The safety of our participants is our number one priority. Please carefully read this entire safety plan so you are prepared in the event of an emergency. Preparation for unexpected events, including medical emergencies, severe weather, and rural isolation, should be part of your event planning. Please develop a personal safety plan and let us know if you need any assistance. When in doubt, always err on the side of safety.

• Helmets Required: Helmets are mandatory during the cycling event. Helmets must be securely buckled and worn at all times while riding.
• Rules of the Road: Open Range courses take place on open public roads and designated private ranch sections. Participants are required to follow all Kansas traffic laws and rules of the road. Ride single file when motor vehicle traffic approaches, yield right-of-way where required, and remain alert at blind intersections and crests.
• High-Visibility Apparel: It is strongly recommended that all participants wear bright, high-visibility apparel.
• Lighting Requirements:
  • For Open Range 200k riders, a functioning front headlight (for illumination) and a red rear taillight (flashing or steady) should be used in hours of darkness
  • For Open Range 100k riders who anticipate finishing near dusk or after sunset, lights should be mounted and ready for use.
• Hand Signals & Communication: Utilize standard hand signals when turning, slowing, or stopping. Verbally alert fellow riders when passing ("on your left") or when encountering hazards (e.g., loose sand, ruts, cattle guards, livestock).
• Private Ranch Property Stewardship (Red Route Sections): Certain segments traverse private working cattle ranches by special landowner permission. Respect all private land: close any gates you open (unless explicitly instructed otherwise), pack out all trash, stay on the designated course line, and strictly avoid disturbing livestock.

• Dial 911 for Emergencies: In case of a serious medical emergency, life-threatening situation, or severe collision, dial 911 immediately.
• Rural Emergency Services: Emergency response throughout Pratt and Barber counties is supported by county sheriff deputies, local police departments, and rural volunteer emergency services (including Pratt Volunteer Fire Department and local EMS).
• Text-to-911 & Cellular Service: Cellular coverage across the Gypsum Hills and remote canyon roads can be intermittent or spotty. Note that most regional 911 PSAPs support Text-to-911. Because SMS requires significantly less bandwidth than voice calls, if your phone call fails to connect, attempt to send an SMS text to 911.
• Remote Response Times: Be aware that emergency response vehicles may experience longer response times reaching remote dirt roads, minimum-maintenance sections, or private ranch trails.
• Information to Provide Dispatch:
  • Caller’s full name and phone number
  • Exact location (mile marker on course, GPS coordinates, nearest crossroad/county road, or landmark)
  • Nature of the emergency
  • Injured rider's full name, race number plate, and estimated age
  • Known medical conditions, allergies, or medications
• Assisting Fallen or Injured Riders: If you encounter a rider needing medical assistance:

1. Ensure the scene is safe for yourself and others.
2. Call or text 911.
3. Report location, rider condition, vital signs (pulse, breathing rate, level of consciousness), and race number.
4. Stay with the rider until help arrives or hand off care to an official course marshal or volunteer.

• Checkpoints: Dedicated first aid kits and basic medical supplies are stationed at official course checkpoints (including Sun City and Medicine Lodge).

• Self-Supported Philosophy: The Open Range Gravel Race is fundamentally a self-supported gravel endurance event. While checkpoints provide essential hydration and basic support, riders are responsible for their own navigation, mechanical repairs, tools, spare tubes, plugs, inflation, nutrition, and personal safety.
• Drop Bags & SAG / Extraction: Review official event check-in materials regarding drop-bag protocols. Note that outside personal support crews are restricted to official public checkpoints. Bailout/extraction plans should be arranged in advance; SAG support is limited and priority is given to medical evacuations.

Kansas spring weather in late April can swing dramatically, ranging from brisk morning temperatures to intense afternoon heat and strong prairie winds.

Symptoms of heat-related illness include:

• Clammy skin or pale appearance
• Dizziness or lightheadedness
• Headache
• Severe muscle cramping
• Extreme thirst and dry mouth
• Excessive sweating or sudden cessation of sweating
• Nausea, vomiting, or stomach distress
• General weakness, fatigue, or fainting
• Decreased urine output or dark urine

• Hydrate Constantly: Drink before you are thirsty. Alternate plain water with electrolyte drinks (aim for roughly 1 bottle of electrolytes for every 1–2 bottles of water).
• Take Advantage of Refills: Never pass a water station or checkpoint without topping off your hydration packs and bottles.
• Sun Protection: High plains sun exposure is intense. Apply broad-spectrum SPF sunscreen before starting and reapply at checkpoints. Consider sun sleeves and UV-protective neck gaiters.
• Pacing & Rest: Pace yourself conservatively during the heat of the day, particularly through the climbing sections of the Gypsum Hills.
• First Aid Supplies: Carry basic personal care items (bandages, antiseptic wipes, salt tablets/electrolytes). Note: Avoid NSAIDs (e.g., ibuprofen) during severe dehydration due to increased renal strain.

Early spring mornings in Kansas can bring near-freezing temperatures, high winds, and rapid shifts in conditions.

• Symptoms: Intense shivering, loss of coordination, slurred speech, confusion, fumbling hands, numbness in extremities, and extreme drowsiness.
• Cold Weather Protocol: If you or another rider show signs of hypothermia, seek immediate shelter from the wind, remove wet clothing, layer up with dry windproof layers/emergency space blankets, and call 911 or alert checkpoint volunteers.
• Dress in Layers: Utilize breathable, wind-resistant outer layers, thermal base layers, packable wind vests/jackets, and full-finger gloves for early morning hours.

• Plains weather can produce rapidly developing severe thunderstorms, high winds, lightning, hail, and torrential rain that can quickly turn red dirt roads into impassable mud.
• Lightning & Severe Storms: Maintain continuous situational awareness. If severe weather or lightning approaches, seek immediate low-ground shelter or substantial structures. Do not remain exposed on high ridgelines or near isolated metal fences/structures.
• Natural Disasters & Acts of God: Open Range Gravel Race (Kaw Sports, LLC) reserves the right to modify, reroute, delay, or cancel the event due to extreme weather, tornadoes, hail, flash flooding, wildfires, or other hazardous conditions. Participant, volunteer, and community safety is the paramount priority. In the event of emergency cancellation or course alterations due to acts of God, standard race policy applies.
• Severe Weather:  If there is severe weather prior to the race start, it may be delayed and communication will be sent through email to the registered email address of the participant.  The Municipal Building at the Start / Finish Line has a storm shelter.  It is the riders responsibility to monitor the weather while on course and take appropriate action if weather changes.