Flint Hills Ultra

Embarking on the Flint Hills Ultra (FHU) is to immerse yourself in nearly 1,050 miles of pristine gravel cycling through the heartland beauty of Kansas and upper Oklahoma. This challenging route winds across 16 counties, weaving through vast prairies dotted with small towns ranging from quaint hamlets to Emporia, which stands out as a significant resupply point for many cyclists.
The journey begins and ends in Emporia on Memorial Day weekend during The TOUR edition, offering riders a unique opportunity to experience the full spectrum of this expansive terrain. While the route appears flat at first glance, it reveals its rugged nature through nearly 50,000 feet of climbing spread throughout the ride. Cyclists will encounter diverse landscapes, from rolling hills and open plains to stretches that pass near Native American lands in Kay and Osage counties.
Resupply points are strategically placed along much of the route but with some notable gaps where local ranchers or a friendly church hydrant might come as welcome surprises for weary riders. The FHU is an adventure through both physical and cultural terrain, making it essential to plan meticulously before setting out on this epic journey.