June 23, 1996
by Norma Christie
Another BAK - 1996, and what a great ride! The weather was perfect - no wind to speak of and no rain. The week before the ride started, there was much severe weather, wind and rain. What was BAK going to be like this year ? The weather had been so unpredictable and stormy. To everyone's surprise, the weather was almost perfect -- probably one of the best years. The first three days were relatively cool. The temperature started to warm gradually and by the last day it was getting pretty hot. But no one complained.
The roads were unbelievable - smooth and some with shoulders. It appeared that northern Kansas had been getting spring rains, as everything looked so green - the hills (or bumpety bumps) were spectacular.
The cities rolled out the red carpet for BAKers! Such things as watermelon feeds, shuttle service to any place in the city, nightly entertainment, street dance -- you name it -- it seemed like BAK had it this year. And many communities had refreshment stands along the way - with more than average good things to eat! What an adventure!
Many thank you's need to be written, which will take a while to do. There are so many - but well deserved thanks need to be given to all!
The riders were great (as always) and they always pitched in to help whenever needed, plus doing extra things that made the ride so special for everyone. Thank you, RIDERS! Sherry McKee, one of the Directors, stayed with us through all of BAK. Sherry is due to have her third baby anytime. But that didn't stop her from coming on BAK and sharing the many responsibilities and work with Larry and myself. Her mother accompanied her on the trip - just in case!! Much behind the scenes work was done; the route directors, namely Cheryl and Gaylen Medders and Amy Delamaide; Donna and Kenny Allen and Ryan McKnab; and Amber Fechter, Jeff Horlacher, Bryan Toben, Thom Toben and Adam Mills did a fantastic job - and the rest of the BAK committee was always pitching in to help with anything that needed to be done. BAK could not happen without the support of all of these people. Wayne Byrd did another good job working with the Highway Patrol and Sheriff's Departments, and Dave Rohr was always busy updating the Web Site daily. Larry would do write-ups each day for the Web Site and Dave would take it from there.
Thank you all - for BAK '96. Hope to see you all next year, plus the new people that want to experience a trip across Kanas!
Norma Christie,
BAK Director
