The Cottonwood 200 Bike Tour

Story – June 12, 2024

Story Chris Stark

Several months ago, I registered for the Cottonwood 200, a multi-day tour organized by the Kaw Valley Bicycle Club in Topeka. I wanted to do something big to challenge myself, both mentally and physically, after suffering from severe spinal cord and nerve pain these past few years.

The ride started and ended in Council Grove, May 25-27, all three days. Council Grove and all of that area of Kansas was once the home of the Kaw nation before being relocated to Indian Territory in present-day Oklahoma by western expansion and other policies.

For each day of riding, I included several route options and distances for gravel and road. I chose to ride 71 miles and 44, both roads. Day one went north from Council Grove in Morris Co. towards the rural communities of Alta Vista and Alma, both in Wabaunsee County.

Day two was a nice ride from Council Grove south towards Strong City and Cottonwood Falls in Chase County. Each day, they included wonderfully prepared meals and SAG stops.

But day one was hard with the wicked winds from the south. I had to call it with twenty miles to go. At first, I was disappointed, but I’ve dealt with enough defeat related to my health, and in the end, I am still proud of myself for taking on such long cycling mileage.

Day two was much easier but still challenging. It was a great ride to Cottonwood Falls and Strong City, with a stop at the Tallgrass Prairie National Preserve, my favorite place to visit and take in the expansive tallgrass prairie. Admittedly, I had to walk my bike both days, but I wasn’t ashamed. On the third day, I opted not to ride the short route along the Flint Hills Trail State Park to Allen and past the Kaw Mission State Historic Site. That’s for another time.

The Flint Hills region is one of the world’s most endangered ecosystems. Several factors, including climate change and habitat loss, are those reasons, and it’s essential for those who visit to use their collective voices to advocate for what remains.

But in the meantime, ride your bike and take in the scenery of the Flint Hills. You’ll be glad that you did.