Biking Across Kansas

Entrant List 2023

Join us for Biking Across Kansas 2023 for the classic cross-Kansas tour. Biking Across Kansas (BAK) is more than a bike ride. It’s an experience. We know you’ll enjoy great bicycling and adventure along with the generous hospitality of Kansas including beautiful landscapes, historical points of interest, great people from across the country and abroad, lots of fun and laughter, and adventures, memories, and friendships that will last a 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 2023 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.

$335 Full-time participant, ages 18 and over (includes riders and non-riders)
$225 Junior participant, ages 6-17 years old (includes riders and non-riders)
$5 Child participant, ages 0-5 years old (non-riders accompanied by parent or guardian)
$95 (per day) Part-time participant (anyone age 6 and above riding one to three days; days must be consecutive)

Minimum number of participants: 400
Maximum number of participants: 800

Note: A participant is any individual (rider or non-rider) traveling with the BAK tour.
Participants, including non-riders, of all ages must register.

The registration fee you pay to participate in BAK covers many things including but not limited to:

  • Plentiful outdoor space for tent camping with portable toilets in the designated camping area and LIMITED indoor camping in school gymnasiums
  • Daily support - SAG (rest stops) with fresh fruit and water
  • Gear transport
  • Three meals plus 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, historical attractions, points of interest, and more
  • Activities for tweens and teens
  • Participant communication – e-newsletters prior to tour; daily info table, text messages, and evening meetings 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 host 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. 
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.

Note that both vaccinated and unvaccinated persons will be participating in this tour. (See Health and Sanitation section for information on preventing the spread of contagious illnesses within our group and in the communities through which we travel and stay.)

Biking Across Kansas Cancellation Policies 
Participants may cancel their registrations and receive a partial refund through April 15, 2023. A $30 PER PERSON FEE WILL BE CHARGED FOR ALL CANCELLATIONS THROUGH APRIL 15, 2023. Absolutely no refunds will be granted after April 15, 2023. BAK registrations are non-transferrable and credits are not offered. 
 
To protect yourself, consider purchasing optional trip cancellation insurance.  
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.

If I exhibit symptoms commonly associated with or test positive for COVID-19 immediately prior to the Event, I agree to stay home and not attend. If I exhibit symptoms commonly associated with or test positive for COVID-19 during the Event, I agree to immediately isolate myself from other participants, to cease participating in the Event until testing negative for COVID-19, and to be responsible for my own medical care and transportation. In the event of any other illness or injury during the BAK 2023 Tour, 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 city on or near the BAK route, I agree that Biking Across Kansas will not provide transportation to retrieve me. I agree to make my own transportation arrangements at my own expense.

Submit your cancellation
to cancel23@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 the BAK 2023 Tour 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, pandemic, public emergencies, 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 the BAK 2023 Tour must be cancelled due to a Force Majeure Event.

LODGING
Schools serve as BAK's overnight accommodations and home base each day. Since the outbreak of COVID-19, the majority of participants have chosen to tent outdoors on school grounds, and BAK continues to recommend that you be prepared to do so as well. LIMITED indoor sleeping in school gymnasiums will be available. Seniors and those with medical conditions have first priority. Those sleeping indoors do so at their own risk.

Your safety, the safety of other riders, and the safety of the communities in which we stay are our highest priority. Note that we are required to abide by KDHE, county, city, and host school districts’ respective regulations/ordinances/mandates that are in place, if any, regarding COVID-19 at the time of the June tour. BAK will be monitoring the situation and will keep you updated.

For outdoor sleeping, riders must provide their own tents or secure tent rental/set-up services through Alpaca Adventure Tours. Riders must also provide their own sleeping bags/gear, towels, and other personal items.
All lodging, outdoor and indoor (if available), at the schools in our host cities is included in the entry fee. Overnight facilities include showers, restrooms, and grounds to pitch a tent. Some, but not all, facilities have air conditioning and Wi-Fi available. All riders are welcome to use the indoor facilities to shower and cool down after riding each day as well as relax in the common areas. Portable toilets are available in the tenting area.

If you plan to stay off-site, reserve (at your own expense) motel/hotel rooms, bed and breakfasts, or spaces at RV parks where available. BAK does not endorse any motels, hotels, bed and breakfasts, or RV parks along the route.

Note that 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.

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 left in the same or better condition than we found them. This means trash in the trash barrels, and no litter lying around the grounds or inside. 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, e-cigarette, 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.

EBIKES
If you’re considering riding an ebike on BAK, here’s what you should know if you are thinking about bringing your ebike on BAK:
• You are responsible for ensuring your ebike is fully charged before the start of each day.
• BAK cannot guarantee access to the electricity to charge E-bike batteries.
• Daily mileage on BAK may exceed the battery range of your ebike. If this happens, you will be expected to complete the day’s ride under your own power. Transportation to the overnight town will not be provided in the event of battery depletion.
• Mechanical support for ebikes may be very limited or not available on the ride.
• BAK staff and volunteers will not lift or transport ebikes.

While we recognize the growing popularity of ebikes and acknowledge their potential to increase the accessibility of road cycling to some riders who might not otherwise be able to ride a bike for significant distances, BAK is a self-propelled tour, and we cannot accommodate the unique situations presented by the addition of ebikes. If you choose to bring your ebike on BAK, you must be prepared to handle each of the above issues in a self-sufficient manner.

FOOD
Your registration fee will cover three meals throughout the week plus the end of the tour picnic. These meals will be listed in the route guide, announced via text messages, 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 11:00 am on June 17). SAG (rest) stops provide water and fruit as well as assistance with minor medical and mechanical problems. SAG stops are placed approximately every 15-20 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 2023 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
Your safety, the safety of other riders, and the safety of the communities in which we stay is our highest priority. In addition, we will be required to abide by the host school districts’ respective regulations/mandates that are in place at the time of the June tour.

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 illnesses 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 test postive for, or are recovering from COVID-19, the flu or other contagious 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. SAG stops will include hand sanitizer, handwashing stations, and sanitization/disinfectant solution/supplies for cleaning surfaces. Whole fruit, single serve wrapped snacks, and hands-free water spigots. Upon arrival at each SAG stop, participants must remove their cycling gloves and wash their hands prior to being served at any SAG stop..

Participants are required to follow any/all COVID-19 regulations/ordinances that are in place at the time of ride in the various cities and counties through which we will ride and stay. In addition, CDC recommendations active at the time of the ride will be followed.

SAG stops will include hand sanitizer, handwashing stations, and sanitization/disinfectant solution/supplies for cleaning surfaces. Whole fruit, single serve wrapped snacks, and hands-free water spigots. Handwashing will be required prior to being served at any SAG stop.

Each participant will be required to abide by the Illness/Injury and COVID Compliance outlined in the Biking Across Kansas, Inc. | BAK 2023 Release Form. (Review full release form here.)

ILLNESS/INJURY: If I exhibit symptoms commonly associated with or test positive for COVID-19, I agree to immediately isolate myself from other participants, to cease participating in the Event until testing negative for COVID-19, and to be responsible for my own medical care and transportation. In the event of any other 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.

COVID COMPLIANCE:  I agree to abide by the COVID-19 public health regulations of the jurisdictions in which the Event occurs, including wearing a mask when not cycling, unless excused by local law. I agree that my failure to comply shall be grounds for my expulsion from the Event with no refund of entry fees by BAK.

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: $210 ; One-way $160 Wichita to Elkhart, with pickups available in Kingman, Pratt, Greensburg; One-way return Pleasanton to Wichita
Contact: Zach and Phet Brewer
12001 Meribeau Court, Wichita, KS 67235
316.258.0241
email: brewerzach@sbcglobal.net
Download the flyer for details and registration form (pdf) »


Bus Service from Kansas City area (Lenexa, KS) (Lawrence, Topeka, Manhattan, Salina)
FEES: Round-trip: $210; $155 Lenexa to Elkart; $55 Pleasanton 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
Alpaca Adventure Tours will be along during the tour to provide rental tents with daily setup/teardown services each night at the overnight stops. Rental also include luggage transport and delivery, air mattress, "The Juice Bar" for charging electronics via USB, camping chairs, shade, fans, misting station, snack/cold drinks at camp, morning coffee.

Visit Alpaca Adventure Tours to review and register for their services. (Please note that services by Alpaca Adventure Tours are provided at an additional cost and are not included in BAK registration fees. Alpaca Adventure Tours is a third-party vendor and interested participants will deal directly with the vendor.)

BIKE MECHANIC
Ottawa Bike and Trail is returning to provide bike mechanic and light retail services. (Fee for service) Watch for future BAK e-News for tips on preparing your bicycle for BAK. Here is a link to their BAK rider support page.

MASSAGE THERAPISTS
Massage therapists also travel with the tour to ensure are in tip top shape to make the trip across the state. (Fee for service)

BAK SHIRTS
A t-shirt with the BAK 2023 color design is included with each full and part-time entry. Additional t-shirts may be purchased for $15.00. A long sleeve shirt is offered for $20.00. T-shirt sizes XXL and larger are an extra $2.00.

JERSEYS
BAK custom jerseys are available for pre-order with registration for $75 each or will be available separately on the BAK Online Store in February. Pre-order deadline is April 1.

Men's and Women'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

FloraVelo Women's jerseys ($75) are available in short sleeve and racerback options.
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 when ordering a FloraVelo jersey with sleeves. Consider one size larger when ordering a FloraVelo racerback jersey.

CONDITIONING
To enjoy BAK 2023 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. If you can’t find a club, contact your local bike shop and ask about rides.

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.

VOLUNTEERS
BAK relies on many volunteers prior, during, and following the tour to make the event a success. If you are interested in learning about what volunteer opportunities are available, send an email to info23@bak.org

OTHER FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
Many other frequently asked questions are addressed HERE

PACKING LIST
A suggested packing list can be found HERE