Frequently Asked Questions

What tire size to use?

This is an important question. Bring the most durable and largest tires your bike will fit. A 700 x 38c is the smallest tire recommended for the Intermediate and The Hondo. The short beginner course does not reach the flint hills but we would not recommend any less than a 700 x 35c. We recommend the Panaracer Gravelking SK + in size 700 x 38c or larger. This tire was designed and tested for The Hondo and other races with sharp large rocky terrain. Slick tires are NOT recommended for this course. There are lots of fast turns, loose gravel, and ruts that can be treacherous. Whatever tire you run, make sure it has some grippy tread.

What is the recommended tire pressures?

This is a good question with somewhat of a moving target as pressures vary by size of tire, rider weight, and terrain. The general rule of thumb we go by for Panaracer Gravelking SK tires is this. We base tire pressures off of the front tire and adjust rear tire pressure accordingly. The rear tire should be 2-4 psi higher than the front depending on weight distribution on bike. A ballpark for front tire pressure is as such. For a 35c tire, use 35psi. This is the baseline for a person in the 180lb weight range. Add or subtract 1-2 lbs per rider weight. As the tire gets bigger, the pressure gets lower and vise/versa. For every mm of tire width added, subtract 1 lb. Example: If a 35c tire is 35psi, a 40c tire would be 30psi. Going the other direction, a 32c tire would be 38lbs pressure. For extremely smooth or chunky terrain, add 1-2 lbs. For standard pea to marble size gravel, you will want to reduce psi 1-2 lbs. This will optimize rolling resistance and minimize tire damage in said scenarios.

Can I register day of?

There is no day of registration. This is a pre registration event only. See registration page for details.

When and where is packet pickup?

Packet pick up will be at the Bicycle X-Change shop (908 W. Douglas Ave, Wichita KS) from 5-8 on Friday night the evening before the race. Tubeless Solutions will be on hand with a large selection of Panaracer Gravelking tires during this time to handle any of your last minute tire needs. Shirts, number plates, maps, cue sheets, and waivers can be taken care of at that time. Be sure to bring your raffle ticket that is in your packet with you to see if you won any SWAG after the race. NO ONE will be allowed to participate without a signed waiver.

Can I pick up packet morning of?

There will be last minute packet pick up for out of town riders coming in that can not make the Friday night pick up from 7-7:30 Saturday at race start. Please make every effort to make Friday pick up as to minimize waiting and congestion day of. You will want to be preparing for your race, not standing in line.... See registration page for race location.

Checkpoints

The checkpoints will have basic food items such as water, sports mix, bananas, pickles, cookies, and assorted goodies. Personal crew are allowed at checkpoints.

Rider support

This is a self supported event. Carry everything with you that you will need to get to each checkpoint. We recommend starting with no less than 2 liters of fluids. Be sure to carry your cell phone in case of emergency and/or needed pick up. Every rider is responsible for themselves and should have a contact person set up to retrieve them from the course should a situation arise that the rider cannot make the checkpoint cut off times or can not continue for whatever reason. Support crews are welcome at the checkpoints. Support crews are NOT allowed on course other than to pick up an abandoning rider. A rider’s support crew on course other than designated check point support areas will result in that rider being DQ'd from the event. Drop bag service will be provided. Please limit the size of the bag to a grocery bag. No coolers please. There will be signs at the start for each corresponding checkpoint town. Drop bags will be returned to the start once that checkpoint is closed.

Every race distance will have a follow vehicle in the background out of sight. If you have an issue that leaves you stranded on the side of the road, DO NOT LEAVE THE COURSE! A vehicle will roll up to you in short time to try and assist you. This vehicle will have limited supplies of tubes, tires, air, food, and water. In the event of a mechanical, every attempt will be make to try and get that rider back on the road. If for some chance the rider can not continue, that rider will be dropped off at the NEAREST checkpoint. It will be the riders responsibility to have someone available to pick them up from there. The service vehicles will need to stay close to the race in progress and will not be able to take you back to the start line as this would take assistance away from other riders still in the race. PLEASE DONT ASK driver to take you back to start. Be sure you have a phone with you during the race and let the race promotor you have an issue if no one shows up in 10-15 minutes. If you DNF and are picked up for any reason, BE SURE to call and leave a message with the race promotor (Bob Cummings 316-641-5810) and let him know you are safe and out of the race. Do not just leave and not tell anyone and have us out there at midnight looking for you while you are at home in bed!

Weather

The weather is typically beautiful this time of the year. Expect temperatures in the high 60's at start and mid to high 80's in the afternoon. It can occasionally get hot and get up in the 90's so be prepared for that also. It is uncommon but possible for stray storms to pop up. If you find yourself in an extreme weather situation, seek shelter in a low lying area and wait for it to pass.

Neutral start

The race will take a nice controlled 15mph neutral start around the lake (approx. 4 miles) and out of town. This provides a nice opportunity to enjoy the beautiful scenery and ride with a friend, spouse, or child before the race goes into full speed mode.

Expected course ride time

The Hondo is a very challenging course. Figure 1-2 mph less than your typical gravel speed. The fastest Pro riders will see 18-20 mph average. Average seasoned riders will typically see speeds of 15-16 mph average. Most people will probably be in the 14 mph range. Be sure to base your nutrition off of time and not mileage and keep in mind that you will be going slower by the end of the day. Do not think the last 30 miles will take you the same as the first 30 miles and plan accordingly.

There will be cut off times at each checkpoint for each race distance. These are for your safety and are not negotiable. As the cut off time passes, the checkpoint marshal from the corresponding checkpoint will sweep the course backwards from the checkpoint and pick up any riders who have not reached the checkpoint and take them back to the start line.

Aero bars

Aerobars are allowed. Please refrain use in packs, technical sections, and fast downhills. They are your friend and will help you but use at the appropriate times.

Course

This is one of the toughest courses mile per mile in the country. The Intermediate and The Hondo explore some of the most beautiful flint hill terrain and roads you will see. It is challenging and will test the rider and equipment to the fullest. Be prepared the worst. Start the race with 2 tubes and have more ready at your checkpoint drop bag in case replacements are needed. You will see all of what Kansas has to offer in this race. Lots of climbing, windy sections, beautiful tree lined roads, and spaces with vast open areas where you can see for miles. Keep your eyes on the road but don't forget to look around when possible.

Drop bags

There will be drop bag service. Please limit this to a small bag. NO coolers allowed. There will be signs at the start for each checkpoint so put your bags there before the race. After you go through your checkpoint, put your bag in the return pile to get it back to the start as soon as possible.

Gear

Please come prepared! First, be sure to have everything you need to ensure you can deal with a mechanical issue (broken chain, flat tire, etc.). Second, plan your food and fluid consumption needs wisely. The minimal things you should have during the ride include: helmet, eye protection, front and rear lights (blinky and illumination), a minimum of two water bottles (3 is better!) or a hydration pack, snacks, bike computer, tools, tubes, charged cell phone, cue sheet holder, and the eye of the tiger! And these roads are gnarly. With that said, we emphasize you have on you at all times; two tubes, two CO2s and/or hand pump, patch kit, a boot kit, and a multi tool. I also like to carry a replaceable hanger. Oh, and you may want to mount your most durable gravel tires. No kidding. Recommended tire size is 38c or larger. Other items like arm warmers, vests, jackets are wise as Kansas weather can turn on a dime.