Frequently Asked Questions about Dirty Kanza 200:

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 2012 event date is Saturday, June 2. 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.

Will I be allowed to receive any outside assistance during the event?

Riders may receive assistance from their personal support crews at official checkpoints only. Checkpoint locations will be clearly communicated well in advance of the event. Receiving outside support at any point other than official checkpoints will result in immediate disqualification. Riders may assist other riders by any means and at any time.

Can my support crew follow me along the route?

NO. Support crews are not allowed on course except to pick up a rider who is abandoning the event. Dirty Kanza 200 is all about self-sufficiency in a remote area. Having to dodge cars compromises this experience for our participants. If a support crew is found to be on course (except at official checkpoints), that rider will be immediately disqualified from the event.

I keep hearing stories about all the flat tires. Are these stories true?

Well… they are called the “Flint Hills” for good reason. Although predominantly limestone, these hills have copious amounts of flint. This flint, or “chert” is what the original inhabitants of this region used to make their arrowheads and war axes. It has no problem cutting its way through a bicycle tire. Actually, you probably won’t have too much trouble if your tires are in new condition. To be safe, however, carry plenty of tubes, a patch kit and a good pump.

What is the best tire choice for Dirty Kanza 200?

Any tire that will roll fast, and provide adequate puncture / pinch-flat resistance. A 35c cross tire will roll the fastest… but you will pay a huge price in ride quality. We recommend nothing narrower than 42c (1.75”). The most important tire characteristic… NEW.  If you show up with worn-out old tires, you better bring lots of tubes and CO2 cartridges. And your hiking shoes.

How do I sign up and can I do so the day of the event?

Participation in DK200 is by pre-registration only. Registration will be conducted online at BikeReg.com and will open on Saturday, January 14, 2012 at 6:00 am (EST). Registration will close when the field limit has been reached, or on Sunday, May 13, 2012, at 11:59 pm (EST), whichever comes first. (Note: Last year will sold out in 48 hours.  If you want to participate, act quickly.) There will be no registrations accepted after May 13, 2012.

How many riders participate in Dirty Kanza 200?

For 2012, our field limit will be increased to 350 solo riders. In addition, we will allow up to 25 teams in the Two-Person Relay classification. That will give us a total of 400 participants.

How many different classifications will be offered?

We will have 6 competitive classifications…

• Open Men (39 & under)
• Veteran Men (40-49)
• Master Men (50 & over)
• Open Women (all ages)
• Single-Speed
• Tandem

In addition, we will offer a non-competitive classification… a Two-Person Relay.

Who can participate in the Two-Person Relay?

This event classification is intended for those riders new to endurance cycling. If you are a seasoned endurance cyclist / racer, please look elsewhere. This is a non-competitive class. No prizes for finishing first. However, teams completing the entire 200 miles will receive a unique Finishers’ Award. You will start at the back of the main pack. You will be assigned speical numberplates. The “baton” may be passed between teammates at event checkpoints only. Previous DK200 Finishers will not be allowed to participate in the Relay Class.

Dirty Kanza 200 sounds interesting, but may be a little too big a challenge for me at this point. Is there a less intense / shorter option?

Yes. As part of the DK200 weekend, we will offer the “DK Lite Fun Ride”, with 20-mile and 50-mile options. The DK Lite is designed specifically for the recreational cyclists. The ride will begin at 6:30 am in front of the Granada Theater, 807 Commercial in downtown Emporia, KS. Riders 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 for the DK Lite Fun Ride will take place the morning of the event.

If I bring my family, will they have anything to do?

Yes.  We will have a whole host of “auxiliary” events designed to entertain spouses, kids and friends of our event participants.  The list of activities will continue to grow as DK200 weekend nears. So check our website (dirtykanza200.com) frequently for updates.

Can I find Dirty Kanza 200 on Facebook?

Yes, we have a Facebook page, and try to make frequent announcements and updates. Please find us on Facebook and “Like” us so you can follow along.