Why Go: Whether you call it gravel-grinding, all-terrain riding or, our preference, adventure by bike, rattling over the rolling dirt roads of Kansas’ Flint Hills is no picnic. It is gorgeous, though, with sweeping views over the iconic grassy farmlands of our nation’s heartland. This is America.
Road Notes: This is Dirty Kanza territory, and in fact, this route is the “half-pint” version of the 2014 edition. If you insist on the whole 200-mile route (it’s available here), you won’t have time to enjoy it. It’s up and down, and with 60 miles of dirt before the first town, you have to be self-reliant. God help you if it rains.
Distance: 111 miles
Elevation Gain: 5,298 feet
Starts From: Emporia, KS
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