Quick Facts | Full Info Sheet | Entrant List
Join us for Biking Across Kansas 2018 as we celebrate the 44th annual bicycle tour across the state. We know you’ll enjoy great bicycling along with the hospitality of Kansas; the beautiful landscapes and history of the state; great people from across the country and abroad; lots of fun and laughter; and adventures, memories, and friendships that will last your lifetime.
Biking Across Kansas (BAK) is an annual, eight-day, bicycle tour across the state of Kansas. We promote health and wellness through bicycling, the history and beauty of the Kansas landscape, and the warm hospitality of the Kansas towns and people.
BAK 2018 is a recreational and social rally for cyclists. It is not an endurance contest, a race, or a test of stamina. Each rider should set a pace agreeable to his or her own degree of expertise. Capable riders of all ages are welcome.
The registration fee you pay to participate in BAK covers many things including but not limited to:
- Lodging - limited inside camping and plentiful outdoor camping
- Daily support - SAG (rest stops) with fresh fruit and water
- Gear transport
- Four meals including the end of tour picnic
- Swag bag including a BAK t-shirt, commemorative embroidered patch, and more
- Optional entertainment and activities including live music, museums, other attractions, and more
- Activities for tweens and teens
- Participant communication: e-newsletters prior to tour; evening meetings, daily info table, and text messages during the tour
- Route guide chock-full of maps, route notes, history and site-seeing notes, and entertainment and meal options
- And more!
Following is basic information regarding Biking Across Kansas. Much of the information aligns with the agreements made with the cities and schools in which we stay. Be sure you understand these policies, as you will be expected to comply.
REGISTRATION
Participants, including non-riders, of all ages must register.
Children under 5 and under, who do not ride, are free. Child care
services are not provided. Minimum age for unsupervised participants is
18. Participants (riders and non-riders) ages 0-17 must be accompanied by an adult at all times.
Biking Across Kansas Cancellation Policies
Participants may cancel their registrations and receive a partial refund through April 15, 2018. A $30 PER PERSON FEE WILL BE CHARGED FOR ALL CANCELLATIONS THROUGH APRIL 15, 2018. Absolutely no refunds will be granted after April 15, 2018. BAK registrations are non-transferrable and credits are not offered.
Optional trip/travel insurance is available for purchase through a third-party vendor.
Please note that Biking Across Kansas (BAK) does not make any exceptions to the cancellation policy including, but not limited to, employment, family, medical, or physical situations. BAK cannot allow transfers to another participant and cannot offer credits for a future tour.
In the event of my illness or injury during Biking Across Kansas, I agree that directorial or medical staff may determine that I cannot continue bicycling or traveling with the event for my own well-being and that of other participants. If this determination is made, I agree that I will leave the event within 24 hours, making my own travel arrangements, at my own expense, with no refund of entry fees. If my medical condition requires hospitalization in a BAK overnight city, I agree that Biking Across Kansas will not provide transportation to retrieve me after the tour has progressed along the route beyond that city. I agree to make my own travel arrangements at my own expense.
Optional injury insurance is available for purchase through a third-party vendor.
Submit your cancellation to cancel18@bak.org. Please supply your name and the registration number from your registration email confirmation. Refunds will be credited to the credit card you used when paying for your BAK registration. Please allow up to 30 days for processing.
Note: To cancel additional services, such as a chartered bus and/or tent concierge, contact directly the respective third-party service providers.
Cancellation of Event by Biking Across Kansas due to Acts of God or other Force Majeure Events
If, in Biking Across Kansas, Inc.’s (“BAK's”) sole discretion, the commencement or continuation of Biking Across Kansas and any related events and activities (collectively the “Activity”) are made impossible, impracticable, or unreasonably dangerous to participants, staff or volunteers due to the occurrence of any force majeure event, or credible threat thereof, including but not limited to any Act of God, fire, earthquake, acts of civil or military authority, casualty, weather, flood, war, terrorist attack, epidemic, insurrection, civil unrest, strikes or other labor activities, environmental conditions or any other similar cause beyond the reasonable control of BAK (“Force Majeure Event”), then BAK has the right to cancel all or any part of the Activity. In the event of any cancellation due to a Force Majeure Event, all registration fees are forfeited and will not be refunded by BAK.
Please understand, the Activity depends on many favorable conditions beyond BAK’s control, and in their absence, some part or all of the Activity may have to be cancelled. Please also understand, if the Activity is cancelled as a result, you will lose your registration fee. BAK strongly recommends that you obtain trip/travel or similar insurance to protect you if Biking Across Kansas must be cancelled due to a Force Majeure Event.
LODGING
Lodging is included in the entry fee. Overnight facilities (usually schools)
include showers, restrooms and grounds to pitch a tent. Some, but not all, facilities have air conditioning and Wi-Fi available. Portable toilets are available in the tenting area.
We expect half of the participants to tent outdoors and half to sleep indoors.
There
will be LIMITED space, depending upon the facility, for indoor sleeping and
BAK cannot guarantee
indoor sleeping space to all participants each evening. For those who wish to sleep
indoors, we recommend bringing a tent and alternating nights sleeping indoors and outdoors. This ensures participants a fair balance of tenting and indoor lodging. We strongly encourage participants to be prepared
to
tent outdoors if necessary. Seniors and those with medical conditions are allowed to sleep indoors each evening.
BAK does not permit the indoor use of sleeping cots, chairs or any other item that could damage the surface of a gymnasium floor.
Riders must provide
tents, sleeping bags, towels and other personal items. Participants are
also free to reserve (at their own expense) motel rooms, bed and breakfasts, or RV parks where available. BAK does not provide a list of or endorse any motels, bed and breakfasts or RV parks along the route.
BICYCLE PARKING & FACILITIES
Bicycles are expected to be parked outside at the overnight facilities.
Some riders choose to bring a bike lock for use at the overnight stop; however, bike racks and objects to which to secure your bike may not be available.
Some bring a lightweight cover to protect their bicycle from the rain.
Bicycle cleaning and repair
work must
be done outside. Bicycle cleats are not to be worn inside lodging facilities. Cycling shoes must always be removed before entering the facilities.
Overnight facilities must be in the same or better condition than
we
found them. This means trash in the trash barrels, and no litter lying
around the grounds. BAK is known for being an excellent guest and we work
hard to
maintain that reputation. Alarm clocks and radios are PROHIBITED in the
sleeping area between the hours of 10 p.m. and 6 a.m. There shall be no cleats, food , alcohol or smoking inside the lodging
facilities.
Kick stands shall not be used indoors.
The schools at which we stay are alcohol, tobacco and firearms free environments. All persons traveling with BAK must follow the same while on school property. Absolutely NO firearms or alcoholic beverages are allowed on school property--it's against the law.
E-BIKES
Please note that E-bikes must be self-supported on Biking Across Kansas. We are NOT equipped to provide mechanical support for E-bikes or SAG support to lift/transport E-bikes. BAK cannot guarantee access to the electricity to charge E-bike batteries and recommends that such charging in a public assembly area is supervised.
FOOD
Your registration fee will cover three or four meals, including the end of the tour picnic, throughout the week. These meals will be listed in the route guide, announced at evening meetings and posted on the electronic message board. All other meals will be your responsibility. Often local civic groups provide meals as a fundraising project. We make every effort to notify local restaurants weeks in advance.
BAGGAGE
Personal baggage will be transported by BAK. You are allowed two bags
not to exceed 40 pounds total and not more than three cubic
feet each. Due to space
limitations,
please pack only essential items. BAK does not permit the indoor use
of sleeping cots, chairs or
any other item
that could damage the surface of a gymnasium floor. Soft-sided luggage like duffel bags and dry bags are ideal. Hard-sided luggage is not recommended.
LAUNDRY
Participants typically visit a local laundromat at least once during the week. Seeing laundry drying on school grounds is a common sight as many wash their daily riding attire in the shower.
SUPPORT
BAK keeps several support stops (SAG stops) and vehicles on the routes daily between the
hours of 7:00 am and 5:00 pm (ending at 10:00 am on June 16). SAG stops provide
water and
fruit as well as assistance with minor medical and mechanical problems.
SAG stops are placed approximately every 15 miles in areas where local services are not available. Riders
should plan
to utilize the communities along the route and not rely solely on the SAGs
for support throughout the week. BE PREPARED each day and carry emergency
water, food and basic tools to repair a flat bicycle tire (pump, spare
tire, patch
kit, etc.).
WEATHER
BAK 2018 is truly a rain-or-shine ride. We will move each day regardless
of weather. Rain, although not good for bicycle bearings, won’t hurt the
riders as long as they stay warm and ride cautiously, preferably with blinking tail lights for visibility. If we should have a real cloud buster, temporary
shelter should be sought in towns or at farms along the route.
We don’t recommend riding in heavy rain or thunderstorms. June in Kansas
can also be hot, windy and sunny—be prepared with at least two water bottles
and plenty of sunscreen and lip balm.
HEALTH
AND SANITATION
It is the shared responsibility of both organizers and participants to maintain a sanitary and healthy environment during BAK. We urge the following steps be taken to prevent the spread of contagious illness within our group:
- Wash your hands with soap and water on a frequent basis.
- Carry hand sanitizer and use it frequently.
- If you feel sick at any time during the event, immediately notify a BAK medic or staff member.
- Stay home if you are recovering from the flu or other potentially contagious illness. It is better to delay your arrival until you are completely recovered or not to join the ride at all than to take the risk of spreading illness.
IMPORTANT: In the event of your illness or injury during Biking Across Kansas, the directorial or medical staff may determine that you cannot continue bicycling or traveling with the event your own well-being and that of other participants. If this determination is made, you will be asked to leave the event within 24 hours, making your own travel arrangements, at your own expense, with no refund of entry fees.
BAK has strict policies for the handling of food items, water containers, and utensils. SAG support staff and volunteers are instructed to enforce these sanitary policies at each SAG stop along the route. Upon arrival at each SAG stop, participants must remove their cycling gloves and wash their hands before refilling water bottles and/or taking food items. Participants will be expected to comply with these measures to ensure the well-being of the group.
GETTING TO & FROM
BAK
Each participant is responsible for making their own transportation arrangements to the starting point at
the Colorado state line and also for pickup from the finish point. If
interested
in chartered bus service, contact the vendors listed below. (Please note that bus services are provided at an additional cost and are not included in BAK registration fees. Biking Across Kansas, Inc. does not provide this service. Interested participants will deal directly with these outside vendors.)
Bus Service from Wichita, KS
FEES: Round-trip: $145; One-way $75
Note: The Wichita bus can not accommodate three-wheeled "trikes" due to space constraints.
Contact: Betty Dewitt
5501 N Sedgwick, Wichita, KS 67204
316.207.1869 cell
checks payable to: Betty Dewitt
Secure your seat on the bus by May 7.
Bus Service from Kansas City area (Lenexa, KS) (Lawrence, Topeka, Manhattan, Salina)
FEES: Round-trip: $200; $150 Lenexa to Tribune; $50 Leavenworth to Lenexa
Contact: Amy Cederlind-Hanna
12000 Linden Lane, Overland Park KS 66209
913.220.4177
email: BAKbuses@gmail.com
Download the flyer for complete details (pdf) »
RIDER HOSPITALITY SERVICES
Bubba's Pampered Pedalers will be along during the tour to provide tents, tent set-up and other hospitality services.
Visit Bubba's Pampered Pedalers at:
http://www.bubbaspamperedpedalers.com/schedule
(Please note that services by Bubba's Pampered Pedalers are provided at an additional cost and are not included in BAK registration fees. Bubba's Pampered Pedalers is a third-party vendor and interested participants will deal directly with the vendor.)
BAK SHIRTS
A t-shirt with the BAK 2018 color design is included with each
full and part-time entry. Shirts are Gildan Performance, a jersey knit with moisture wicking and antimicrobial properties.
Additional t-shirts may be purchased for $15.00. A long sleeve Gildan Performance t-shirt, a jersey knit with moisture wicking and antimicrobial properties, is offered for $20.00. All XXL shirts are $2.00 extra.
JERSEYS
BAK custom jerseys are available for pre-order for $75 each. FloraVelo Ladies' petite and tall jersey area available for $80.
Men's short sleeve jerseys ($75) are made by Peak 1 Sports.
Specifications:
• Club fit
• QUICKDRY fabric is moisture-wicking and breathable
• Three rear pockets
• Full-length zipper
• Elastic arm openings
• Silicone waist gripper
Women's jerseys ($75) are made by FloraVelo and are available in a sleeveless option.
Specifications:
• Two different technical fabrics provide moisture-wicking, anti-bacterial and UV50 sun protection properties
• Two back pockets plus signature side pocket
• Choose your size based on your typical size for a comfortable shirt; FloraVelo jerseys do not run small.
• Petite and tall sizes available for $80
CONDITIONING
To enjoy BAK 2018 to its fullest, you need to be in good/excellent riding condition. It’s time now to become serious about conditioning both yourself and your bicycle. Plan training rides for as many miles as you can—the more the better. Short rides won’t do as much good as the longer ones. It is important to ride as often as possible—every day if you can. Add some long rides on weekends of 40 to 70 miles. At minimum, you should be able to bicycle 30 miles in 3 hours or less. Many have found it is more enjoyable to ride at a faster pace. Be certain to training on hills and on windy days; you will encounter both during the tour.
If you don't like training alone, seek a bicycle club, show-and-go rides, or other cyclists in your area. Most clubs schedule rides on a weekly basis—it's a great way to meet other cyclists and learn how to ride safely within a group.
SAFETY & HIGHWAY
RIDING
Review BAK Safety Information
Inexperienced highway riders should study safety precautions and
Kansas laws and Kansas Bicycle Statutes. Generally, riders must break up into small groups
that do not pose a traffic hazard. The State law prohibits bicycles from impeding traffic and
does not allow riding more than two abreast. Single-file riding, is by far the safest way to travel on the highway. Most of the roads on BAK tours are lightly
to moderately traveled, but don’t let that cause you to lower your guard.
Highway riding requires constant attention. Ride Defensively! Helmets are strongly recommended and should be worn at all times when riding.
OTHER SERVICES
A bike mechanic and massage therapist also travel with the tour to bikes and bicycles are in tip top shape to make the trip across the state. Both charge fees for their services.
VOLUNTEERS
BAK relies on many volunteers to make the tour a success. If you are interested in learning about what volunteer opportunities are available, send an email to info18@bak.org
OTHER FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
Many other frequently asked questions are addressed HERE
PACKING LIST
A suggested packing list can be found HERE
|
