Freedom Rides

Type of Event: 20 or 52 mile bike ride

Location: On-site at All Veterans Memorial (931 S Commercial St) and Virtual

Registration: Opens August 1

Event Date: November 9, 2024

Virtual Event Dates: Sept 11 - Nov 11

Time: For check-in and start times, see the schedule of events.

Please note that all registrations after 10/6/24 are not eligible for SWAG Bags or Hats! 

LCSB 20 Mile Timmerman Ride

With a shorter course, this ride is for everyone!  This is not a race but a ride through the South Lyon County countryside!  The route is over the gravel and dirt-packed roads on the leading edge of the Flint Hills. 

Proudly Benefitting USD 252 Honor Flight Program

Emporia Freedom Fest is honored to support and partner with the students and faculty/staff at USD 252 Southern Lyon County.  Annually students provide priceless memories and opportunities for over a dozen veterans from past conflicts to visit our Nations Capitol. EFF is proud to host this ride to provide financial support for the Honor Flight Program. 

In honor of SGT Grant Timmerman

This ride is named in honor of Sergeant Grant Timmerman, an Emporian who posthumously received the Medal of Honor for his heroic actions to save his crew during WWII in Saipan.

Merchant Cyles 52 Mile Eisenhower Ride

For the rider needing a greater length and challenge, this ride explores more of the Flint Hills in North Lyon County. The route is over gravel and dirt-packed roads. It was designed by Discover Gravel, LLC. 

​Proudly Benefitting the North Lyon County Veterans Memorial

Our route will take us North through Emporia towards the tiny town of Bushong. In Bushong, you will find a homegrown and hand built North Lyon County Veterans Memorial. This memorial is a work in progress and truly is inspiring to all who view it. Your ride also helps support the North Lyon County Veterans Memorial (NLCVM) committee's efforts to finish this Memorial Park. 

In honor of President Dwight D. Eisenhower

This event is named after Dwight D. Eisenhower, a former President, General and native of Abilene, Kansas who served as commanding general of the victorious forces in Europe during WWII.

Merchant Cycles Prize Packs - for the Top 3 Men & Women Finishers (onsite entries only)

Merchant Cycles 5 panel cap
Wolf Tooth All Condition Chain Lube
Chamois Butt’r Anti Chafe Stick
Chamois Butt’r Anti Chafe Cream
Merchant Cycles Water Bottle
Panaracer Gravel King
GU Chews

 

Virtual Rides

Pick your own 20 or 52 mile route, and complete anytime between 11 SEPT and 11 NOV.

All finishers will receive the awesome Freedom Fest swag bags and of course a chance to win one of our custom trophies or Emporia Main Street Gift Certificates.

One special request:

If possible, please pick a route that starts, finishes or passes your local Veterans Memorial, Park or Monument.​

When complete, here's your next steps:

  1. Send a screen shot (if you have one) of your time and route.
  2. Send a picture of you after your route and feel free to have a sign/poster or item celebrating a Veteran or the military.  Send all info and pics to [email protected].
  3. If local, please come to the Emporia Main Street Office at 727 Commercial Street and pick up your SWAG bag after November 11. If you're out of town, we will send your swag bag as well as post your run completion on our Facebook Event page and website.
  4. Post your pics and Freedom Fest adventure on your social media page(s) and don't forget the hashtag:  #emporiafreedomfest
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Are you participating in honor of a Veteran?

Let us help you Recognize that Veteran! When you register make sure you provide your Veteran's name.  Also, we would love to hear your Veterans story. Please send a picture, name, rank and branch, a brief description of their service to:  [email protected]

We will post your picture and writeup in the Hero's photo gallery as well as have their name on the sign in our walk of honor at the Freedom Fest Expo.