Grassland Grind

The Grassland Grind is a mostly gravel bike race that will be held Saturday, September 17 th at 10:00 am in historic Council Grove. The Grassland Grind has been created to promote cycling in Council Grove and surrounding areas. It also is an opportunity to raise funds for the Council Grove Life Center, a nonprofit organization that serves many surrounding areas and all age groups by promoting wellness and education through innovative mind, body, and social experiences. The funds raised will be used to purchase spin bikes and other equipment for the Life Center.

There are 3 different course options to choose from at the Grassland Grind. The first is a short ride of approximately 9 miles. This ride is a flat ride that leaves from town and travels along the Flint Hills Nature Trail. The Flint Hills Nature Trail is a crushed limestone trail that was formerly used by the Union Pacific railway. The turnaround point will be the Allegawaho Memorial Heritage Park. There will be snacks and drinks here as well. This is a great ride for beginners, children, or anyone wanting to enjoy a nice easy pedal. This option is a ride and not a race.

The second option available is a 28-mile lollipop route. After leaving town you will travel 5 miles on a paved road and then 18 miles of gravel. The 5 miles of paved road follows the scenic Council Grove reservoir. This area has some of the best riding that the flint hills has to offer. The rolling hills will literally take your breath away. After completing the 18 miles of gravel and refueling at the sag stop, you will then hit the road you came in on and pedal the 5 miles of pavement back to town.

There is also a 45 mile ride that also takes the 5 miles of pavement to the gravel roads. You will then ride 35 miles of amazingly rugged gravel , stop at 2 sag stops, and head back on the same 5 miles of pavement.
Prizes will be awarded to the top 3 male and female riders in the 28 and 45 mile rides.