
From the Organizer
Moonrise Main Event
Experience an unforgettable bikepacking adventure on the Flint Hills Trail State Park! Ride from Ottawa to Pomona Lake State Park, where you'll enjoy a chuckwagon dinner, a relaxing evening of live bluegrass music, and a moonlit ride before settling in to sleep under the stars. Most importantly, you'll connect with fellow riders and create lasting memories.
Moonrise Campfire (Optional 2nd Night)
Want to extend the adventure? The 2-night Campfire Option starts Friday afternoon with a social gathering at Riverbank Brewing in Council Grove. From there, you'll ride 20 miles along the Flint Hills Trail to Basecamp in Allen, Kansas, where you'll set up camp, enjoy a delicious meal, and gather around the campfire for live music.
On Saturday morning, after a hearty breakfast, you’ll continue on a 32-mile ride to Pomona Lake State Park for the Main Event festivities. On Sunday, the journey continues with a ride along the Flint Hills Trail, finishing in Ottawa.
Point-to-Point Rider Support
For riders starting at Base Camp Flint Hills (1-night) or opting for the Campfire Option (2-night), this will be a point-to-point ride—starting in Council Grove and finishing in Ottawa. This format allows for better rider support and offers the unique opportunity to experience nearly 72 miles of the Flint Hills Trail. Riders must arrange their own transportation or take advantage of our shuttle service. This does not affect the 1-night Main Event riders, who will start and finish in Ottawa.
Rider Shuttle Transportation
To accommodate point-to-point riders, we are offering two shuttle options:
1) A Friday shuttle to transport riders from Ottawa to the starting point in Council Grove.
2) A Sunday return shuttle for riders needing transportation back to Base Camp Flint Hills or Council Grove.
This service provides flexibility—allowing riders to park at either the start or finish while we handle bike and rider transport. Spots are limited, so register early to secure a shuttle option when signing up for either the 1-night Main Event (Council Grove Start) or the 2-night Campfire Option.
Events
Weather
It's too far out for a forecast, so here's what weather on this date is normally like in the area. A race day forecast will replace this as race week approaches.
Typical High
82°
Typical Low
58°
Chance of Rain
28%
Based on US Climate Normals data from Ottawa.
Host City
Population
12,632
as of 2023
Elevation
912 ft
Nearest Airport
MCI
Kansas City International Airport · 56 mi
Time Zone
Central Time
From Endurance Grid
A small town race. Lodging near the start could be limited, so book early.
Race Location
Your Next Start Line
Every finish line starts with a single decision. Claim your spot at Moonrise Bike Ride 2026 - Bikepacking, Music, and Food Festival on the Flint Hills Trail, put it on the calendar, and turn “someday” into a start date.
95
Days to train
Coming Up
Overbrook Community 5k & 1 Mile
20 miles away
The Snake 10-Mile Trail Race
24 miles away
Rexy Run/Walk
24 miles away
The Bad Astra
Less than a mile away
From Endurance Grid
Endurance Grid is here to help you understand the sport, decide if it's the right fit, and learn how to prepare. For course distances, logistics, and race-day specifics, always defer to the race organizer's event page.
With running, there's a distance for every fitness level, a community at every start line, and nothing beats the feeling of crossing a finish line you trained for.
Running is an endurance sport that rewards consistency, and showing up every week compounds in ways that will surprise you.
From 5K to marathon, running races are the most accessible entry point into endurance sport. There's a distance for every fitness level and a community at every start line.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Moonrise Bike Ride 2026 - Bikepacking, Music, and Food Festival on the Flint Hills Trail
Sep 11, 2026