From JonathanR:
Dirty Kansa 200 – the real story
The Lord sent an interesting list of alternative gravel races because lets be honest there was no way we would get through the lottery for Dirty Kansa. It was from McDonald’s that I received a text to say Justin had got in and after I checked my email so had I. A small wechat group of 6 was quickly set up. It’s a long story but the 6 became 3 confirmed for the 2019 version.
To fly half way round the world to ride more than 200miles (320km) on gravel we have never seen required a lot of planning. The “road to DK200” HQ was quickly set up in the Boxing Cat and we started to breakdown all the choices on equipment, tyres, nutrition, travel, clothing and shoes. Training started, Gansu prep rides were talked about and a space chicken was ordered.
The most talked about thing for the DK200 (apart from the pain) is the tyre choice – we were warned about the flint tearing through the tyres like a hot knife through butter. So it was down to research and between the 3 of us we must have read and shared every review out there. The top choice (just) is the Maxxis Rambler 60tpi (not the 120tpi). Ed secured some, I went for Panaracer GravelKing SK and Justin ordered something from Germany and the US but that too is a long story.
The 3 of us arrived in San Francisco for a few days of culture, food, touring, chilling and getting over the killer jetlag. Then via Kansas we made it to Emporia (the self appointed HQ of gravel riding) – the town was in full on DK mode and everyone was made to feel welcome. A sample ride on the Friday confirmed that gravel was just like a wide gritty road and looked OK. Early dinner then last minute checks and set the alarm for 4am – DK200 is a marathon ride and nutrition challenge.
Still dark the canteen was full of zombies eating porridge and downing any coffee they could lay their hands on. Then off to start line where the line up was based on expected finish line. Ed in the 12 hours (with a host of current and former Road and MTB pros), Justin in 14 hours and I kept him company.
The start is rolling until you hit the gravel and then the speed increased, the sun rose melting the early morning fog revealing the vastness of landscape. The nice gravel turned into bigger gravel and the rolling hills started. Checkpoint 1 came at 94km and we had crew for hire which meant a drop bag with vital stuff was already there, restocking gels, drinks and oiled chains it was into the 2 phase. It was tough with the temperatures into the high 30s and the sun on full show it was all about hydration. One cool thing about the DK is the local farmers and residents who line the roads and help passing cyclists with water (or cold beer apparently – IPA or Corona to be precise). Plus a great many thanks must go to Education First (EF) who provided a pop up water stop and ice cold bandanas – amazing. The neutral water stop at 194km could not come quick enough for many as they had run out of water – it was also the place for the most drop outs. Checkpoint 2 at 244km was almost like the end as people could almost see the end. Overall the roads were a huge mix, fine gravel, big stones, flint, mud, streams etc. So what was it like well Ed summarised it the best we did 3700m of elevation in 20-30m chunks at 7-10% each time over 325km – basically a very long interval session!
Congratulations must go to Ed for achieving his goal of 12 hours and spending the whole day racing with famous pros (even if he did not know who they were) – 29th out of 1200 is impressive. To Justin for finishing before sunset. I was happy to finish (in the breakfast club) and whilst it was a brilliant trip overall it does mean I don’t have to go back – too many other places and races to try. One final shout out must go for the competitors in the other categories – single speed category or tandem or if DK200 is not enough how about DK XXL (350miles, 560km)
If anyone wants to have a go we now have plenty of advice but the 3 T’s are important Travel, Tyres and Training.
PS we also have the best BBQ recommendation in Kansas!
JustinJ: Some quick bullet point notes to add to JRs write up. Personal subjective perspective ref DK200 event.
> Gravel riding is different in skill and mussels to road / mtb. Try and get one big fast gravel ride in before a long event to gain some experience. No idea in China where has roads similar to do that, maybe Gansu or west somewhere.
> DK200 is long roads, up and down, up and down. Repeat, 90 degree turns and fast downhills trying to keep out of the big / loose stuff takes some practice and confidence. I’m no way there yet.
> Get in long training rides months before and build up. Not something you want to train last minute for. Otherwise, do dk100.
> Tires are very important. Tubeless, big and strong.
> Enough water, 4 to 5L even with 4 filling stations.
> I cramped in all kinds of places from 150km in. Mixing training with more core, running and general leg strength plus being 10kg lighter would have helped. However, staying that, there where all types of riders there.
> Great welcome at the end but too tired for after party.
> Buy stuff months before. I wasted too much time last minute trying to sort stuff out.
> Gravel or adventure riding / mixed surface riding i still feel to be very liberating and good to see more races and events springing up.
> Great bbq, art, big sky and gravel experience. Good intro to one side of rural America.
Believe a few other Shanghai visitors riding.
Links:
Someone’s Youtube video of 2019. Gives a good overview of the riding.
Some nice photos of 2019 dk
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