calendar_today 02 May, 2026 – 03 May, 2026
directions_bike Cycling
language Official Website
sell $33.70 – $141.02
The 2026 La Grind is a premier gravel cycling event taking place on May 2 and May 3, 2026, in Emporia, Kansas. Known as the "Gravel Capital of the World," Emporia provides the gateway to the rugged Flint Hills, where participants navigate a grassroots racing experience across sharp flint rock and rolling prairie. The event features a diverse array of categories, including its signature two-day stage races and single-day "dashes" ranging from 30 to 100 miles. As a mission-driven ride, all proceeds support Handlebars of Hope, an organization dedicated to providing bicycles and mechanical support to individuals in need, embodying the event's motto to "come ride your heart out."
| Race Category | Format | Distance | Equipment Note |
|---|---|---|---|
| La Grind Stage Race | 2-Day Total Time | 100/65, 50/65, or 30/30 miles | Standard Gravel Bike |
| Panaracer Dash | 1-Day Race | 100 Miles | Endurance Focus |
| High Gear Grind | 1-Day Race | 65 Miles | Competitive Mid-Distance |
| Endurance Challenge | 1-Day Race | 50 Miles | E-Bike Category Available |
| Fun Ride | 1-Day Ride | 30 Miles | Non-Competitive / E-Bike |
Emporia is a quintessential Midwestern city with a population of approximately 24,100 residents. The demographic composition of the city is roughly 56% White (Non-Hispanic), 36% Hispanic or Latino, 3% Black or African American, and 3% Asian. This cultural blend is a hallmark of the community, which serves as a regional hub for education and manufacturing. Emporia is home to Emporia State University, which contributes to the city's youthful energy and academic influence. Economically, the community is grounded with a median household income of approximately $45,000, and its identity has become internationally synonymous with gravel cycling due to the unique geology of the surrounding Flint Hills—one of the last remaining tallgrass prairie ecosystems in North America.
Participants traveling to La Grind should prepare for the unpredictable Kansas elements, where wind and tire-shredding gravel are standard features of the course. The event village is centered at 520 Commercial Street, placing riders in the heart of Emporia's historic downtown district. Beyond the race, the weekend serves as a celebration of cycling inclusivity, offering specific categories for E-bikes to ensure the Flint Hills are accessible to a wider range of athletes. With mechanical support and a community-focused atmosphere, La Grind provides a high-caliber racing environment that maintains the intimate, welcoming feel of a local cycling festival.
May 03, 2026
Distance — 30mi
Type — Cycling
09:00
$33.70
May 03, 2026
Distance — 50mi
Type — Cycling
09:00
$55.16
May 03, 2026
Distance — 65mi
Type — Cycling
09:00
$71.26
May 03, 2026
Distance — 165mi
Type — Cycling
09:00
$141.02
May 03, 2026
Distance — 60mi
Type — Cycling
09:00
$65.89
May 03, 2026
Distance — 115mi
Type — Cycling
09:00
$103.46
May 03, 2026
Distance — 100mi
Type — Cycling
09:00
$103.46
May 03, 2026
Distance — 60mi
Type — Cycling
09:00
$65.89
May 03, 2026
Distance — 30mi
Type — Cycling
09:00
$33.70
May 03, 2026
Distance — 50mi
Type — Cycling
09:00
$55.16
These values represent the 3-year monthly averages for May in Emporia.
Learn more about the host city, Emporia.
Emporia is a city in the Flint Hills region of Kansas. It is the county seat of Lyon County and the home of Emporia State University and William Allen White.
Read more launchWatch highlights and course previews from previous years.
Explore other exciting events happening in this same region.
location_on Emporia, Kansas, US
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location_on Shawnee, Kansas, US
calendar_today Apr 25, 2026
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