Cruise the Blues is one of the longest running bike races and festivals in Kansas. This year we are celebrating 23 years of friends, families, fun and fat tires on the Palen Farm! The 2-day format showcases some of the best mountain bike trails in the North Central Kansas region. This year we're bringing back the Lone Hill shuttle runs and Super D (downhill) Time Trials, Solo and Team Mountain Bike races, and the ever-popular Cruiz’n Kids races. Please note that we have decided to focus on our strengths – TRAILS! – and will not offer a gravel route in 2026.

SATURDAY, JULY 18, 2026
Festival Opens (Noon)
The festival grounds open Saturday at noon. Riders are encouraged to find a camping spot, check-in for registration, grab some food and ease into a great weekend of riding, racing and fun on the farm.

Camping on the Farm
Primitive RV and tent camping is free and available on a first-come, first-served basis. We do not have water or electrical hook-ups. Amenities include primitive restrooms, sun-heated showers and WIFI. Food and beverages will be available throughout the weekend from the food trucks.

Historical Display
In commemoration of our nation's 250^th birthday, we are presenting historical information about the 4^th of July celebrations that were hosted by the Gaston family in the early 1900s, particularly the1922 event that included bicycle races! We’ll also have the Lone Hill School Bell on display and information about this one-room school house that was located just a mile north of the farm.

Food Trucks
Texas Red’s BBQ and Ice Bros will both be on site this year!

Pre-Riding on the Farm
PLEASE STOP AT THE BARN TO SIGN A WAIVER AND GET A WRISTBAND BEFORE RIDING ANY TRAILS. Trails will be marked and open for pre-riding starting at noon Saturday. Riders are welcome to explore. Lone Hill shuttle runs will be offered from 2pm to 4pm Saturday. You do not need to be a registered rider to pre-ride the trails, including Lone Hill, but you must sign a waiver and get a wristband.

Super D Time Trials at Lone Hill (5pm) Must be registered
The 1-mile Downhill course features flowy berm turns, big jumps and progressive drops. All of the features are rollable, safe and fun for beginner level riders, but also designed for more advanced riders to boost! The downhill course, located on Lone Hill, about 1.5 miles east of the farm, features 200 feet of vertical drop. It is well groomed and suitable for all types of trail-ready bikes. Spectators are welcome! (Pro Tip: Bring an umbrella for shade!) We encourage all riders to participate safely, ride within your ability, and pre-ride the course several times before lining up for the Super D Time Trials.  PRE-RIDE --- RE-RIDE --- FREE RIDE

To the Stars Night Ride
Bring your lights! Riding in the dark is a whole new experience.

Live Music
Local musician, Henry Tice, will be sharing his talent with us in the barn Saturday night!

SUNDAY, JULY 19, 2026
Registration (7am to 8:45am)
Race registration will open at 7am. We encourage you to register online to ease congestion Sunday morning.

Breakfast (7am)
Texas Red’s will be serving breakfast and coffee!

Pre-Race Safety Meeting (8:45am)
The pre-race safety meeting informs riders of course conditions, race route and rules of racing, helping to ensure a safe fun experience. All riders are required to attend. Be ready to start the race immediately following. Please see the RULES PAGE for complete Cruise the Blues rules.

Rolling Start (9am)
The Solo and Team races begin at 9am with a rolling start around the farm. Please plan to attend the pre-race meeting at 8:45 and line up to race immediately following. Please note, only one member of a team should line up to start the race.

Mountain Bike Races (9 to Noon-ish)
The 6.7-mile course showcases the beautiful hills, creeks, pastures and fields of the Palen Farm with a fun flowy trail network! The course starts and ends at the farm near the barn. Riders are encouraged to ride as many laps as they desire until the lap cut-off time at noon.

Games (12:30pm)
We’ll keep the festivities rolling with wheelie contests and whatever other nonsense we can come up with!

Cruiz’n Kids Race (2pm)
This fan-favorite event is free and open to kids 3 years to10 years of age. All participants get a free snowcone from The Ice Bros and are entered to win one of two youth Retrospec bikes donated by Blue Hills Bikes in Osborne, KS!

Awards (3pm)
Podium finishers will go home with a custom laser engraved medal featuring George Washington! Trust us, you want one!

Last Call for Food and Festivals Close (4PM)
The last call for food will follow the closing awards ceremony about 4:00pm

Maps

Download Festival Map


Download Super D Course Map


Download MTB Course Map

CTB 2026 Registration