Bikes Bbq and John Brown
About this race
Come join us Saturday Oct 10th, 2026 for the 4th annual Bikes BBQ and John Brown Ride. The non-competitive ride will begin in Osawatomie, KS just 26 miles south of Olathe in the KC Metro area. The ride will start and finish at Flint Hills Trail Mile Zero. The 40 mile option will be a round trip ride to Ottawa, KS Legacy Square (the junction of the Flint Hills Trail and Prairie Spirit Trail). The 18 mile option will be round trip to Rantoul, KS. You do not need to declare prior to the race if you are riding the 18 or 40 mile ride. We just want you to have fun! A popular repeat option this year for experienced riders (the first 20 who sign up) will be an 8 am shuttle ride for you and your bike to Garnett, KS with an unsupported 25 mile ride on the Prairie Spirit Trail to Ottawa and then join up with the other riders on the supported 20 mile ride back to Mile Zero on the flint Hills Trail.
October is perfect riding weather and we'd love to welcome return riders and show off our fantastic Rails-to-Trails to new entrants. Entrants will receive an iconic Bikes BBQ and John Brown bright orange long sleeved dryfit T-shirt with local abolitionist John clutching a turkey leg in one hand and grill tongs in the other. They will be rewarded at the end with a BBQ dinner from local favorite food truck Bull Creek BBQ. While you are in town stop and visit the historic John Brown Cabin and State Park and learn about Osawatomie, "the Cradle of the Civil War" and "Bleeding Kansas" where the end to slavery started. Also, see how many of the 50+ decorated bicycles you can find around town in the self-proclaimed "Bicycle Flower Basket Capital of the World."
Additional activities for the day will include a free family and kids' 4 mile bike ride at 10 am. From 11a-2 pm we will host Red Neck Olympics to engage our local community. So as you can see, you can bring your non bike riding family to enjoy the day with you here in Osawatomie.
The Bikes Bbq and John Brown brings an exciting Ultra to Osawatomie, Kansas on October 10, 2026. Don't miss this beautiful event!
Pick your distance
Cycling
18 to 40 Mile Bike Ride on Flint Hills Trail (supported)
Included in your registration is entry to John Brown Cabin State Historic Site, BBQ dinner provided by Bull Creek BBQ food truck, dryfit iconic John Brown BBQ T-shirt, snacks and drinks along route. All proceeds above expenses go to the John Brown Foundation and their pursuit of National Historic Park status.
45 mile Prairie Spirit (shuttle to Garnett), unsupported to Ottawa to Flint Hills Trail, supported
This return favorite option is for experienced riders who can self support for the first 25 miles of the ride. A shuttle for a maximum of 20 riders and their bikes provided by Ottawa Bike and Trail and Freedom's FrontTire Used Bikes and Repair will leave Mile Zero Flint Hills Trail in Osawatomie at 8 am and travel 25 miles to the train depot in Garnett, KS on the Prairie Spirit Trail. The 25 mile ride north to Ottawa will allow riders to see a new trail without doubling back. Water, restrooms, and convenience stores are available at Richmond, mile 11 and Princeton, mile 18 along the route. They will meet up with the 18 or 40 mile riders' supported route at Legacy Square Ottawa and head back to Osawatomie, Mile Zero Flint Hills Trail, and their vehicle
About Osawatomie
Bikes Bbq and John Brown takes place in Osawatomie, Kansas, United States. The local timezone is America/Chicago.
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Race information has been sourced from the event's official website and other publicly available resources. For the most up-to-date details, please refer to the official website directly. If you notice any incorrect or missing information, don't hesitate to reach out to us by email.
