Bikes BBQ and John Brown

Come join us Saturday Oct 10th, 2026 for the 4th annual Bikes BBQ and John Brown Ride. The non-competitive ride will begin in Osawatomie, KS just 26 miles south of Olathe in the KC Metro area. The ride will start and finish at Flint Hills Trail Mile Zero. The 40 mile option will be a round trip ride to Ottawa, KS Legacy Square (the junction of the Flint Hills Trail and Prairie Spirit Trail).  The 18 mile option will  be round trip to Rantoul, KS. You do not need to declare prior to the race if you are riding the 18 or 40 mile ride. We just want you to have fun!  A popular repeat option this year for experienced riders (the first 20 who sign up) will be an 8 am shuttle ride for you and your bike to Garnett, KS with an unsupported 25 mile ride on the Prairie Spirit Trail to Ottawa and then join up with the other riders on the supported 20 mile ride back to Mile Zero on the flint Hills Trail. 

   October is perfect riding weather and we'd love to welcome return riders and show off our fantastic Rails-to-Trails to new entrants. Entrants will receive an iconic Bikes BBQ and John Brown bright orange long sleeved dryfit T-shirt with local abolitionist John clutching a turkey leg in one hand and grill tongs in the other. They will be rewarded at the end with a BBQ dinner from local favorite food truck Bull Creek BBQ. While you are in town stop and visit the historic John Brown Cabin and State Park and learn about Osawatomie, "the Cradle of the Civil War" and "Bleeding Kansas" where the end to slavery started.   Also, see how many of the 50+ decorated bicycles you can find around town in the self-proclaimed "Bicycle Flower Basket Capital of the World."

   Additional activities for the day will include a free family and kids' 4 mile bike ride at 10 am. From 11a-2 pm we will host Red Neck Olympics to engage our local community. So as you can see, you can bring your non bike riding family to enjoy the day with you here in Osawatomie.