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Dirty diaries: Instagram posts from Dirty Kanza riders

By CINDY HOEDEL

June 2, 2015 11:09 AM

Here’s one Dirty Kanza rider’s impression of the ride through the Flint Hills: mud and cows. dapper_cyclist Instagram

“Didn’t expect to see buffalo.” “Kansas is beautiful.” “My body shut down.”

Those were just a few of the dispatches from riders of the Dirty Kanza on Saturday. The grueling 200-mile race through the Flint Hills of Kansas ended in a photo finish, with the winner crossing the line just a hair after 13 hours. The second-place rider was a half second behind.

Many riders posted their experience using the #dk200 hashtag on Instagram. Here are a few of our favorites.

@amanda_panda_ having fun and winning the #DK200! This is some 20+ miles in. See latest images at http://adventuremonkey.com/blog/2015-dirty-kanza-200-images-first-look. #decadeofdirty #bikes #bicyles #gravel

A photo posted by Eric Benjamin (@feedyourmonkey) on Jun 1, 2015 at 12:37pm PDT

The #DK200 was shall we say EPIC on every level. It challenged the pros beyond previous races and it challenged the weekend warrior beyond anyone's imagination. #decadeofdirty #kansasgravel #gravelgoodness #gravelon #cantwaitforDK2002016 #doepicstuff #inspireyourselfdaily #rainorshine

A photo posted by @lindaguerrettephotography on Jun 1, 2015 at 3:54pm PDT

#Repost @velo_steef with @repostapp. ・・・ 200 miles is a long time to ride alone, so don't. I have so much gratitude for the men and women I worked with out on the road on Saturday. So many good moments and stories. Of note, the miles spent trading pulls with these two were amazing. They were so strong and I wanted to pull off and stop, but working together helped keep my head in the game. They could have dropped me so many times but they didn't. We stuck together for a long time and it made all the difference for me. Thanks @boobicycles and @reelmacaw for making Dirty Kanza better than I could have on my own. #dk200 #makethemhurt

A photo posted by Boo Bicycles (@boobicycles) on Jun 1, 2015 at 4:13pm PDT

Waiting our turn. ... #dk200 #artofstonegardening

A photo posted by Craig B. (@velocraig) on May 31, 2015 at 7:08pm PDT

Mile 13ish of 200...you know it's gonna be a #longday #dirtykanza #dk200 #mud #hikeabike #decadeofdirty

A photo posted by @mtntortuga on May 31, 2015 at 6:36am PDT

RIP my favorite mountain bike shoes. Used a damaged tube to make a strap on the DK200. #northwave #dk200 #decadeofdirty #dirtykanza #favoriteshoes #improvise

A photo posted by @_theonlyjuan_81 on May 30, 2015 at 5:07pm PDT

Didn't expect to see a herd of buffalo! #kansas #madison #dirtykanza #dk200

A photo posted by Robin (@rkay13) on May 30, 2015 at 12:28pm PDT

That's fine, I didn't wanna use the granny gear anyhow. #dirtykanza #dk200 #graveltandem

A photo posted by Bailey Newbrey (@baileygenenew) on May 30, 2015 at 8:39pm PDT

Muddiest I have ever been in my life. Multiple hike a bike sections, one to the extent of 3 miles. Water crossings constantly kept your socks and shoes soaked and mud puddles hid terrain drops and jagged tire piercing rocks. Multiple B roads that left you cleaning out your brake calipers with tire levers or sticks. Cows are nosey bullies of the prairie also. Went 158 miles and was told I didn't make the cut off by 15 minutes. This year's #DK200 wasn't my year. Props to everyone that made it. #DirtyKanza #GravelGrinding #cycling #biking #surlybikes #crosscheck #crosscheckdontcare #CowsAreBullies #FlatsForDays #singlespeed #tailwindnutrition

A photo posted by Brandon Davis (@dapper_cyclist) on May 31, 2015 at 9:56am PDT

#dk200 #decadeofdirty mile 58 water crossing. Lots of hike a bike

A photo posted by Tim B (@teetimetb) on May 30, 2015 at 9:43am PDT

This weekend the mud won. Bailey and I attempted to race the #dk200. We were fully prepared to kick some butt and complete the whole race, but Mother Nature had other plans for us. A destroyed side wall is what did us in. Sad that we didn't get to complete the race but so super stoked to have been able to watch and cheer on our friends and fellow Chicagoans as they crossed the finish line. Hats off to all those who attempted and all those who completed #dk200. You are all so tough! High fives and hugs to you all!

A photo posted by Allison Zmuda (@allisonzmuda) on May 31, 2015 at 9:47pm PDT

I was happy, but yet sad when I seen this at the Dirty Kanza check point.. #dirtykanza #decadeofdirty #dk100 #dk200

A photo posted by Troy Ochs (@troyo620) on Jun 1, 2015 at 6:56am PDT

Sent Daddio out of #cottonwoodfalls at 9:54pm. Looking for a #firsttimer finish right around 2 am! I could not be more proud of this guy! Come down and cheer him in! #decadeofdirty #dk200 #chasecounty #homestretch

A photo posted by Brandi Merriah Lopez Smith (@brandimerriah) on May 30, 2015 at 9:00pm PDT

The outpouring of love and stoke for Yuri's biggest win ever-is a humbling reminder of how lucky we are to share your friendship. #grateful #welcomehome #dk200

A photo posted by vhaus (@vhaus) on Jun 1, 2015 at 8:12am PDT

To reach Cindy Hoedel, call 816-234-4304 or send email to choedel@kcstar.com. Follow her on instagram.com/cindyhoedel, Twitter @CindyHoedel, and at facebook.com/cindy.hoedel.

This story was originally published June 2, 2015 at 11:09 AM with the headline "Dirty diaries: Instagram posts from Dirty Kanza riders."

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