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Unbound Gravel asks Chase County for OK on May 30 Highway 50 crossing; county urges sheriff sign‑off and safety measures
Summary
Unbound Gravel representatives asked Chase County commissioners for local guidance on a proposed Highway 50 crossing and a potential W‑road detour for the May 30 event. Organizers said they are coordinating with Sheriff Jacob Welsh, EMS and KDOT and emphasized certified flaggers, messaging for support vehicles and post‑event cleanup.
Andrew, an event‑production representative for Unbound Gravel, told the Chase County Commissioners on April 30 that the annual multi‑day cycling event plans to pass through the county on Saturday, May 30 and is evaluating a proposal to cross Highway 50 as part of a 200‑mile route.
The county was asked to weigh in on a possible shift in the route that would send riders over a local “W” road and then across Highway 50. Andrew said Unbound Gravel has been coordinating with Sheriff Jacob Welsh, emergency services and KDOT and is seeking early guidance about any local red flags.
Why it matters: the crossing would occur during a busy weekend that also includes a local rodeo, and commissioners and attendees raised safety concerns about the W road option, noting steep pitches, limited sight lines and historically risky sections of roadway. Andrew said organizers would use certified flaggers and are discussing either intermittent road closures or targeted traffic control with KDOT and RoadSafe.
Details and logistics: Andrew said the ride will begin stringing through the county about 11 a.m. and extend into the evening, with the Highway 50 crossing at about mile 125 of the longer course. Support‑vehicle routing and messaging were described as critical; organizers plan a shuttle between Matfield Green and Emporia for riders who cannot continue, and acknowledged that support crews may face temporary access limitations while certain roads are closed for parade/rodeo activities (estimated 2–4 p.m.).
On cleanup and community impacts, Andrew said Unbound Gravel plans day‑after crews to sweep the route and remove litter, noting the event’s international field and expected mixed results from some visiting supporters. He requested input from the county about preferred drive‑in routes for support vehicles and asked that the sheriff formally review any higher‑risk crossing before it is finalized.
Commissioner response and next steps: commissioners urged organizers to secure sheriff approval for any crossing and to provide detailed route and traffic‑control plans. No formal county permit action was taken at the meeting; staff advised Unbound Gravel to continue coordination with Sheriff Welsh, KDOT and RoadSafe and to return with finalized route information if changes are proposed.
The county’s next regular meeting is scheduled for May 11; county staff said they will revisit the event routing if organizers present updated plans.
