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.

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.
• E-bikes are not allowed indoors for charging.

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 15). 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 2024 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 2024 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.

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 2024 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.

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

PACKING LIST
A suggested packing list can be found HERE