Take it slow.”Īll together, 14 area residents signed up for the Open Range this year. At the halfway point for the 100K course in Sun City, he said his strategy for the return trip to Pratt would be to “hunker down. He also noted what a gorgeous day it was. “I haven’t ridden this road since I was a kid,” Northway commented as the route wound its way down Croft Road. He also returns at least once a year to visit his mother, Irene Shumway. He grew up here and also graduated from PHS. Northway is no stranger to Pratt, however. In 2023, Dan Northway of Danville, California participated in the Open Range event for the first time.

It’s kind of a big thing that happens in a small community,” said Rowland. Every year, at least 10 members have assisted at the rest stop just outside the church, providing water and treats for cyclists (as well as a bathroom break), noted Jennifer Rowland, a member of Father’s House. Members of the congregation have provided support for Open Range riders since the event began. One group of volunteers worships at the Father’s House in Sun City. Volunteers help from check in, to set up, to check points, to tear down, overall cheering on riders,” he said. We received numerous compliments from our riders about the friendliness of our volunteers. Buhler has volunteered with every one of the Open Range Gravel Races. More than 40 volunteers assisted with the event, including three Pratt Public School Foundation (PPSF) board members and Open Range volunteers, Belinda Gimpel, Karen Blasi, and Don Buhler. “Everyone says they really like the community vibe here-from the volunteers to the community itself,” said Sutter. Cyclists taking part in this now annual event faced the challenge of riding either the 100K or 200K course as they headed south and west out of Pratt County into the Red Hills of Barber County.Īccording to event organizer Eric Sutter, this year the event raised almost $8,000, which will be donated to the Pratt Public School Foundation, Father’s House of Worship (Sun City) and Medicine Lodge High School Booster Club. It was a sight to see last Saturday in Pratt as 293 bright, multi-colored, Lycra-clad cyclists rolled up and down the brick streets in the 6th Annual Open Range Gravel Race.

Susan may pratt