entire course on the same bicycle frame. All other components and equipment may be repaired or replaced during the event. Participants in the Single-Speed class must complete the entire event using the same gearing combination.

18. Participants must wear an ANSI or Snell approved helmet while operating their bicycle.

19. Participants must obey all city, county and state laws, and “Rules of the Road”. They must conduct themselves at all times in a manner that will not bring discredit to the event.

20. All participants must have a flashing red taillight and a front headlamp for the duration of the event. Riders will not be allowed to start the event without proper lighting mounted and ready for use. (Headlamps may be mounted either on the bike or on the rider’s helmet.)

21. GPS systems may not be used by participants for the purpose of navigation. Support crews may not use GPS systems to assist any participant with navigation. However, the promoters of Dirty Kanza 200 highly recommend that each participant carry a GPS system with them during the event. Should an emergency situation arise, having the ability to communicate your exact location to support crew or rescue personnel may prove extremely beneficial. In other words… carry a GPS with you. But use it ONLY in the event of an emergency.

22. If you exit the course for food, supplies, or any other reason, you must re-enter the course at the same spot at which you left.

23. Drafting on another event participant is allowed. Drafting on a non-participant cyclist, or on a motorized vehicle will result in disqualification from the event.

24. You are completely on your own. Use your head. Watch for and yield to traffic. There will be no course marshals to hold up traffic.

25. Each participant must carry with them (on their body, or on their bike) every item on this list:

  • Cycling computer
  • Red flashing tail light
  • Front light (Power output is up to you.)
  • Minimum of two liters of water or sports drink
  • Compass
  • Two spare inner tubes
  • Air pump or inflation system
  • No rider will be allowed to start the event without each item on this list.

ADDITIONAL Supplies You Should SERIOUSLY Consider:

  • A cell phone to contact the “outside world” should you need help.
  • A GPS system to communicate your exact location to support or rescue personnel in the event of an emergency.
  • Small rucksack / hydration pack
  • Waterproof / windproof jacket
  • Extra thermal top or warm layer to wear if stopped
  • An emergency / survival blanket
  • Food – energy bars, gels, chocolate, etc.
  • Tire levers
  • Puncture repair kit
  • Chain tool
  • Allen wrench set
  • Spoke wrench
  • First aid kit
  • Butt butter
  • Chain lube
  • Cash, debit card or credit card. (To purchase food, water, supplies.)
  • Handlebar map case

 

Kansas Safety Tips:
When you are out riding in Kansas, the weather can change rapidly and without warning. Be prepared for wind, rain, snow, etc. with the gear that you carry. Even on a mild day, it is possible to get cold very quickly if you have to stop to fix a mechanical problem or become injured. So always carry a waterproof / windproof jacket or thermal top.

Maintain your bike so it doesn’t let you down when you are at the farthest point from civilization.

As a minimum, carry the items listed above, and more importantly, know how to use them.

If possible, ride in a group so that if someone does get hurt, there are enough people to stay with the injured person while others go for help.

Keep eating and drinking regularly to maintain energy levels. Know the symptoms of dehydration and “hitting the wall” and act accordingly.

A WORD TO SUPPORT CREW PERSONNEL:
We suggest you research the area surrounding Emporia, Kansas beforehand, so you come prepared to navigate the region. Bring your GPS. Although maps will not be provided for you, we will advise you of the various checkpoint locations along the event route. Please stay on paved highways, and off the course. The only time you are allowed to be on the course is to pick up your rider if he or she decides to abandon the event. Dirty Kanza 200 is all about self-sufficiency in a rugged and remote environment. Having to dodge cars compromises this experience for our event participants. Thank you for your understanding on this issue.

 

DK Lite Fun Ride:

Want to experience Flint Hills gravel, but not 200 mile’s worth, and at a more relaxed pace? Consider the DK Lite Fun Ride. This is not a race. It’s a map-guided tour, designed specifically for recreational cyclists. The ride will start at 6:30 am in front of the Granada Theater, 807 Commercial Street, in downtown Emporia, Kansas. Participants will follow the DK200 course. Using an out-and-back format, riders may choose to turn around at Mile 10 for a 20-mile ride, or at Mile 25 for a 50-mile ride. Registration will take place the morning of the event. Cost is $15 per rider.

AREA HOSPITALS:
It is, of course, our hope that no one will need this information. In the unfortunate chance that you do, print this off and keep it in a safe place.

Greater Emporia, KS Area: Newman Regional Hospital, 1201 W. 12th Ave., Emporia, KS 66801, 620-343-6800

Emergencies Dial 911

To the North: Morris County Hospital, 600 N. Washington, Council Grove, KS 66846, 620-767-6811

Emergencies Dial 911

To the West: St. Luke Hospital, 535 S. Freeborn,Marion, KS 66861, 620-382-2177

Emergencies Dial 911

  

DIRTY KANZA 200 VISION STATEMENT

It is our vision that the Dirty Kanza 200 will become North America’s premier annual ultra-endurance gravel road cycling challenge.

  

DIRTY KANZA 200 MISSION STATEMENT

The mission of the Dirty Kanza 200 is to provide the ultra-endurance off-road cycling community with a high quality event at an exceptional value. The event will be structured in such a way to be extremely challenging, but at the same time possible to complete. We will strive to effectively utilize the ruggedness and remoteness of the Flint Hills region to properly challenge the self-sufficiency of event participants, while at the same time provide an appropriate level of support, to ensure an enjoyable, life-enriching cycling experience.

Check this website frequently for ongoing updates! Or visit our Facebook page.