Here is the route I was talking about. It is part of a larger route I created and rode in part years ago called the Katy Cutoff that goes from Rush Center, KS, where it breaks off the TransAm Route to Murphysboro, IL, where it reconnects to the TransAm. All the files are in an older GPS format, and I am slowly converting it to RWGPS and adding the service points as I have time. I have either ridden or driven the entire route which primarily uses low-traffic state and county roads with a few longer sections of unpaved decent rail trail. I rode the original parts but have updated it over the years as old roads became busy and new trails were created.
I have given the main Katy Cutoff route (not the alternate route into KC) to about 3 dozen cyclists over the years, and all said they enjoyed it. While not shown, the various touring cyclist needed services (grocery, restaurants, camping, hotels, etc.) are generally available along the entire route but there are a couple of limited services areas, especially on the western side of the route. NOTE: I have not personally ridden Route GKKC which was created last year due to a request from someone who was doing the TA and wanted to go to KC and reconnect to the TA in Missouri. Route GKKC extensively uses bike paths and/or bike lanes in the greater KC area and was cross referenced with Strava’s heatmap. If you ride it, I would appreciate feedback on it.
Here is the overall Katy Cutoff collection of routes I have started putting into RWGPS:
https://ridewithgps.com/collections/57717 Again, the collection is still in the incomplete format but it is usable. For individual route segments, see below.
Rush Center to Kanopolis Jct (RCKJ-E):
https://ridewithgps.com/routes/41029275 . If you start in Larned, you would probably join this route Hoisington or near Claflin.
Kanopolis Jct to Lindsborg (KJLK-E):
https://ridewithgps.com/routes/42011613 Lindsborg to Gypsum (LGKS-E):
https://ridewithgps.com/routes/42011632 Gypsum to Council Grove (GKCG-E):
https://ridewithgps.com/routes/42011666 Council Grove to Ottawa (CGOK-E):
https://ridewithgps.com/routes/42011846 Ottawa to Gardner (OGKS-E):
https://ridewithgps.com/routes/42011909 *Gardner to Kansas City (GKKC-N):
https://ridewithgps.com/routes/42011426 *Kansas City to MCI Airport (MCI-N):
https://ridewithgps.com/routes/41440949 * = Part of the Kansas City alternate route of the Katy Cutoff
Out of curiosity, why are you going to Larned if you are starting in Colorado Springs? I would have guessed you would have joined the TransAm route either in Pueblo or Eads.
Again, I would like to receive feedback (new/closed roads, roads used to be paved are now gravel, closed hotels, etc.) if you ride this route so I so I can update them for the next person. Whatever you do, I wish you a wonderful tour! Tailwinds, John