We first rode this event back in 2018 as a test run to see if there was interest in the community—and the response was a definite yes. That initial ride helped kick off what eventually became Ottawa Bike and Trail. We rode it again in 2021, and now here we are this year, back in the saddle. This time, we ran it on a timetable—just like a train—and the idea moving forward is to stick with that same weekend each year and keep the schedule-based format rolling.
Our theme song for this ride is
“Train keeps a rolling”
Here we are—fueled by carbs, coffee, and questionable life choices. 08:00 sharp, May 18th, 2025. Ottawa Bike and Trail Bike Shop is the launch pad. The wheels were turning, the legs were churning, and the train kept a-rollin’—louder than our knees and smoother than our shifting (well… mostly). Our first bridge came just about a mile out of town, heading west from Ottawa, Kansas. It carried us over the Marais des Cygnes River—don’t ask us to spell it without help. The bridge itself could use a haircut, with tree limbs hanging over like it hadn’t seen clippers since Y2K. Still, the pedals kept turning, the shade was welcome, and the train kept a-rollinWe rolled onto the new section of trail—2.4 miles of smooth cruising and fresh gravel. Not long after, we crossed the bridge we celebrated and opened just yesterday. Still had that “brand new and proud of it” vibe, like it hadn’t even broken in yet. The train kept a-rollin’, right over the memories and into the miles ahead.
BNSF Flyover new trail bridge 05-2025 west of Ottawa KS 2 miles on the Flint Hills trails Rolling right along, we were cruising beside the BNSF double main line—two tracks wide and buzzing with freight trains pushing serious steel. With every rumble, it felt like we had backup singers. Somewhere in the back of our minds, “Train kept a-rollin’ all night long…” was quietly looping, like the ride had its own classic rock soundtrack. Gravel crunching, wheels spinning—the rhythm was set, and the train kept a-rollin’.We crossed Highway 68 in Franklin County, where the trail meets traffic with a bit of modern peace of mind—a pedestrian push button and a whole lot less stress. It’s got that “safe crossing” vibe, like even the signals know the train’s gonna keep a-rollin’.Pulled into the Pomona Trailhead for a quick pause—welcoming bathrooms, cold water, and a chance to shake the gravel out of our socks. Just like the song says, “The train kept a-rollin’ right down the line,” and here we were, making our own pit stop on that same track. Refueled and refreshed, the rhythm picked back up, and the ride kept on rollin’.Rolling back under Highway 68, we slipped through the tunnel like a train diving into a secret passage. Dark, smooth, and just long enough to feel like a quick blast from one world into the next. The train kept a-rollin’, no brakes needed.Vassal Kansas established in 1887 it’s also a half a mile from Pomona LakeHeading toward Osage City, we hit a “detour” that felt more like a secret express route—3 or 4 miles of nearly finished trail, fresh gravel under tires. We didn’t just follow the trail; we left our own tracks blazing through the almost-ready path. The train kept a-rollin’, and the adventure was 💋 sealed.Paused for a snap on the bridge spanning Highway 75, looking north—where the trail flies over the road and the train keeps a-rollin’Spotted in the wild: two riders on a secret mission, carefully setting up a barrier around a bird’s dust bath. Looks like they’re on team “Save the Bird,” keeping its survival spa undisturbed.We made it to Osage City—our lunch spot for the day, catered by CJ, who started this company just three years ago. I’ve personally ridden across Kansas with CJ, so it was great catching up and seeing how his business is thriving. Good food, good vibes, and the train kept a-rollin’!We got to visit the Osage City depot—a treasure trove of history with lots of interesting things inside to explore. Definitely a spot worth the stop on any ride.Miller Trailhead—here’s where we start rolling into the real Flint Hills of Kansas. The scenery shifts, the hills rise, and the ride takes on that timeless, rugged feel. The train keeps a-rollin’, and so do we.Flint hills KansasAt Bushong Trailhead, we stopped in town to visit a really neat World War II memorial. A powerful reminder that some gave all, so we could enjoy rides like this today. It’s the kind of history that sticks with you—and makes every pedal stroke feel a little more meaningful.This may be hard to read, but it’s a solemn reminder of the incredible price paid for the freedoms many take for granted every day. Lives were given, sacrifices made, so that roads like these could be ridden and communities like ours could thrive. When you pause and truly reflect on that, every mile pedaled feels heavier—with gratitude, with respect, and with a deep sense of purpose. It’s a humbling reminder that freedom isn’t free, and it’s worth honoring every single day.Some gave all. Their courage and sacrifice built the freedom we live in today 🇺🇸—a debt we can never fully repay but must always remember.Flint Hills, KansasTwo we rode out of Allen, Kansas, where the trail drops down into the Flint Hills valley—a sweet 6-mile cruise with a gentle 2 to 3% downgrade. Sounds like heaven, right? Well, the Flint Hills had other plans. Just as we were settling into the ride, thunder and lightning rolled in with a little rain to say hello. To top it off, I got a flat tire. Had to air it up twice, but hey—sometimes the trail tests you before it lets you through. Made it in one piece, and the ride kept a-rollin’.The Flint HillsThe green and beautiful Flint hillsThe 70+ mile ride wrapped up beneath skies that grumbled thunder and flashed lightning, with rain that came and went like a stubborn old friend. Flat tires tested our patience, but nothing broke the spirit that kept us rolling forward. Through the storm and the setbacks, big smiles and laughter echoed louder than the thunder overhead. Bonds were strengthened not just by miles, but by the grit, determination, and shared stories forged on the trail. This ride wasn’t just a ride—it was a reminder that no matter the weather or the challenges, the journey—and the friendships—are worth every drop of sweat and every turn of the wheel.Me and my buddy Larabe we’ve rode many miles together the past few years BAK and other events good times! He’s a great leader of the pack always thinking planning ahead.🚴🚴
Where backroads meet bold goals. ShauneNation is all about hustle, health, and high-mileage adventures. From railroad grit to two-wheel trips and side hustle scripts—this is real life on the move.
