Welcome to Audax K.C.!

Audax K.C. is the home of long-distance, non-competitive endurance bicycling in Kansas City, and the official site for ACP and RUSA-sanctioned bicycle events in the Kansas City Region. If you are unfamiliar with this unique style of bicycling, scroll down to the "About Our Rides" section.

Audax K.C. has no club membership dues, however, membership with RUSA is required to participate in our events. Check out our ride calendar and see the section below to register!

Your RBA and organizer is Spencer Klaassen.
Feel free to email for more information!
We look forward to riding with you!

How to Register for a Ride

CLICK HERE to register for an Audax K.C. event!
Contact the RBA if you have any questions!

 Audax K.C. is proud to host RUSA’s First-Ever Audax 600K!



The Heart of America Audax 600K

 


Saturday, May 24th, 2025


Start Location & Lodging:  Days Inn - 7721 Elizabeth Avenue, Kansas City, KS. 66112 

(About 30 minutes from Kansas City International Airport ~ Start/Finish Hotel updated 03/26/2025)


Overnight Hotel:  Holiday Inn Express - 221 E Ash St, Junction City, KS. 66441


Route / RWGPS Link: TBA (Route updates to come - see "Important Notes" section below)



All details are subject to change as planning is finalized in the weeks leading up to the event.




What is a “UAF Audax 600k?”


The Allure Libre style of randonneuring around which most of our RUSA and ACP brevets are structured allows riders to choose their own pace and navigate controls, so long as the distance is completed within the set time limit.  While this offers a lot of flexibility, often – even with the best intentions – different riding styles and control routines will find riders spending some time on the road in solitude. 

By contrast, the Audax style presents a unique opportunity to truly embrace the camaraderie of a team event by aligning the entire route to a set schedule and pace, wherein riders work together for the entirety of the ride.  Anyone who has ridden a Fleche will tell you, it is an altogether different challenge and very rewarding!

An Audax brevet is a test of consistency and endurance on a rolling average of not greater than 22.5 km/hour (14.0 mph).  The ride is led by route captains who set the pace, lead the group, and ensures the ride runs smoothly, safely, and on-schedule.


Full details and UAF guidelines can be found here: https://rusa.org/pages/rules-audax-uaf





Important Notes:

  • Rider Cap: Space is limited to 30 riders due to hotel availability at the start and along the route itself. Riders are considered "registered" when full payment has been received, in addition to registering and completing an electronic waiver. See "Rider Fee" section below:

    • Waitlist: Once the rider cap of 30 riders is reached, we will do our best to accommodate all those interested: Contact the RBA

  • Cancellations: In the randonneur spirit, we will ride rain-or-shine, but we’re not going to ride in a severe-weather outbreak or wildfire scenario. We reserve the right to change or cancel the event due to circumstances beyond our control that arise, without liability. Travel insurance for such eventualities is strongly recommended. See notes on refunds & cancellations in the Rider Fee section below.


  • Rider Fee: $160.00 USD

    • Riders secure their spot with a full $160.00 payment to the RBA

    • Pricing for the ride includes the following:
      • Junction City hotel (ride fee assumes a shared room - see notes below)
      • Lunch on Saturday
      • Dinner Saturday night
      • Light breakfast on Sunday AM
      • Lunch on Sunday
      • Expenses for our support staff toward getting riders through the sparsely populated Flint Hills of Kansas and handling logistics along the way

    • Lodging at the start/finish hotel is the responsibility of the rider:
      • Hotel contact at the Days Inn is named Bhumi 
      • Room rate quoted at $119 + tax (as-of 4/5/2025)

    • Refunds & Cancellations:
      • $50 of the ride fee is a non-refundable deposit
      • Up to 2-weeks prior to ride start: full refund minus the $50 deposit
      • Within 2-weeks to ride start: No refunds
      • Refunds do not include rider-incurred expenses such as travel or start/finish lodging



  • Overnight Lodging Details: The ride fee includes an overnight hotel room in Junction City. This is a shared room with two queen-sized beds, and is intended for two riders per room:
    • Email the RBA if you have a roommate preference (friend, travel partner, spouse)
    • Use the group email list or email the RBA to coordinate pairing up, being cognizant of gender, available spaces, etc.

  • Route Details: This is often the most highly requested ride detail, and as riders ourselves, we understand!  Final planning and adjustments to the route are being performed and will be communicated as soon as we have a good draft to share.  Watch this page for updates and get on our mailing list (link below) to stay in the loop!


  • Restaurants & Food: below is a list of restaurants we are working with for our event, in order of our arrival. Menu links are posted for each, to help prevent "menu paralysis" on event day:

      • Each control will have at least the typical regional convenience stores - including Casey's, Short Stop, and the like - all with the usual complement of "rando" fare
      • Food allergies & dietary preferences:
        • If you have a food allergy, dietary preference (vegetarian, vegan, gluten-free, etc.) please contact the RBA
        • While guarantees are difficult in this regard, considering the region and it's norms, we will do our best to accommodate your needs

    • Drop Bags: Our volunteers will transport drop bags for riders:

      • To preserve space in the support vehicle we recommend a small gym bag or standard backpack size

      • See the image below - this is considered a good size drop-bag

      • When packing, think of speed and efficiency, quick kit changes, weather-dependent adjustments, and keeping the team moving

      • See the content below on this page for seasonal weather info to help facilitate your planning

    This is the old RUSA drop-bag - this is a good size:  please consider this when planning.  The support vehicle will not be scaled to handle large duffels or suitcases - any of such should be left at the start/finish hotel.  There are lots of options online for inexpensive gym bags of this general size.











    Interested?


    • Register for this event using our online registration form, which includes links to sign a waiver and pay the ride fee




    More Details and Notes of Interest:


    Final Route details will be shared once finalized and approved with RUSA.
    This image provides a rough idea of the course as-of March 2025.



    Rough elevation profile of the course (effective March 2025)



    Regional Weather Information:
    The following is based on a rough center-point of the route near Topeka, KS.
    • Daily high temperatures range from 72°F to 81°F, rarely falling below 60°F or exceeding 90°F
    • Daily low temperatures range from 51°F to 61°F, rarely falling below 40°F or exceeding 70ºF
    • Average daily winds in the region are 11 MPH, however, Kansas is known for its wind:  some days can see sustained winds well above daily averages with gusts - the benefit of the team event is the opportunity of a good paceline!
    • Precipitation in late May in the region is generally low, but always possible.
    • Thunderstorms and localized severe weather are always possible in the region.

    Climate Averages for Temperature (Left) and Precipitation (Right) for Topeka, KS., based on 2020-2024 averages.





    Regional links of interest & history:

    The Kansas City, Lawrence, Topeka, and Flint Hills regions of Kansas are rich in history and full of hidden treasures.  Below is a list of points along the route, each linked to an interesting history video from YouTube by "Travel With A Wise Guy", a Wichita, KS. resident and history buff - enjoy!

    At this writing, Controls and towns along the route include:









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    Medals & Awards

    Medals & Awards
    Looking to push yourself? RUSA has lots of awards for distance milestones, special events, state exploring, monthly & season-long ride challenges, and more. Click the image to visit RUSA and find out more!

    Volunteers!

    Especially with our bigger events, volunteers help make it happen. If you, or anyone you know, has an interest in helping make our events a success, please contact our RBA, Spencer Klaassen. Thank you!

    About our Rides

    Randonneuring is self-supported long-distance bicycling. It is not a race but instead unfolds like a timed tour.

    Randonneuring events (called populaires, brevets, or permanents) vary in length between 100km (62 miles) and 1,200km (750 miles). Riders follow a pre-determined route via a GPS track and/or a cue sheet. Riders prove their completion of the course by collecting receipts and/or signatures from controls (usually convenience stores) along the route, and/or by way of their GPS track or other electronic means, depending on the event and its rules. One rides to finish within set time limits for each event, depending on route length. For example, the time limit for a 200km (125 mile) event is 13.5 hours, which includes any stops.

    Randonneuring celebrates self-sufficiency. This is where randonneuring differs from other cycling events like supported charity rides. On a brevet or a permanent, you are on your own ride. The self-sufficiency ethos of randonneuring means that you are responsible for your own pace, your own nutrition and hydration, your own repairs, and, above all, your own safety.

    Safety is of utmost importance. All rides take place on public roads. All riders should be visible, safe, predictable, and courteous to other road users at all times. Reflective gear and sufficient front and rear lights are required for any event that might begin or end in the dark. Read RUSAs rules on these points carefully and equip yourself and your bicycle appropriately.

    Randonneuring is a big tent where every rider finds their own challenge. Some might be on their first big ride and will set a goal to finish inside the route time limit, where others keen on speed may try for a personal best. Some riders consider 100km to be “plenty”, where others continue to push themselves to the longest distances. Some ride only gravel, some only pavement, and some enjoy a mix of both. Some riders crave the latest tech and carbon fiber frames, others prefer vintage steel or fixed-gear drivetrains. All are randonneurs, and we respect all of these riders.

    For many, randonneuring IS the goal. For those looking at a title gravel event or something even bigger, randonneuring is a great time and a great way to build a big aerobic base and set yourself up for success. All you need is a properly equipped human-powered bicycle, and a sense of adventure and challenge …

    We are all out to have fun and enjoy a good, long ride!


    Key Take-aways & Important Links:

    · All riders must have a current RUSA membership to participate in our events

    · All riders must obey local road laws and follow all RUSA regulations

    · Reflective gear and lights are required for any event that might begin or end in the dark - see RUSA's reflectivity guide

    · Visit RUSA’s FAQ page for even more details


    If you have ANY questions about the above information, please feel free to contact the RBA.