Dirty Kanza

GParkes · #1 03-28-2015, 08:42 PM

Has anyone out there done the Kanza? Me and a couple buddies are thinking of doing it next year and I'm trying to get an idea on just how difficult it is. Coming from the Northeast, prepping for it through our winters will be a challenge in and of itself. Thanks.

Schmed · #2 03-28-2015, 09:05 PM

I haven't ridden it, but did support a friend of mine.

It seems to me, that 200 miles is tough. 200 miles all on gravel is that much tougher. Add the humidity, potential for mud/rain, and you are now in the range of brutal.

My buddy finished under 12.5 hours and is going to do it again.

It's a great little town with a great vibe and organizers, so I highly recommend it.

josephr · #3 03-28-2015, 09:25 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Schmed

It's a great little town with a great vibe and organizers, so I highly recommend it.

Emporia is a cool town and it was really interesting for me to be a rider in a ride that gets national attention. The town really steps up --- whether you finish 200 in 12 hours...or the half-pint in 9 (like me), they really celebrate everyone's accomplishment. Wanted to go for 200 this year, but just wasn't in the cards. Is it hard? yeah....but we don't do these things because they're easy.

GParkes · #4 03-29-2015, 02:56 PM

Thanks for input guys. Can't wait to see this years results.

Frankwurst · #5 03-29-2015, 08:21 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by josephr

Is it hard? yeah....but we don't do these things because they're easy.

Truth. I'm still trying to wrap my mind around why we do these things. I guess it's the carrot.

marciero · #6 03-30-2015, 05:35 AM

One of the first gravel races that I had heard of before they started springing up everywhere. There are some nice ride reports on the internet.

rwsaunders · #7 03-30-2015, 07:17 AM

Brooks posted this nice write-up last year...

http://blog.brooksengland.com/wps/2012-dirty-kanza-200/

jbay · #8 03-31-2015, 12:09 PM

I rode the 2013 edition and wrote a report which can be found here. It's a simply brilliant event and the support and atmosphere in the town of Emporia are unmatched.

-- John

GParkes · #9 03-31-2015, 07:40 PM

Excellent information guys, I appreciate the first hand account. Now I gotta get my butt out there.