Less than two weeks ago I was on the phone with my friend and Dirty Kansa founder Jim Cummins congratulating him on being included in Kansas City’s prestigious Ingrim’s magazine as one of 50 Kansans You Should Know.
I was also scheduling Jim to join us on the On-Air Chat today to discuss his newest honor and the plans for this year’s DK.
Obviously the narrative has changed with Jim unfortunately posting a controversial piece on social media and eventually agreeing to leave Dirty Kanza Promotions. He declined an opportunity to join us today suggesting, “he’d probably had too much air time already.”
Jim Cummins is a good man who made a mistake that he owned and now moves on. I wish him well.
One of the unfortunate consequences of this episode was a re-awakening of a seemingly settled discussion about this epic bike race on gravel through our glorious Flint Hills. Some have suggested the name Dirty Kanza really means “Dirty Indian.”
It’s my understanding that recently Cummins met with the leadership of the Kaw Nation and reached an agreement leaving the DK name intact.
With recent events raising new awareness of this situation the DK’s corporate owner, Life Time has decided to change the name.
A recent KVOE poll indicated that 70% of the respondents to our unscientific poll indicated they did not want a change.
On today’s On-Air Chat we will have as guests; Kristi Mohn and LeLan Dains both key players in the DK’s operation and future. This year’s DK is now scheduled for September 12.
These two requested the opportunity to appear and not only answer our questions about the DK’s future, but also requested listeners call in with their questions.
The Dirty Kanza is as Emporia as anything one can imagine. We need
it and want to protect it. If changing the name is what’s best, then
let’s figure it out and keep moving forward.
Kristi and LeLan are willing to answer all our questions so tune in at 10:06 and let’s figure out the future of Emporia’s premier bike race!
I’m Steve Sauder
