Update: 8:00 PM CDT, Concordia
Just in! See today's Director's Report!
Plus new photos from today.
Happy Birthday to BAK Director Larry Christie! It was a relatively short day for all three routes, and although the sunny weather is holding out, we're experiencing more heat and humidity than on previous days. On the bright side, we're all getting really great (and unusual) tans.
After the ultra-long ride yesterday, riders on the Bedazzled route had an easy 42 mile stretch from Mankato to Concordia. The scenery on the way was pleasant and none of the hills were all that steep. Residents in several of the small towns along the way were out to greet us and offer (for sale) cold drinks and in Randall, awesome cinnamon rolls. More than a few of the group sampled their wares.
Jamestown had the most elaborate stop planned--they sold barbequed hamburgers and hotdogs at the local baseball diamond to raise money for new equipment. Their food stand proved to be very popular, since riders on both the Bedazzled and the Karefree routes came through here. The Bedazzled route finished their day at the Concordia Middle School and have been adapting the air conditioned classrooms into comfortable camping spots.
Riders on the Adorable route had the longest trek today, about 54 miles from Downs to Concordia. The scenic route took riders through Cawker City, home of the World's Largest Ball of Twine and past Waconda Lake and Glen Elder Dam. They are staying at the Concordia High School. An electrical transformer at the high school had blown out last night and we originally were told that both routes would have to stay at the middle school, but fortunately things were fixed in time.
The Karefree riders went mostly north today enjoying the same (see the Bedazzled route description) hamburger cookout at Jamestown. They started in Beloit and ended up in Belleville this afternoon for a total of 50 miles. They are staying at the high school.
If you haven't seen it already, check out our BAK 96 photo gallery. with new photographs from today's ride. And remember, there's more to come! Hope you're enjoying it.
