From their announcement at Meetup.com.
“Check out the longest rails-to-trails project in Kansas! The trail is 51 miles long, so we can bike 51 miles from Ottawa to Iola, camp overnight in a tent at the RV Park in Iola, then bike back! The trail is crushed limestone, so larger tires may be preferred (mountain, cross, or hybrid bikes), but road bikes are certainly an option if you are comfortable on a packed gravel surface. The trail is a state park with a daily fee of $3.50 (so remember to bring 6 dollar bills and 4 quarters for the self-pay station)”
Want to join, but not up for 51 miles each day? You can begin at Princeton and ride 45 miles each day, Richmond and ride 38 miles each day, Garnett and ride 28.6 miles each day, or Welda and ride 19 miles each day.
We will stay overnight at RV of Iola, 8 blocks from the trailhead. The campground is brand new, offering a shower house and laundry facilities. Camping fees are $10.00 per tent. They requested that I call with an approximate number who will be camping, so please update your RSVP by August 23. If you prefer not to camp, a Best Western and Super 8 are nearby. Please make your own reservation and let me know not to count you among the tents when I call the campground.
Those interested in seeing the railroad museum should meet at the Ottawa trailhead at 9:00 a.m. This trailhead also happens to be the two-story passenger train depot built in 1888, which today serves as a museum. Exhibits include a model railroad layout; displays tracing the life of famed abolitionist John Brown; Silkville, the utopian community created to raise silkworms; a Victorian parlor, general store, military room and more. Museum Admission is $3 for adults and $1 for students.
We will depart from the depot on our bikes around 9:30 a.m. Bring plenty of water, sunblock, and snacks. There are restaurants to stop for lunch, as well as supper/breakfast in Iola.”
Event date is August 28th. Price is $17.00 per person.