Benefiting from great weather, La Grind had its best turnout yet.
The two-day stage race brought around 300 participants from around the country to Emporia. Race organizer Amy Hayden says last year’s event had about 300 register, but less-than-ideal conditions limited the turnout. That was not the case this past weekend.
Hayden says there are a lot of reasons why this event is meaningful to her.
Among those coming to Emporia was Colin Fries from St Louis, Missouri. This was his second La Grind after time participating in Unbound. He says the in-town experience is different between the two races, but the riding experience is similar. He says he enjoys his time in the Flint Hills.
Also participating was Emporian Duane Haskett, who was involved in the 30/30 ride. This was his first La Grind, but he enjoys cycling, regardless of the setting.
This year’s list of races included a 165-mile total split between the two days, along with a 115-mile total, 100-mile dash, 60-mile total, 65-mile gravel grind and a 50-mile endurance challenge and fun ride for e-bikes. There was also a 5-K run/walk event — and this year’s event featured the debut of a Beat the Boss activity, where riders beating race organizer Tyrel Reed back to the finish line were eligible for a special prize pack.
Funds from La Grind benefit Handlebars of Hope, a locally-developed charity that offers free bikes to people in Emporia and also in Mexico. Early totals have over $12,000 generated this weekend.
*Click here for KVOE’s YouTube channel, including a YouTube Short video from Sunday.
Photos by Chuck Samples/KVOE News
