Hot ride ahead

Dirty Kanza Promotions co-Founder Jim Cummins said riders should be prepared with all the supplies they need to make it to each checkpoint during the race.

“What we tell riders is, it is their responsibility to understand the distance between checkpoints and they need to be prepared to travel that distance with the supplies that they carry,” Cummins said. “So obviously that means one thing if it is 70 degrees out and quite another if it is 100 degrees outside. It is all just part of the Dirty Kanza challenge. Part of the challenge is being prepared for the conditions, so hopefully, they understand that is part of the challenge — we certainly try to communicate that so they will be adequately prepared.”

While riders who reside in the area may have a better understanding of the weather conditions unique to Kansas, riders from out of state and even overseas are taking steps to acclimate themselves to the Flint Hills. Cummins said many riders arrive days and even weeks ahead of the event to train in conditions similar to what they will experience on race day.

“We have at least a couple riders who have been here since May 1,” Cummins said.

Every rider who begins the Dirty Kanza intends to finish the race. However, rider safety always has to be the first priority despite their fierce desire to finish the race. At any point during the ride, if a rider feels they are unable to continue safely they are encouraged to call their support crew to come pick them up.

Dirty Kanza Promotions also has a dedicated team of people patrolling the course who are available to assist riders should a medical emergency arise.

“Regardless of the weather conditions, what we have done the last few years is hire the Kansas City Jeep Club to be out on the course,” Cummins said. “There will be nearly two dozen vehicles from the Kansas City Jeep Club out on the course. Every single one of them are equipped with a HAM radio and our local HAM radio club here — Emporia Area Radio Society — they will be set up right behind Dirty Kanza headquarters as a net control and they will be in constant communication with all of those vehicles.”

Additionally, all of the Jeeps will have a tracker on them. Control will know at all times where every vehicle is and, if needed, they can dispatch emergency vehicles.

“We would do this no matter what the temperature,” Cummins said. “We are as prepared as we know how to be to ensure the riders’ safety as much as possibly can be done.”

Cummins said the two groups have worked well together over the last several years to fine tune the communication and tracking process.

“They do a remarkable job,” Cummins said.

Equipment checklist

The DK 200 Rider’s Bible provides all participants with information about preparing for the big event. It clearly outlines the following supplies each rider must carry with them, including water.

Each participant must carry with them (on their body or on their bike) every item on this list:

1. Cycling computer or GPS device. (To track your mileage.)

2. Red tail light. (DK 200 and DK 100 only.)

3. Front light. (DK 200 and DK 100 only.)

4. Minimum of two liters of water or sports drink.

5. Two spare inner tubes.

6. Air pump or inflation system.

7. A cell phone to contact the “outside world” should you need help.

Additional supplies you should seriously consider:

1. A GPS system to communicate your exact location to support or rescue personnel in the event of an emergency.

2. Small rucksack/hydration pack

3. Waterproof/windproof jacket

4. Extra thermal top or warm layer

5. An emergency survival blanket

6. Food — energy bars, gels, chocolate, etc.

7. Tire levers

8. Puncture repair kit

9. Chain tool

10. Allen wrench set

11. Spoke wrench

12. First aid kit

13. Chamois Butt’r

14. Chain lube

15. Cash, debit card or credit card. (To purchase food, water, supplies.)

16. Handlebar map case

17. Compass