Flint Hills Flyer - May 17, 2026: A Rolling Celebration of the Flint Hills Trail State Park
May 10, 2026
All Aboard the Flint Hills Flyer: A Bicycle Adventure
Ride the Rails-to-Trails Route Across the Flint Hills
After an incredible turnout and unforgettable ride last year, the Flint Hills Flyer returns on Sunday, May 17th, 2026 for another full day of adventure across one of Kansas’ most scenic rail-trails.
This unique group ride follows the historic Flint Hills Trail from Ottawa toward Council Grove, giving riders the chance to experience rolling prairie views, small Kansas towns, and the quiet beauty that makes this trail so special.
Whether you’re planning to ride the full route or just a section of it, the Flint Hills Flyer is designed to be flexible, welcoming, and community-focused. Best of all it's FREE - just bring money for lunch.
<<< PLEASE RSVP HERE >>>
Be sure to check out the video from last year’s ride below to get a feel for the experience!
Rolling Out from Ottawa
We’ll leave from Ottawa Bike and Trail at 8:00 AM sharp and head west on the Flint Hills Trail at a steady touring pace. The full route to Council Grove covers approximately 72 miles, but riders are welcome to join or leave the ride at any of the scheduled trailhead stops along the way.
Our target pace will be around 10–13 mph, making this an approachable endurance ride for a wide range of cyclists. We’ll keep the group moving steadily while allowing time to regroup and recharge at each stop.
Osage City will serve as our main lunch stop before the final push westward.
Ride Your Own Ride
One of the best parts about the Flint Hills Flyer is that it’s not about racing or finishing first. It’s about enjoying the trail, meeting fellow riders, and experiencing the Flint Hills at your own pace.
Want to ride all 72 miles? Go for it.
Prefer to ride a shorter segment? That works too.
Since the route includes multiple access points and scheduled stops, riders can customize the day to fit their goals and comfort level.
Ride Details & Schedule
We’ll follow the same general timetable as last year, with short breaks at trailheads throughout the route and a longer lunch stop in Osage City.
Self-Supported Adventure
The Flint Hills Flyer is a self-supported ride, so riders should come prepared with:
- Water and nutrition
- Flat repair supplies and tools
- Weather-appropriate gear
- Transportation plans for returning home
Some riders may choose to shuttle vehicles ahead, while others may turn the ride into an out-and-back challenge.
However you decide to tackle it, the goal is simple: enjoy the trail and have a great day on the bike.
Lunch in Osage City
We’re excited to welcome back CJ from Flint Hills Catering for this year’s ride. He’ll once again be set up near the Osage City stop serving lunch to hungry riders.
If you joined us last year, you already know the food alone is worth the stop.
And if this is your first Flyer ride—you’re in for a treat.
Lunch Menu
Why This Ride Matters
The Flint Hills Flyer is more than just a long bike ride. It’s a celebration of the Flint Hills Trail and an opportunity to bring more awareness to one of Kansas’ greatest outdoor resources.
Every mile helps showcase the importance of maintaining, supporting, and promoting this incredible trail system for future generations of riders, runners, and outdoor enthusiasts.
All Aboard for 2026
Mark your calendar for Sunday, May 17th, 2026, dust off the bike, and come spend a day riding through the heart of Kansas with us.
We’ll see you on the trail.
