The Breakaway Gravel Race

Registration Opens today at 8am!!!

The Bad Astra 2026 Ottawa Bike and Trail is a full service bicycle shop at the intersection of the Flint Hills Trail and Prairie Spirit Trail Kansas State Parks. We offer bicycle sales, repairs and rentals. We provide trail transportation and tours. We specialize in Surly, Giant, LIV, Jamis, Terra-Trike, and Sunday BM...

Winner of the free entry to The Breakaway Gravel Race! is returning rider Barry Thomas Thank you to everyone who participated in the giveaway, we appreciate all the interaction!

Watch our other page for more information on The Fairground Flyer in Auburn, KS. We are putting together some group rides so you can get out and pre ride parts of the course. Stay tuned.

Lots of hard work is going into Echo Cliff Park, and it’s really starting to show. We can’t wait for October to share this Kansas gem with all of you!

For those that have always been curious.

Alright, here’s the answer. 👀

Yes, bicycles can legally ride in the same traffic lane that vehicles use.

Riders are allowed to be in the lane, even when there is a wide shoulder nearby. A lot of riders avoid the shoulder because that is where glass, gravel, debris, and rough pavement often collect. Rumble strips can also make that area unsafe or uncomfortable.

Bicyclists are expected to ride as far to the right as practical within the lane, but that does not mean they have to ride on the white line or out on the shoulder.

They can also ride two abreast.
They are required to ride with traffic, never against it.

If there is a designated bike lane, that is where they are required to be.

Just like drivers, bicyclists also have to follow the rules of the road. Stop signs mean stop. 🛑

After sunset and until sunrise, they are required to have a white light on the front and a red light on the rear.

Drivers are allowed to pass bicyclists just like they would any slower vehicle. You can even pass a bicyclist in a no passing zone as long as you give at least 3 feet of clearance and can do it safely.

So no, just because a bicyclist is riding in the lane does not mean they are breaking the law.

Remember, this is in Kansas. 😉
Who knows what lawlessness is happening in Missouri. 😄

We’ve had a huge boost in new followers this week thanks to Amanda McMahon and Cycling Kansas City so let’s give something back!

We’re going to give away one free entry to The Breakaway Gravel Race! https://www.bikereg.com/74236

Here’s how to enter:
Post a photo of yourself doing one of your favorite activities besides cycling. 📸

The photo with the most likes by April 30th wins!

Can’t make The Breakaway? No problem, you can use your free entry for Fairground Flyer on September 19th, 2026 instead. https://www.bikereg.com/the-fairground-flyer

So get posting… and don’t forget to show some love on other entries too!

📸 Mike – Event Organizer (AKA Bald Eagle 🦅)

We’re excited to announce that we’ll be hosting two races this year!
Please visit the Fairground Flyer page for details.
📅 September 19th
📍 Auburn, Ks

https://www.facebook.com/share/1D6T33KN26/?mibextid=wwXIfr

The Fairground Flyer Sports Event

The date is set. Registration is open. Make sure The Breakaway is on your calendar, this one’s worth the wait.

https://www.bikereg.com/breakawaygravel

If you’re feeling froggy in 2026, we’ve added some extra miles to the mix. Check out the routes below, final tweaks may happen as we keep exploring the best gravel the area has to offer.

https://ridewithgps.com/events/429247-the-breakaway-gravel-race-at-echo-cliff

The Breakaway Gravel Race at Echo Cliff Online Registration BikeReg - online cycling event registration

We’ve had a few people ask about the coins that were presented at the completion of the race, so I wanted to share a bit about them. In the Army, challenge coins are traditionally given by leaders to recognize excellence, commitment, or a job well done. Each leader or unit typically has its own unique coin, and this one represents our team. Having recently retired from the military, these coins carry significant sentimental value for me, and I wanted to continue the tradition by expressing my gratitude for the incredible effort you’ve put into becoming a better rider and being there for the very first Breakaway race!

On this coin, you’ll find a few meaningful elements. First is the quote “Smooth is Fast.” If you’ve spent time on the race track, trail, road or gravel you know how true this is. The smoother your performance, the faster you’ll go. It’s a reminder to stay composed, especially when you’re leading a race. Small mistakes can add up quickly, so stay smooth to stay ahead. Sometimes you may even need to slow down to smooth out your ride, but in the end, you’ll find better results

Next, you’ll notice the Kansas motto “Ad Astra Per Aspera,” meaning “To the Stars through Difficulties.” I believe this is a powerful concept for all of us. In both riding and life, challenges are inevitable. The key to success lies in overcoming those difficulties. Your journey may not be flawless, but if you keep moving forward, you’ll reach your goals.

The third feature is the image of the Kansa warrior Ad Astra, drawing his bow toward the stars. It serves as a reminder not to settle for mediocrity and to always strive for more.

Lastly, there are seven stars on the coin, representing the original seven members of our team: Mike, Howard, Josh, Camden, Brayden, Parker, and Stone.

Thank you for letting us be a small part of your cycling journey. We look forward to seeing you all back next year on October 17th.