Moonrise Bike Ride Rider's Guide 2025

This page contains all of the information and Links for Moonrise Bike Ride 2025

Moonrise Bike Ride Weekend Schedule

Here's the tentative schedule for the weekend.  The schedule is subject to change and will be finalized the week of the event.

Moonrise Campfire Schedule (Campfire Riders Only )

Friday, September, 5th (Campfire Option)

Saturday, September 6th (Campfire Option)

Moonrise Main Event Schedule (All Riders)

Saturday, September 6th

Sunday, September 7th

Here are a few definitions that will help you understand the scope of the weekend.

Main Event: This is our one-night event, which takes place at Pomona Lake State Park. Main Event riders can choose to start in either Ottawa or Base Camp Flint Hills.

Main Event Ottawa Start: Riders start in Ottawa on Saturday, ride to Pomona Lake State Park, and ride back to Ottawa on Sunday.

Main Event Base Camp Flint Hills Start: Riders start at Base Camp Flint Hills on Saturday, ride to Pomona Lake State Park, and continue to Ottawa on Sunday. Note that this is a point-to-point ride, and riders must have their own transportation at the end of the ride.

Moonrise Campfire: This is our two-night event, which starts in Council Grove on Friday. Riders start in Council Grove and ride to Base Camp Flint Hills on Friday, continue to Pomona Lake on Saturday, and Ottawa on Sunday. Moonrise Campfire is limited to 50 riders due to facility capacity at Base Camp Flint Hills.

Check-in and Start Times:

All riders will need to check in with Moonrise Bike Ride staff before starting their ride. At check-in, riders will receive their wristband, and we will confirm that you have filled out the waiver form. All riders must sign a waiver form.

There are three different check-in times depending on which route option you choose:

• Campfire: Check in at Riverfront Brewing in Council Grove on Friday from 1:00 pm to 4:00 pm. Campfire group start is at 3:00 pm, but riders can leave whenever they wish.

• Main Event Base Camp Flint Hills Start: Check in at Base Camp Flint Hills on Saturday from 7:00 am to 9:00 am. Riders will start on their own schedule.

• Main Event Ottawa Start: Check in at Ottawa Bike and Trail on Saturday from 11:00 am to 3:00 pm. The Main Event group start is at 3:00 pm.

Alternate Check-in Options:

If you need to check in outside of the check-in windows, that’s fine. We’ll just need a signed waiver from you before you start the ride.

Ride Start Times:

We’ll have a mass start at the end of each check-in window. However, riders are welcome to start at any time. If you require more time, feel free to leave earlier.

If you plan to use gear transportation, you can drop off your gear during the check-in windows listed above. Keep in mind that gear will not be delivered until after the check-in window closes. If you leave early and arrive early, you may be waiting for your gear.

Gear Transportation:

Moonrise Bike Ride is a self-supported bikepacking event, and we encourage participants to carry their gear on their bicycles if possible. However, we want everyone to be able to participate regardless of bikepacking experience, so we offer gear transportation from all starting locations.

If you are using our gear transportation services, please follow the pick-up and drop-off times.

Gear Guidelines:

• We are not responsible for lost or damaged gear.

• Please carry valuables, medicine, or any other essential items with you on your bike.

Packing Guidelines:

1. Pack as light as possible. Try to limit your gear to one bag and a small cooler or folding chair if possible.

2. Label your gear with your name, phone number, and start location.

3. Bring a folding chair. There is picnic table seating at Pomona Lake State Park, but if you want a folding chair or blanket you may be more comfortable.

Gear Pick-up and Drop-off Times:

If you are using gear transportation services, you’ll drop your bags off during the check-in windows (see schedule above).

On Sunday morning, we’ll transport your gear to Ottawa and have it ready for you to pick up there.

Site Map:

NOTE: SITE MAP IS STILL BEING UPDATED.

Our camping area and music area are located just outside of the Pomona Lake Marina.  Here's a picture of the area:

Tent/Hammock Camping:

There are plenty of tent camping spots in the primitive camping areas along the water, as well as in the field further from the lake. The primitive areas along the water are somewhat rocky, but with a sleeping pad you should be able to find a comfortable spot.

There are plenty of hammock spots available in both areas. Please do not camp in the RV spots surrounding our designated area (orange markers).

Marina Access:

The Pomona Lake Marina will be open Saturday until 9:00 pm. The marina is just a few yards from the music/food area of the event. They will have cold beer, drinks, and many other items available. Please feel free to stop in if you need anything.

They also have canoe, kayak, and pontoon boat rentals. Call them if you have any questions about their services.

Rider Tips: 

Planning for the Weather:

The event will proceed regardless of weather conditions. Please be aware of weather forecasts and prepare accordingly. If you are not comfortable or unable to handle the expected conditions, please adjust your plans for the weekend.

IF YOU DECIDE TO CHANGE YOUR PLANS, PLEASE LET US KNOW AT CHECK-IN. WE WANT TO MAKE SURE WE ACCOUNT FOR EVERYONE ON THE TRAIL.

Stay Hydrated:

We will have plenty of cold water, ice, and Gatorade available at Pomona Lake State Park and Base Camp Flint Hills.

The ride itself is self-supported, so make sure you are able to carry enough water to get to your destination. Also, make sure you are aware of available water sources along the routes.

• For riders coming from Council Grove, there will be water at Allen (Base Camp Flint Hills) and Osage City (Henry’s Coffee, Casey’s, and others).

• For riders coming from Ottawa, there is a short detour to Casey’s in the town of Pomona.

• For riders returning to Council Grove on Sunday, we may plan additional water drops along the route. More information will be available at check-in.

Ride with a Group:

It is always a good idea to ride with a group, but especially in extreme conditions. There will be plenty of opportunities to ride with others, so make some friends and help out those who may need assistance.

Stay Cool:

It will likely be hot at Pomona Lake, but we are fortunate to be surrounded by a large body of water. Here are a few things you can do to stay cool:

1. Jump in the lake

2. Cool off in the shower house

3. Rent a kayak or canoe

4. Shop in the air-conditioned marina

5. Drink plenty of cold water and Gatorade

6. Get a spray down at the water station

Routes and Maps:

All of our routes are available in Ride With GPS Files.

Council Grove to Pomona Lake State Park - Ride with GPS. 

Ottawa to Pomona Lake State Park - Ride with GPS. 

Pomona Lake State Lake State Park to Ottawa - Ride with GPS.

 Route Notes:

1) Base Camp Flint Hills (BCFH):  BCFH, on the west side of Allen, will be our overnight stop for Moonrise Campfire.  It will also be one of the two starting points for Main Event Riders on Saturday.  You'll see the Base Camp Flint Hills sign from the trail. There is water and bathrooms available at Base Camp Flint Hills.

2) Town of Pomona:  There are no water stops on the route to Pomona.  However, there is a new bathroom that was recently completed on the trailhead in the city of Pomona.  If should need water or supplies you can ride north about a half-mile to the Casey's in Pomona.

3) Other Detours or Trail Updates: There may be other temporary detours on the trial. We'll post this information as we get updates on trail conditions closer to the event start.  

Parking:

Overnight Parking is available at the starting locations.  Please be respectful of the businesses in both starting towns and park in the designated parking areas. These parking areas are generally safe for overnight parking, but please don't leave valuables overnight in your car.

Overnight Parking in Council Grove:

Riders starting in Council Grove for Moonrise Camp Fire can park their vehicles overnight in the public parking spot at the Neosho Riverwalk Amphitheater.  It's directly across the street from Riverbank Brewing.  Riverbank Brewing will be the check-in spot onFriday.  

Overnight Parking in Ottawa:

We have several parking lots available for overnight parking in Ottawa.  Home base in Ottawa will be Ottawa Bike and Trail.  Please do not park in Legacy Square parking directly behind the shop as it's used heavily by the small businesses on the block.

Overnight Parking at Base Camp Flint Hills

Limited overnight parking is available at Base Camp Flint Hills. Riders starting at Base Camp Flint Hills will have parking available at Base Camp or nearby spots in Allen.

Frequently Asked Questions:

What kind of bicycle do I need?
Any bike suitable for the Flint Hills Trail will do. We recommend tires 35 mm or wider, but any tire will work on the packed limestone surface. Also consider how much gear you plan to load on your bike. If you’re not comfortable carrying your gear, let us transport it for you.

Is alcohol allowed at Pomona Lake State Park?
Yes, but please drink responsibly.

Can I park a car at Pomona Lake State Park?
Yes. Upon arrival, you’ll need to purchase a vehicle permit.

Can I park an RV at Pomona Lake State Park?
Yes. We recommend calling ahead to reserve an RV spot. If you mention Moonrise Bike Ride, they’ll try to place you near our event area.

Can I start early or late?
Yes, there is no official start time. Just remember to check in before you begin.

What if I need help on the trail?
This is a self-supported ride, so please bring everything you need to repair your bike and complete the ride. There will be many riders on the trail, and most will be happy to help if needed. Keep in mind that cell reception may be limited, so calling for help may not