Moonrise Bike Ride 2023
Moonrise Bike Ride is Ottawa Bike and Trail's premier Bikepacking and Music Adventure on the Flint Hills Trail.
Moonrise Bike Ride Main Event (August 19-20)
Join us as we load up our bicycles and ride the Flint Hills Trail to Pomona Lake State Park for an evening of good food, live music, and camping under the stars. You can choose to ride the traditional, 20-mile, route from Ottawa to Pomona State Park. Or, you can choose the longer 50-mile route from Council Grove to Pomona State Park. Or, you can choose to ride both routes, provided you have transportation back to your starting point.
The Main Event ticket includes two route options, catered chuck-wagon dinner, evening entertainment, full breakfast, non-alcoholic beverages, State Park admission and tent camping spot, gear transportation, and more!
Moonrise Campfire 2-Night Option (August 18-20th)
If you want more Moonrise Bike Ride fun sign up for our Moonrise Campfire 2-night option. You'll start the weekend with a Friday night campout at Base Camp Flint Hills. Basecamp Flint Hills is right on the Flint Hills Trail about halfway between Council Grove and Pomona Lake State Park. You can ride from Council Grove to Base Camp on Friday evening and then ride the rest of the way to Pomona Lake State Park on Saturday for the big event.
Moonrise Campfire includes all of the benefits of the Main Event PLUS dinner Friday evening, camping at Base Camp Flint Hills, campfire entertainment, full breakfast on Saturday morning, and gear transportation.
RIDER INFORMATION
The links below provide all of the details for Moonrise Bike Ride 2023.
Weekend Schedule
Moonrise Bike Ride Food Menu
Full Riders Guide
The riders guide will provide details on parking, bag drop-off/pickup, and all of the other details you'll need for the ride.
Bikepacking
Moonrise Bike Ride is a great adventure for anyone interested in bikepacking. If you're an experienced bike packer you can load your bike and choose one of the longer routes. First timers can ride choose a shorter route and let us lug some of your gear. We want EVERYONE to experience the joys of getting to a destination under your own power and enjoying an evening under the stars.
Moonrise Campfire Option
For those of you that can’t get enough Moonrise Bike Ride we’re planning a NEW Friday night campout option at Base Camp Flint Hills. Basecamp Flint Hills is a beautiful primitive camping area on the Flint Hills Trail about half way between Council Grove and Pomona Lake State Park. You can ride you bicycle from Council Grove to Base Camp on Friday evening, camp overnight with us, and ride the rest of the way to Pomona Lake State Park on Saturday for the big event.
Live Music
Moonrise Bike Ride is not just a Bikepacking Adventure; it's also a live music festival. We love highlighting some of the best musicians from across the state of Kansas. This year we're featuring Sally and the Hurts, MAW, Weda Skirts, and The Matchsellers!
Great Food
It wouldn't be a Moonrise Bike Ride without an incredible food menu. Our famous chuckwagon dinner from Angry River Barbecue will be back once again! We'll also wake you up with the smell of coffee, bacon, and eggs from Flint Hills Catering. We'll make sure you're well fed and ready to hit the trail. If you have special dietary needs don't worry, we've got you covered.
Moonrise Bike Ride Merch
Frequently Asked Questions
When does registration open?
We'll open registration for Moonrise Bike Ride starting Friday, April 22nd. Check back here for registration links.
What type of bike do I need?
Any bike that you would ride on the Flint Hills Trail will do. We recommend tires that are 35mm or wider, but any tire will work on the packed limestone surface of the Flint Hills Trail. The other consideration is how much gear you plan on loading on your bike. If you are not comfortable carrying your gear, just let us transport it for you.
Where is the overnight camping?
We'll be camping at the Southwind Shelter at Pomona Lake. Check the event map for details.
Can I bring my RV?
Yes, just contact Pomona State Park ahead of the event to make a reservation for your RV. Let them know you are with Moonrise Bike Ride and they'll help you reserve a spot near our venue. There is an additional RV reservation cost.