Annual Rib Ride 2025: 30 Riders, One Tavern, Endless Smiles

Group of 30 bicyclists posing in the park at Williamsburg, Kansas – Rib Ride 2025
Cyclists gather in Williamsburg Park during the Rib Ride 2025 loop.

Every late August or early September, around Labor Day weekend, cyclists from all over the area roll into the Rib Ride for a day that’s all about fun, friendship, and pedal-powered adventure. In 2025, about 30 of us took off from two different starting points — Garnett, a hearty 52-mile round trip, and Princeton, a breezy 22-mile loop — all riding toward the irresistible smell of Guy & Mae’s legendary ribs. Organized by our good friend Doug Linder, the ride is always open to anyone who loves bikes, laughter, and sharing the road with a welcoming group of fellow riders.

Rolling Out from Garnett: The 2025 Rib Ride

Garnett water tower at the start of the 2025 Rib Ride
The iconic Garnett water tower, marking the starting point for our 2025 Rib Ride adventure

The Garnett Kansas water tower marks the corner turn in town and is a familiar landmark for locals, including the police officer who keeps an eye on traffic there. For the 2025 Rib Ride, this iconic tower also signaled the start of our journey, just a short ride from the Historical Depot on the Prairie Spirit Trail. From here, cyclists rolled out toward a day of pedal-powered adventure, camaraderie, and the legendary ribs at Guy & Mae’s Tavern.

Route from Garnett KS to Guy & Mae’s Tavern Williamsburg KS

Map of cycling route from Garnett to Guy & Mae’s Tavern showing roads, landmarks, and turn-by-turn path.
Our 2025 Rib Ride route from Garnett to Guy & Mae’s Tavern. Cyclists follow this scenic path through small towns, open fields, and iconic Kansas landmarks.

This Ride with GPS route map shows our cycling route from the Prairie Spirit Trailhead in Princeton to Moss Tavern in Williamsburg. For context, the ride is about 22 miles round-trip, mostly a straight stretch with just one small turn, making it a shorter but still scenic ride compared to the Garnett route.

Route from Princetion to Guy & Mae's Tavern Williamsburg KS

Map screenshot of the cycling route from Princeton to Williamsburg and back, highlighting Moss Tavern as the midway stop.

This Ride with GPS route map shows our cycling path from the Prairie Spirit Trailhead in Princeton to Moss Tavern in Williamsburg. The ride is about 22 miles round-trip, mostly a straight stretch of trail with an easy rhythm and just a few gentle turns. It’s a shorter version of the Garnett ride but still delivers plenty of scenery and camaraderie.

A Majestic Roll-By at Valley View Elk Ranch

Bull elk at Valley View Elk Ranch spotted during the 2025 Rib Ride
Rolling by Valley View Elk Ranch, cyclists caught a glimpse of this magnificent bull elk

“This photo captures a bull elk seen at Valley View Elk Ranch, just a few miles outside Garnett. During the 2025 Rib Ride, cyclists rolled past the ranch, enjoying a fleeting but memorable glimpse of local wildlife. I realize the quality of the picture isn’t great—sorry, we were rolling too fast on the bike!”

Riding Kansas Highways: Cornfields, Junctions, and a Warm Welcome in Harris

Cyclists riding on Kansas Highway 31 with no shoulder, surrounded by open countryside
Pedaling along Kansas Highway 31, enjoying the quiet road and wide-open country.
Scenic view of Kansas Highway 31 with open fields and a cloudy sky
A peaceful stretch of Kansas Highway 31, with open fields and a dramatic cloudy sky.

Rolling into Harris, Kansas

Sign for Harris, Kansas, marking the entrance to the town. Title: Rolling into Harris, Kansas
Entering the quiet town of Harris, Kansas on our ride.
Dirt road with a makeshift 14-foot ladder barrier and flag to slow traffic.
A creative setup to slow down riders and vehicles on a small dirt road turn.

As we approached Harris, Kansas—a small unincorporated community with a rich history tied to the Kansas, Nebraska & Dakota Railroad (historyandersoncoks.org)—we encountered an unexpected and charming scene. On the paved turn leading into town, we noticed a makeshift traffic-calming setup: a 14-foot ladder propped on cinder blocks with a flag atop, standing in the middle of the road. At first, we weren’t sure what to make of it, but a friendly local, originally from Harris and now back after retirement, came out from a nearby yard to greet us. He offered water and shared a warm welcome, embodying the kind of hospitality that makes small-town Kansas so memorable. His gesture added a personal touch to our ride, reminding us of the simple kindness that often defines rural communities.

Sacred Heart Catholic Church, Newbury, Kansas

A picturesque view of Sacred Heart Catholic Church atop a hill in Newbury, Kansas.
The majestic Sacred Heart Catholic Church, standing proudly atop a hill in Newbury, Kansas.
Corner of Sacred Heart Catholic Church with a large cedar tree, looking south across the Kansas countryside under a cloudy sky
A serene view from the corner of Sacred Heart Church, framed by a majestic cedar tree, looking south over the sprawling Kansas countryside.

Perched on a hill in the small town of Newbury, Kansas, Sacred Heart Catholic Church is a testament to the area’s rich history and architectural beauty. Established in the late 19th century, the church has served as a spiritual center for the community. Its location atop the hill offers panoramic views of the surrounding Flint Hills, making it a serene and reflective stop for visitors.

Between the Sacred Heart Church and Williamsburg

Old unused bridge on a farmer’s land between Sacred Heart Church and Williamsburg, Kansas, under cloudy skies.
Just a little bridge linking Sacred Heart Church to Williamsburg—a hidden gem on our ride under the cloudy Kansas skies

During a gentle seven-mile ride through Williamsburg’s rolling hills, we came across this charming, short bridge on a farmer’s property. Though no longer in use, it quietly sits between the Sacred Heart Church and the town of Williamsburg, framed by a sky full of clouds

Add Your Heading Text Here

Bicycles lined up outside Guy & Mae’s Tavern in Williamsburg, Kansas, as riders wait for the 11 o’clock opening.
Bikes at the ready outside Guy & Mae’s Tavern—waiting for the 11 o’clock hour to roll in for a well-earned stop.
Friends gathered inside Guy & Mae’s Tavern in Williamsburg, Kansas, ordering their meals and enjoying each other’s company after a morning ride.
Settling in at Guy & Mae’s Tavern, sharing laughs and ordering meals after a cheerful ride through the hills

A cheerful ride through gentle rolling hills brought our group to Williamsburg. Bikes lined up outside Guy & Mae’s Tavern as friends greeted each other, laughed, and caught up on old times, eagerly waiting for the 11 o’clock opening—ready to enjoy the food, the conversations, and that first ice-cold sip of water. Once inside, we settled around tables, sharing stories, enjoying our meals and cold drinks, while keeping in mind the ride still ahead. A perfect morning of riding, reconnecting, and soaking up small-town camaraderie.

Big Paragraph for Leaving Scene

Cyclists and motorcyclists leaving Guy & Mae’s Tavern in Williamsburg, Kansas, bikes and noisy motorcycles on the street, friends sharing smiles and laughter as they head out.
Rolling out together—cyclists and motorcyclists leaving Guy & Mae’s Tavern, laughter, noisy motorcycles, and even a few curious cats along the way.

After enjoying our meals and catching up, our group got ready to leave Guy & Mae’s Tavern. At the same time, six or eight motorcyclists who had been dining with us were also heading out. It was a great moment of camaraderie, with friendly nods and smiles exchanged—proof that real men ride both pedal bikes and motorcycles. Bikes mounted, helmets on, and engines revving, everyone rolled out together, sharing that small-town spirit of mutual respect and love for the road.

Choosing the Scenic Route: Chip-and-Seal Ride Toward Princeton Trailhead

Group of cyclists riding on a chip-and-seal road toward Princeton Trailhead, Kansas. Riders pause as one cyclist deals with rear tire trouble, while friends offer support before continuing
Riding the chip-and-seal road toward Princeton Trailhead, stopping to help with tire troubles, and keeping the ride friendly and safe.
John Deere tractor working in a field along the scenic route to Princeton, Kansas, with clouds overhead and farmland stretching into the distance.
Catching a moment of Kansas farm life—tractor at work under cloudy skies on the ride to Princeton Trailhead.

On the ride toward Princeton Trailhead, our group enjoyed scenic chip-and-seal roads, but I ran into rear tire trouble. True to the spirit of camaraderie, everyone refused to continue until the problem was resolved—no rider left behind. Along the way, we passed a John Deere tractor working in a field under dramatic Kansas skies—a perfect break and a glimpse of rural life. Arriving at Princeton Trailhead, we met up with others who had started on the Prairie Spirit Trail, sharing hellos, goodbyes, and friendly chatter before some of us continued the ride back to Garnett with a few more stops along the way.

Solo Stretch to Garnett: Highway 59 to Prairie Spirit Trail

Cyclist riding along a curve on Highway 59 in Kansas, with a wide 12-foot shoulder and dramatic clouds overhead.
Solo on Highway 59, taking in the dramatic Kansas skies and wide shoulder on this scenic turn.
Cyclist approaching the town sign of Richmond, Kansas, with a welcoming view of the town's main street and countryside.
Rolling into Richmond, Kansas—a town with a rich history and a warm welcome. Founded in 1870, Richmond is a perfect stop for cyclists exploring the Prairie Spirit Trail.
Front of Highway 59 Service, an old-time gas station in Richmond, Kansas, with a humorous sign by the door.
Stopping at Richmond’s Highway 59 Service, the town’s iconic and only “take a leak” spot, where a familiar face unexpectedly showed up.

After riding from Princeton to Richmond on Highway 59, I stopped at Highway 59 Service, a gas station I’d never visited. I was pleasantly surprised to run into my doctor, who was there with friends and family. He kindly picked up my tab, and we had a great conversation, catching up and sharing a laugh. No need to remind me to get out and exercise—I’ve got that covered. A memorable stop that added a cheerful moment to my solo ride.

Richmond to Garnett: Prairie Spirit Trail Finale

Cyclist riding along the paved and crushed limestone Prairie Spirit Trail surrounded by lush green trees on a sunny day
Enjoying the smooth ride on the Prairie Spirit Trail, a scenic old railroad bed lined with trees
Bicycle parked on a wooden bridge over the Ponowanami River along the Prairie Spirit Trail
Pausing on the bridge to admire the Ponowanami River view along the Prairie Spirit Trail
Yellow flowers hanging over the Prairie Spirit Trail, framing the path
A splash of yellow blossoms brightens the Prairie Spirit Trail, creating a scenic moment for riders

After a few more miles past the flowers, I arrived at North Lake in Garnett, where my wife and Grover greeted me. The ride had been a celebration of freedom, friendship, and the beauty of the rolling countryside. From the cheerful climbs and scenic trails to the laughter shared at taverns and trailheads, the day reminded me once again why cycling is about more than miles — it’s about the joy, the camaraderie, and the memories made along the way.
#Ribride2025

Leave a Reply