Flint Hills Freedom Ride Coming June 1

Motorcyclists will travel Native Stone Scenic Byway and Flint Hills National Scenic Byway; benefit five worthy causes

Governor Sam Brownback invites motorcyclists to join him for the Second Annual Governor’s Flint Hills Freedom Ride on Saturday, June 1, 2013. The 100-mile ride will begin in Topeka, travel along the Native Stone Scenic Byway and the Flint Hills National Scenic Byway, and end at Council Grove High School. It will benefit five worthy causes – the Wounded Warrior Fund (now known as Soldier and Family Assistance Center), Brothers in Blue Re-entry, Army Community Service at Fort Riley, the Native Stone Scenic Byway and the Flint Hills National Scenic Byway. 

On-site registration begins at 8:00 a.m. on the south lawn of the Capitol (online pre-registration is strongly encouraged to minimize delays at the event). A group photo will be taken with the Governor at 9:30, followed by a Blessing of the Bikes and Riders at 9:45. Kickstands Up is at 10:00. This year, the ride includes a bike show, which will begin setting up at 11:30 when the first riders arrive at Council Grove High School.  At 2:00, Governor Brownback will honor veterans,Fort Riley soldiers and families for their dedication to freedom. The bike show, games, and entertainment will follow.  The bikes will be judged from 2:00 to 3:00, and awards will be given out at 4:00.  The public is encouraged to attend this family-friendly, alcohol-free event.

Online pre-registration is strongly encouraged. A $25 fee per person is required to participate, and those pre-registered by May 15 will receive a Flint Hills Freedom Ride t-shirt with their registration fee. Additional t-shirts will be available the day of the ride on a first come, first served basis. Complete ride details and registration are available online atfhfreedomride.ksoutdoors.com.  Participants are asked to keep their receipts for gas and purchases the day of the ride and turn them in at Council Grove to be eligible for prizes.    

Vendors are invited to set up at Council Grove High School. Electricity will not be available, but generators will be allowed.  Corporate partnerships opportunities are also available. Visit the website above for vendor and sponsorship information.

The partner groups organizing the ride include the Governor’s Office, Fort Riley; Kansas Department of Wildlife, Parks and Tourism; Kansas Department of Corrections; Kansas Department of Transportation; Brothers in Blue Re-entry; members of the Council Grove community and community leaders; ABATE of Kansas; Wabaunsee County Economic Development; and Christian Motorcycle Alliance.