Three Races to Choose From
The 80-mile route is our most difficult race, featuring some of the most beautiful and challenging gravel roads in Kansas—carefully selected to be tough, scenic, and unforgettable.
The 40-mile route delivers half the distance but all the excitement—offering a fun, fast-paced ride through scenic Kansas gravel that’s challenging without being overwhelming.
The 20-mile route is a family-friendly, party-paced ride designed for all levels—offering a relaxed, fun-filled spin through scenic gravel with plenty of good vibes along the way.
The Bad Astra 2026
Race Schedule
Welcome Party & Race Check-In
Friday, September 25
6:00–9:00 PM
Ottawa Mainstreet / Ottawa Bike and Trail
Come early, check in, and get to know the town before race day! The Welcome Party is your chance to pick up your race materials, meet fellow riders, and soak up the local vibe in downtown Ottawa.
Take some time to explore Main Street, grab dinner at a local restaurant or food truck, browse the shops, and enjoy a drink or two while you settle into race weekend. There’s no formal agenda — just a chance to hang out, connect with other riders, and experience the community that makes Ottawa a great place to kick off the Bad Astra.
Come hungry. Come curious. Come ready to ride.
Morning Check-In
Race Day
6:00–8:00 AM
Ottawa Bike & Trail
Final race-day check-in and rider preparation.
Riders Meeting
8:00 AM
Main Street, Ottawa
All riders are required to attend the pre-race riders meeting for important race information and updates.
Grand Depart — All Distances
9:00 AM
Ottawa Main Street
The Bad Astra Bike Race officially begins! All distances depart together from Main Street.
Routes
Our Sponsors
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the routes?
The routes will be announced at 7:00 pm on Fridany September 18th. We are hosting a route reveal party on YouTube to discuss the routes and other important details about the race.
Will the course be marked?
he 80 mile course will not be marked. Cue sheets and the GPS files are the riders responsibility. The GPS files for the courses will be released the week before the event. Each rider will be responsible for their own navigation. There will be some markings for the 40 and 20 mile courses.
When is packet pick up?
The day before the race (Friday, September 25th), riders are encouraged to check-in at the welcome party in downtown Ottawa. You'll find the check-in tent in front of Ottawa Bike and Trail. Check in will be from 6-9 pm. Riders may also check in between 6am and 8am on race day. There will be a riders meeting the day of the race in Legacy Square before the race.
How long will I have to finish?
We encourage riders to plan for a 10 MPH pace for the 80 mile course. However, the finish line will continue to be set up until 5:30pm. (That means you have 8.5 hrs to finish)
Is this a closed course
Ok, nobody really asks this question. However, this is NOT a closed course. These are all public roads. Each rider is responsible for following the rules/laws of the road including but not limited to, stop signs, yield signs, and right of way.
