The world’s most epic gravel cycling race, the Dirty Kanza, is happening this weekend in Emporia! This year’s event is bigger than ever with over 2,700 riders from 49 states and 16 other countries participating. 1200 of this year’s cyclists will compete in the signature 200 mile race event, which is a solo, non-stop endurance challenge through the Kansas Flint Hills. Other riders will test their skills on 100, 50 or 25 mile route options.  These participants will take off from the Granada Theatre in Downtown Emporia at 6 a.m. on Saturday, June 1.

2018 also marks the introduction of a new challenge: the DKXL, a whopping 350 mile ride. For it’s first year, the DKXL is limited to 34 riders who were hand-picked by invitation of Dirty Kanza Promotions. 34 has a special meaning to the Dirty Kanza founders – it is the number of riders who rode in the very first DK 200 in 2006, and is a reminder of how much the event has grown over the past twelve years. The 34 DKXL riders will depart at 4 p.m. on Friday, June 1, from the All Things Gravel Expo in downtown Emporia. They’re expected back Saturday evening, around the same time DK200 riders are completing their 200-mile challenge.

Feeling the energy in the air this week, watching this event and cheering on the riders is an awe-inspiring experience. Come out, have a great time, and show these incredible athletes some love!

2018 Schedule of Events