Open Range Gravel Race

Open Range Gravel Race – Pratt, Kansas, United States

• Date: April 25, 2027
• Location: Pratt, Kansas
• Distances: 68 miles, 128 miles
• Event Type: Gravel Race

The spirit of the prairie wind sweeps across the landscape, inviting cyclists to experience a unique gravel race in Kansas. The Open Range Gravel Race in Kansas takes root in the High Plains, offering a deep immersion into the rugged beauty of the Gypsum Hills. This event, born from a desire to showcase a special corner of the world, guides riders through terrains where the sky seems boundless.

Originating in 2017 while its founder was overseas, the vision for Open Range was to create an opportunity for riders to discover a distinct area of Kansas and to contribute to the community that shaped him. The inaugural race in 2018 quickly captured attention, growing in popularity each year. It is a journey into the heart of the American plains, where the cycling community gathers.

Starting in Pratt, Kansas, known for its unique landmarks and natural beauty, the course ventures into unexpected territory. The routes wind through the dramatic formations of the Gypsum Hills, a landscape that often surprises those who believe they know the entirety of Kansas. This region offers an experience far removed from typical perceptions, revealing a hidden dimension to the state's terrain.

Riders can choose between two challenging distances: a 100k+ route, approximately 68 miles, or a more extensive 200k course, stretching about 128 miles. Both options of the Open Range Gravel Race are characterized by their varied surfaces, including sections through working cattle ranches on authentic "open range" roads. The 200k course features nearly 5,000 feet of elevation gain, a testament to the rolling nature of this Kansas landscape.

Beyond the individual challenge, the Open Range Gravel Race became part of the Great Plains Gravel Cup in 2024, uniting with five other events. This broader series recognizes participants who support grassroots races, fostering a strong sense of community and shared passion. Even as local events, they consistently attract international riders, drawn by the unique challenge and camaraderie offered by gravel racing in Kansas.

The course promises a quiet satisfaction to those who navigate its turns and elevations, connecting riders to the land's history and its untamed character. It's a chance to breathe the open air and feel the gravel under tyres, creating a rhythm with the expansive, unburdened horizon. For more details on the routes and registration, visit the official event website.

Ultimately, the Open Range Gravel Race invites a reflective journey, an opportunity to engage with the natural environment and the welcoming spirit of the other gravel events in United States. It is an experience that lingers, much like the vast skies over this memorable corner of Kansas.