“Find your limit.” That’s the theme for Dirty Kanza 200—arguably one of the hardest single-day gravel races—with around 1,200 racers lining up for the full double century (and another 1,800-plus having a go at the 25-, 50-, 100-, and 350-mile courses). In any given year, depending on heat, rain, mud, humidity, wind, and the errant tornado, sometimes more than 40 percent of the field will fly the white DNF surrender flag. It’s become a badge of honor to finish this thing before the 3 a.m. (21-hour) cutoff, let alone earn a coveted Race the Sun print for crossing the line before sunset.
I finished two DK200s: 2013, when despite veering off course for a few miles, I managed a 3rd overall finish, and 2017, when I led my division until…
