Special Reports


Rider Report from Suzanne Loewen

BAK is a wonderful experience! I'm really having a great time! I love it! The weather makes everyday different along with the changing scenery! Everyday is different, it about has to be, this is Kansas! Some days just happen to be hard with wind or hills. Some days are easier and the day goes fast with great weather and trees forever following a lush river (Solomon River)! We see sights that are easily missed in a vehicle, plus a good reason to stop is always welcomed. Places like the Cottonwood Ranch where some of the first settlers raised sheep! There are lots of historical markers along the way and those are interesting. They make great group Kodak moments with new friends that are made everyday as we pedal our way across the state. The people really make this special! Whether it's sitting around in the evening, a flat tire along the road, or a long haul against the wind, everyone sticks together and it really is a group effort!

To my Atwood Grade School E-Mailers-

I haven't wrecked, "yet"! The bicycles are all nice. I don't believe I've seen two alike. It's really interesting to walk through the schools we stay in and see all the nice bicycles lining the hall ways. My back was the first thing that got sore. Today my legs are a little sore! I love the E-Mail! It really makes me smile and I'll share it with everyone who wants to read them. I like the pundles (puzzle+riddles)! The route director even enjoyed them. They give me something to think about! We ride about 4-5+ hours a day, we all eat quite a bit and we've had some great goodies along the way. Each town is so generous and have some really great cooks! I hope to see cards full of stickers in the computer lab when I get back. I hope you've learned a little about biking and Kansas during this past week. I can't wait to tell you all about it! Thanks again for all the E-Mail! People really like hearing about the neat kids I teach in Atwood! See you soon!!

Rider Report from Kaylee Hearting

Today was an interesting, but exciting day on BAK! On BAK you ride whether its rain or shine. Today we had to deal with the rain! We began our adventure to Onaga in the rain! So we woke up pretty quick if we weren't quite awake yet! Then not far out of Clay Center we must have gone past a pig farm, cause you could definitely smell the "piggy aroma" in the pouring rain. To make our ride even more exciting, a few packs of dogs chased us! People had interesting methods of fighting off the dogs. Some used their "forceful" male voices, some screamed, some rode faster, then there was one who pulled out the good ole bike pump to fight off the angry dogs! After a couple of LONG rain storms and a bunch of angry dogs, we had to deal with the rolling flint hills! The hills made for a hard ending to an interesting day! Thank god for a few kids with a good ole lemonade stand and cookies about 10 miles out of Onega. You would be suprised at how food a glass of lemonade, cookies and smiling faces make you feel after a long ride on BAK!

BAK is for anyone who loves to meet people! riding a bike across the state of Kansas sounds awful and hard, but its not as bad as it sounds. At times everyone has their moments where they just want to quite and throw their bike away! I know I've had those moments. Yes, your butt may get a little sore, but all the pain is worth it when you realize that you have just rode your bike across the entire state of Kansas! It is one of the most exhilarating and exciting moments anyone can ever experience. Not only do you gain a sense of accomplishment, you can also make lifelong friends, along with getting in touch with nature. On BAK you realize the beauty of a sunrise , the smell of a morning rain and flowers, and you learn to appreciate the luxury of a flushing toilet! You get to meet people of all ages and sizes! Everyone is so friendly. A new friend or friends make a long day fighting the wind a lot easier to take. BAK is an adventure and a learning experience all rolled into one exciting trip!

--Kaylee A. Hearting, age 18