In the Saddle: 2017 Dirty Kanza 200

In 2006, the town of Emporia, Kansas hosted its first Dirty Kanza 200. Initially a small, intimate gathering of gravel cyclists, the Dirty Kanza has since grown into one of North America’s largest and most prestigious gravel events.

2017 Dirty Kanza 200 start
Guitar Ted captures the scene as more than 1,100 cyclists converge on the start of the 2017 Dirty Kanza 200.

This year, the Dirty Kanza drew an international field of more than 2,000 competitors, split among 200-, 100-, 50- and 25-mile editions of the event. More than 1,100 cyclists toed the line for the Dirty Kanza 200. Compared to the 34 starters of the 2007 edition of the race (my first DK200), it’s amazing to see how much the event has grown.

Yet despite its impressive growth, the event retains much of the personal touch that made the early editions special. It’s a credit to the people behind the DK – Jim Cummins, Kristi Mohn, Tim Mohn and LeLan Dains, and to each of the staff and volunteers helping with the event.

The Emporia community has benefitted from the success of the Dirty Kanza as well. And while not solely responsible for the transformation, anyone that has ridden the DK since the start can easily recognize the dramatic positive effect the event has on the community. From the increased occupancy in the downtown commercial district, to the “open arms” enthusiasm of the people in Emporia and the surrounding area, it’s clear the DK has woven itself into the culture, and the success, of the community.

2017 Dirty Kanza 200 number plate, Matt Gersib
Personalized number plates give a touch of rock start status for every rider at the Dirty Kanza.

The 2017 event was my seventh attempt at the Dirty Kanza. My only DNF came in 2015, when a broken derailleur prematurely ended my day, as it did for many folks. Since I wasn’t able to participate in the 2016 Dirty Kanza, this year I was keen to put aside my 2015 disappointment and find the finish line for my sixth successful DK200.

My family and I rolled into Emporia in the mid-afternoon on Friday and it was immediately apparent the ‘Kanza was in town. There were bicycles everywhere. Much of the downtown area along Commercial St. was closed to vehicular traffic to accommodate the Dirty Kanza and its participants. It was a cool scene to be a part of.

Race Day

MG at 2017 DK200 start
Ready to roll: MG at the start line about 45 minutes before the 6:00am start.

Commercial Street in downtown Emporia was already abuzz when I rolled up at about 5:15am. I surveyed the start and decided to place myself at the back of the 12-hour section. While a 12-hour finish was a bit optimistic, my plan was to start closer to the front and minimize the potential for pack-related carnage prematurely ending my day.

By 5:45, the start area was filling up fast, and right on schedule, we rolled out at 6:00am. The pace near the front was fast, but I felt like I was doing a pretty good job of staying within myself and not going into the “red zone” too much. Unfortunately, I’d forgotten my heart rate chest strap, so I couldn’t tell exactly how hard I was going, so I just rode by feel and tried to enjoy the ebb and flow of the early miles.

MG by JOM
Jayson O’Mahoney’s seatpost-mounted GoPro catches MG in the first 50 miles of the 2017 Dirty Kanza 200.

As it turns out, I should have just chilled out in those first 50 miles, as I paid a hefty price for my earlier effort during the second segment of the race. Fortunately, I had plenty of food and water, so during the second segment I focused on eating, drinking and simply regaining my composure. During this time however, dozens of riders easily passed me by, many of whom I wouldn’t see again until after the finish.

Fortunately, my body started to come around about 15 miles from the second checkpoint. I got in with one of the groups of cyclists that had caught me from behind and my pace improved considerably. At CP2, I looked at my Garmin and realized I’d polished off the first 105 miles in less than seven hours. Not great, but not bad either.

Big D at CP2 of the 2017 Dirty Kanza 200
Handmade signs of encouragement greeted MG at the second checkpoint.

Fortunately, my wife and girls were waiting at the second checkpoint with pizza and Red Bull. I quickly inhaled a large piece of pizza and two Red Bulls while my girls replaced my food and bottles on the bike. Once I filled my CamelBak, I rolled back out, surprised at how quickly I was back out on course. My “pit crew” was exactly what I needed. Their signs and words of encouragement worked!

While I’ve heard many cyclists say the miles between the second and third checkpoints were the hardest of the race, for me they seemed to fly by. Reenergized by my family, and my food and drink consumption, I was able to resume a more “normal” pace. And while the hills were gnarly, I felt good and my bike was working awesome. I’d crawled out of the pit of despair and was once again feeling like myself. Plus, the terrain was rocky, rough, fast and fun. I was in my element.

MG, checkpoint two
MG fills his CamelBak while his pit crew replenish his on-the-bike nutrition at the second checkpoint.

Checkpoint three came and went quickly. More pizza and Red Bull, and since the final segment was just 45 miles in length, I shed my CamelBak and went to bottles only. And while I do find I drink more, and more frequently, with my CamelBak, going without it on the final push to the line was a good call. I could feel the lack of weight on each climb, and after more than 150 miles, that’s a very good thing!

About half-way through the finial 45 mile segment, Quincy Simon caught me from behind. I though for sure he was going to quickly ride away from me, but instead we started trading pulls. Even with the substantial tailwind, there was still a benefit in working together, though I’m pretty sure there a few times where Quincy had to sit up and wait for me.

MG's 2017 DK200 finish
MG’s daughters and Dirty Kanza co-promoter, Kristi Mohn, greet him at the finish.

Quincy, if you’re reading: thank you.

As we rolled through the tunnel, up the hill and onto the beautiful Emporia State University campus, Quincy and I sat up and gave each other a big high five before rolling through the finish line. It had been a great day on the bike for both of us, and our effort was good enough to beat the sunset, putting us in the “Race the Sun” club.

How’d the Bike Work?

As mentioned in my “Preparing for the 2017 Dirty Kanza 200” post in May, I spent a considerable amount of time thinking about my bike setup. In short, it was time well spent, as my bike worked nearly flawlessly on the rough, rocky and fast DK200 course.

I say “nearly” because, while I didn’t notice it while riding, my American Classic rear hub developed about 2mm of lateral play by the end of the race. It was easily rectified and I haven’t had any further issues to-date. My guess is the extra-rough course and my aggressive descending style conspired to give the hub a bit more of a workout than it typically gets on our local gravel (which is smoother overall).

Parting Thoughts

I’d like to thank everyone at Dirty Kanza Promotions, especially Jim Cummins, Kristi Mohn, Tim Mohn and LeLan Dains. Thanks for giving us the opportunity to experience the Kansas Flint Hills in a way few others do.

To my wife, Laura, and my two beautiful girls: thanks for being the best pit crew ever. I looked forward to seeing your smiling faces at each checkpoint and the finish.

And thank you to our generous host for the weekend, Joe Reed. It was great to spend time (and drink a little whiskey) with you.

I’d also like to congratulate everyone who toed the line at the 2017 Dirty Kanza, especially each of the finishers. I hope your experience was at least as good as mine.

And to those of you who are thinking about giving the Dirty Kanza a try, I say DO IT. Even if at first you don’t succeed, you’ll learn the lessons you need to get it done the next time. It’s an endeavor that’s well worth the time and effort!

Here are some other cyclists’ accounts of their 2017 Dirty Kanza experience I’d recommend checking out:

Check out the Dirty Kanza Press Room for a comprehensive list of stories about the 2017 event. And stay tuned to the Dirty Kanza Facebook page and DirtyKanza.com for details on the 2018 event.

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Author: MG

Matt Gersib is the 2014 Gravel World Champion in the Fatbike category. He's also finished some of the most challenging gravel events in the country, including the Dirty Kanza XL, TransIowa and the Dirty Kanza 200, among others. In 2015, Gersib was an inaugural inductee into the DK200 "1,000 mile club" of five-time finishers. In addition to his gravel cycling, Gersib is an accomplished mountain bike racer, with numerous race wins and championships, including the 2012 Nebraska State Marathon MTB Championship.

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2 thoughts on “In the Saddle: 2017 Dirty Kanza 200

  1. Great write-up! I also found the 2nd leg the toughest in my first time at Kanza but really got in to a flow in the 3rd and 4th legs. My only regret is that we may never get conditions as good as this year ever again!

  2. Thanks Chris – You very well may be right about the conditions this year. They were amazing. In my seven DK200s, I don’t think we’ve ever had a tailwind like that (when it wasn’t 95+ degrees out, at least)!

    Congratulations on your excellent finish, Chris. I hope you’ll be back in 2018!

    Cheers,
    MG

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