The 2022 Flint Hills Gravel Ride saw a lot of growth from Year 1 to Year 2.
Last year, about 250 people participated in the inaugural event. This year’s total was 700, bolstered in part by new options, ongoing interest in the sport and just the experience. Among those riding this year was Tyler Howell of Ottawa, who was involved in the 80-mile option — his longest ride to date. He first got started in cycling with the Rails to Trails program, and he came to Americus in part because of the ride’s reputation.
Event organizer Bobby Thompson says it’s great to have the event in Americus and to see the early growth in numbers.
The 2022 event added a 120-mile, technology-unaided option for riders as well as 5K and 10K runs. Thompson anticipates a duathlon possibly being added within the next year or two.
