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Ottawa Bike & Trail asks Franklin County for tourism sponsorship to promote cycling events
Summary
Jeff Carroll, owner of Ottawa Bike & Trail, asked the county for tourism sponsorship to promote rides and events (Moonrise, Bad Astra, others). He said the county already draws many nonlocal riders and that Moonrise drew ~251 riders this year (about 280 participants including volunteers) and that 90% of registrants are from outside Franklin County.
Jeff Carroll, owner of Ottawa Bike & Trail, presented an update and request to the commission on Jan. 28, asking for county tourism sponsorship to promote cycling events and attract visitors to Franklin County. Carroll highlighted county assets including the Prairie Spirit and Flint Hills trails (Hall of Fame designations) and said Franklin County's gravel roads and proximity to regional population centers support bicycle tourism.
Carroll cited participation and outreach numbers: Moonrise had 251 registered riders (about 280 participants including roughly 30 volunteers) this year; he said the event drew visitors from across the U.S. (including a rider who traveled from Hawaii), and that approximately 90% of registrants came from outside Franklin County. He requested sponsorship funds to support paid social media, video production, radio advertising (KOFO) and promotion on national bicycle-event sites to grow attendance.
Carroll said his shop will assume management of the Bad Astra gravel race after the previous organizer moved away. He said weekly rides and local events serve both residents and visitors and that increased promotion would benefit hotels and local businesses.
Commissioners asked scheduling and logistics questions; Carroll confirmed Moonrise planning targets a goal of 350 participants and identified May dates for related events. No formal action on sponsorship was recorded in the transcript.
