Preregistering helps us with logistics for parking, prizes, and such.  Preregister via post card and get an extra prize raffle ticket. See the Register page for more info.

A cyclocross bike may work best, but gravel roads can be ridden on other bikes, such as hybrid, commuter, mountain, and road bikes. Do this on a unicycle, and you will be awesome. In short, ride whatever bike give you the most pleasure.

We are offering a 25 mile ride and a 50 mile ride. You can change your mind part of the way through and make the ride as long or as short as you want it.

Plan on at least a 10 mile per hour average, including stops. That would make the 50 mile ride last about five hours.

Yes. Well, it's no ride through the mountains, but if you're not used to rollers on ungraded prairie farm roads, it's going to seem pretty hilly.

In 2013, the 25 mile ride was 1,080 feet of climbing with a maximum grade of about 7.4% with a handful of 3%-4% grades.

The 50 mile ride was 2,950 feet of climbing with a maximum grade of about 7.4% with several 3%-5% grades.

Compare that to a 20 mile Taco Ride down the Wabash Trace Nature Trail, which is about 730 feet of elevation gain with a fairly steady 2% grade for about half of the ride.

You'll want to exercise caution when descending on the hills. It's easy to reach speeds of 30-40 mph if you're not using your brakes to check your speed. These speeds are not recommended at night, as you'll likely outrun your light.

No. You are on your own. Be prepared to do your own repairs for things like a flat tire, broken chain, dead batteries, and etc. Cyclists are a friendly bunch, and likely someone can help you if you are in trouble, but having the supplies you need, and the knowledge to use them is paramount when you ride out in the country.

Please bring the following items:

Yes. You really need lights.

Don't even show up without a light. You'll die, and that will really spoil it for everyone else.

Yes. Bummer, we know. It's a necessary evil. To sweeten the deal, you'll get an extra raffle ticket with a completed waiver.

$0.00. Nothing. Nada. Zilch. Zero.

See Parking for more information.

There may be some interest in a ride to the ride from different points around the city. If you want to lead such a ride, please send an email to info@gongride.com or discuss on the Facebook page. Be sure to check the News page and the Facebook page for updates.

At this point, it doesn't seem like there are any convenience stores or restaurants near the route that are open past midnight. There will be many opportunities to stop and regroup as necessary, but please be prepared with all of the food, water, and supplies that you'll need to make the entire ride.

With that said, the past couple of years have found the majority of GONG Riders stopping at bars near the route. These watering hole stops have been well received, so we may try to ensure the 2020 route feature something like that. 

No. It's a fun ride. However, feel free to challenge your buddies, especially to the top of the next hill. There won't be anyone watching a finish line, so consider using Strava to make your own virtual racecourse, if that's your thing.

Since this isn't a race, there are no prizes for top finishers. However, in the past, we've had some sponsors donate some swag to give away to participants in a drawing. Each participant will receive a prize raffle ticket. Submit a completed waiver, and you'll get one extra ticket. See the Prizes page for more information.

Update for 2020: We were too lazy to arrange for any prizes. Just come and ride.

Depending on the severity and forecast, we may still ride if it's raining. If we don't ride, we'll try again the following week.  

There will be some attempt to keep the group together, but there are no guarantees. It's also pretty common for smaller subgroups to split off so the fast people can go fast and the slow people go slow. However, don't forget, when it comes down to it, you are responsible for yourself on this ride. If you can't finish, you might opt to take paved roads back into town, or call a friend or relative to come pick you up.