Event Description:

The FHAT - Dawn to Dusk Rally is a fun-filled, non-competitive yet challenging experience, targeted towards the adventure/dualsport motorcycling and overlanding 4x4 communities.  The event will consist of a semi-supported dawn to dusk tour on the gravel roads of the Flint Hills outside of Emporia, KS.

Event Date:

Saturday, September 5, 2026

Event Schedule:

5:00 to 6:00 am - Rider Sign-In

6:30 am - Roll out

8:30 pm - Event concludes

7-11pm - Finish Line gathering.

Event Location:

Event parking at Lyon County Fairgrounds, Emporia, KS.Each route loop starts and ends at the Anderson

Building.  Restrooms available on site.

2700 US-50, Emporia, KS 66801

Camping:

Camping available by contacting the Lyon County Fairgrounds at

https://visitemporia.com/place/lyon-county-fairgrounds/

Route Description:

The route has been designed by Jim Cummins, creator and founder of the rideFHAT route (Flint Hills Adventure Trail).  This course will highlight the “best of the best” that the Flint Hills has to offer.

• The route will consist of two loops, both of which start and end in Emporia, KS. Each loop will be approximately 200 miles in length, for a total distance of 400 miles.

• Fuel range of 120 miles minimum is required.

• Participants will be allowed 14 hours to complete the two loops.

• Participants must check in at the start of each loop, and again at the end of each loop.

• This entire route is on open, public-access roadways, 95% of which is unpaved (gravel and dirt).

General Event Rules:

• All vehicles must be street-legal, with up-to-date registration and insurance.

• Participants must have a valid driver’s / operator’s license.

• Participants must obey all traffic laws, including but not limited to posted speed limits and stop signs.  This is NOT A RACE!!!

• Riders must carry basic tools and supplies in case of a flat tire or minor breakdown / mechanical issue.

• Participants must carry a cell phone.  In addition, participants are strongly encouraged to carry a personal tracking / emergency call device. (Such as a Garmin inReach.)  Should you have an emergency, it is YOUR responsibility to call 9-1-1, or other suitable rescue / emergency response service.

• Participants should come prepared to be self-sufficient.  You are on a personal adventure challenge, and You are responsible for You.  You must have someone you can call to come rescue you, should you break down and need help getting back home or back to Emporia.

• A support vehicle(s) with limited tools and supplies will be available to assist participants on course.  This is NOT a “rescue” vehicle, but simply a way to help you get back to Emporia should you have a non-emergency need of assistance.  Response time may be lengthy, so be prepared.

Full-Size Vehicle / 4x4 Requirements:

• Full size vehicles only.  No Side-by-Sides!

• 4WD/AWD vehicles only

• 29” minimum tire size

• Functioning seat belts and safety restraints

• The ability to self recover (winch, traction boards, hi-lift jack, come along)

• Navigational tools (Gaia GPS, OnX, Garmin, etc.) must be able to open and follow a .gpx file

• Adequate lighting

• All gear in the vehicle must be secured (no flying objects)

• Chainsaw not required, but highly recommended

• First aid kit

• Passenger must be registered at $50 per passenger

Motorcycle Requirements:

• 200cc minimum displacement

• DOT compliant Full Knobbies front and rear recommended

• GPS/Phone navigation and related mounts

• USFS stamped spark arrestor and no louder than 98 decibel exhaust

• First aid kit

Required Gear for all Motorcyclists:

• DOT approved Helmet

• Goggles/safety glasses

• Full length shirt/jersey and pants

• Gloves

• Full length boots

Route Navigation:

Event participants will be provided with electronic gpx files of the route, which they may download onto their personal GPS device.  These files will be the only means of navigation provided for the event.

Registration:

Participation is by pre-registration only, and will be limited to the first 250 individuals.  Registration will close once the field limit has been reached, or on 8/22/2026, whichever comes first.  Cost of the event is $250 per vehicle plus $50 for each passenger.

Your Registration Fee Includes:

100% of event proceeds will go towards the “Kansas to Dakar” fund-raising program, designed to assist Matt Ransom and Justin Jumet realize their goal of competing in Dakar 2027.  In addition, you will receive…

• All gpx files for each of the two loops.

• FHAT Dawn to Dusk Sticker.

• Event T-Shirt.

• Front Number Plate / Windscreen Event Decal, including event logo, rider/driver name and number.

• Limited Sag Vehicle support.

• Awesome “bragging rights” should you complete the entire route.

• Opportunity to bid on each of the following components off either of two “Kansas to Dakar” race bikes:

  • Front Navigation Tower Mask

  • Front Fender 

  • Left-side Radiator/Fuel Tank Shroud 

  • Right-side Radiator/Fuel Tank Shroud