Q. How long has BAK been around?
A. BAK began in June 1975 and has been held annually ever since, with the exception of 2020 and 2021 (A Bike Rally was held over Labor Day weekend in 2021.) BAK is the second-longest-running bicycle tour in the U.S.
Q. What route does BAK take across the state?
A. BAK is always routed on paved roads, using secondary state highways and county roads where possible. BAK makes every attempt to take the “road less traveled.” The route varies from year to year. Occasionally, a gravel option may be offered as an alternative to the main paved route.
Q. What if I can’t finish the ride?
A. Everyone should be physically prepared to cover the daily mileage under their own power. BAK will have a SAG vehicle available ONLY for those persons who have mechanical issues. If you simply get tired and need to “SAG in,” call a family member or friend. If you feel ill or become injured, call 911 and also call to alert BAK officials.
Q. Do BAK riders make stops to sightsee along the route, or do the ride straight through?
While a few participants enjoy fast cycling and often ride straight through each day, most riders feel that active sightseeing is the whole point of BAK. Most participants do stop often to enjoy the experience of rural Kansas. Stops include anything you might imagine: visits with locals; towns with interesting cafes, shops or museum; local tours; roadside historical markers; lemonade stands; scenic vistas; shady trees; and community fundraiser lunches. BAK’s participant route guide outlines many historical sites, museums, and places of interest along the route.
Q: Do BAK organizers provide guidance during the week, or I am on my own?
A: The BAK leadership team uses several forms of communication to ensure that participants are kept informed of changes in route, road hazards, points-of-interest, etc. 1) Each participant receives a printed route guide at the beginning of the week and has the option to download an electronic/mobile route guide. The route guide provides maps, notes about meals and dining options, overnight facilities and historic features along the route. 2) Information is also posted daily on the electronic message board at the overnight stop, which is always located near the BAK Info Station. 3) Text messages are generally sent to riders twice daily (Is that still accurate?) and more often if an urgent matter arises. 4) Several all-participant meetings will be held throughout the week, usually at 8 p.m. These meetings provide an opportunity to meet members of the leadership team, as well as to receive important safety and route information and to experience BAK culture.
Q: Where do BAK participants eat?
A: Participants are responsible for most of their own meals throughout the week. BAK does provide somemeals during the trip and a celebration dinner/picnic. BAK riders usually dine at local restaurants or (if we’re fortunate) at community fundraiser meals prepared by local civic groups.
Q: What about food stops during the day?
A: BAK provides several SAG (support) stops throughout each day on the route. SAGs are positioned between towns, in areas where riders will most need water and energy food. SAGs provide water (and sometimes energy drinks), fruit, and other energy snacks to help cyclists make it through the day. BAK attempts to place SAG stops 15-20 miles apart, although they might occasionally be spaced a little farther apart than that. BAK participants should take advantage of both the SAG stops and services in the towns we pass. We don’t recommend relying only on the SAGs during the day. If you’re in a town and are getting low on water or food, find a place to recharge right there. Don’t wait until the next SAG stop; you could be in dire need by then. Mid-ride meals are available at local restaurants or in some situations, through fundraisers.
Q: What does the word “SAG” stand for?
A: SAG is a widely used term in the cycling world and usually refers to a stationary location that provides support for passing riders. While there are several theories as to what it stands for, most likely it’s an acronym for “Support and Gear.” You will also hear the term used as a verb meaning that someone did not finish the day’s ride. For example, “He sagged in because his chain broke and couldn’t be fixed on the road.”
Q: Are personal vehicles or personal SAGs allowed on BAK?
A: For the safety of the bicyclists, personal vehicles traveling with BAK are strongly encouraged to travel an alternative route, which will be provided by the BAK leadership. The fewer the personal vehicles on the roads and at SAG stops with bicyclists, the safer the conditions are for cyclists.
Q: Where do BAK participants sleep?
A: Schools serve as BAK’s overnight accommodations and home base each day. BAK offers LIMITED indoor gymnasium sleeping at the schools. Riders either bring their own tenting gear. Others will reserve (at their 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. Such options may be limited in many areas near overnight communities.
Q: Does BAK provide a list of motels or RV parks in or nearby overnight towns?
A: Periodically, host cities provide a list of motels/hotels or RV parks. Contact info27@bak.org to inquire. NOTE that BAK does not endorse any motels/hotels or RV parks in or nearby overnight towns.
Q: If I do tent camp, where will I be able to set up?
A: Most school facilities allow BAK participants to place their tents on the maintained lawns immediately surrounding the school. On rare occasions, designated camping facilities are a block or two from the school. Specifics will be included in your route guide and at the BAK Info Station.
Q: What should I pack?
A: Generally, pack as light and tight as possible. Riders must provide tents, sleeping bags, towels and other personal items. You will be allowed two bags not to exceed 40 pounds total and not more than three cubic feet each. (We don’t really enforce this. Do we want to keep it?) BAK does not permit the indoor use of sleeping cots, chairs or any other item that could damage the surface of a gymnasium floor.
You will need clothing for both on and off the bike. It is a good idea to have at least two sets of cycling gear in case you wash your clothes in the shower, but they don’t completely dry before the next morning. Good-quality, padded cycling shorts are recommended. Clothing that wicks, like cycling jerseys, will be more comfortable than cotton, which will hold sweat. Cycling jerseys also generally have pockets that are handy for holding ID, money, on-bike snacks, lip balm, etc. Be sure to bring your cycling shoes, socks, and helmet. Cycling glovesmay also enhance your comfort on the bike. You may want shower shoes in the locker room. Lightweight, packable towels take up far less room in your bag and dry more quickly than conventional towels. Bring comfortable sleeping clothes, suitable for a slumber party with several hundred friends. You will probably want loose, comfortable shorts and shirts off the bike, and it is wise to bring at least one sweatshirt and pair of long pants for chilly mornings or evenings. You will need sweat-resistant sunscreen. Travel-sized versions of your toiletries will be most practical. See the suggested packing list here for more details.
From the packing list link referenced above:
Real Money/Plastic Money/Checks – During the day you will have an opportunity to visit different communities with many providing “must stops” of interest. Cash is often required for museum visits (when admission is charged) and for purchases from civic organizations that make and serve meals, snacks, or ice cream. The lemonade or cookie stand hosted by local children will be irresistible, so be prepared with cash. If you use services provided by the traveling bicycle shop, be prepared to pay with cash or check. (Does this need to be updated?) The good news is that ATMs are available in most overnight stop and through towns. Debit and credit cards are often accepted at restaurants and retail stores.
Route Guide – A printed Route Guide with the bicycle route will be provided for each participate. In addition, BAK will provide an electronic version of the Route Guide for downloading to your smartphone. Alternate driving routes will be provided for personal vehicle drivers.
Tire Repair Items – Come prepared to fix a flat tire. Carry spare tubes, tire irons to remove the tire from the rim, a frame pump or CO2 cartridge to inflate the tire, and a patch kit. Check with your local bike shop on a recommended, quality patch kit. If you’ve had one for a while, make certain the glue has not dried and hardened.
Air Mattress/Pad & Pillow –Self-inflating Therm-A-Rest type pads are popular. Air mattresses are acceptable as well. Remember space is limited. A small travel pillow may enhance comfort.
Tent – A lightweight, one- or two-person tent works nicely. Some outdoor supply stores rent tents. In addition, BAK may travel with a third-party vendor that offers pre-paid tent rentals, with set-up and luggage services.
Eye Mask – It is not uncommon for schools to have emergency lights in some areas. These lights may remain on all night or may be turned on by motion. An eye mask gives you more control over your sleeping environment.
Underclothes – Enough said, although, underwear is not typically worn under cycling shorts.
Power Strip – BAK will provide some power strips, but you may want to consider bringing one of your own to share with other riders, if you are sleeping in a location that is not near a BAK power strip.
Laundry Supplies – If you plan on doing laundry midweek, bring laundry supplies, including a small clothesline and clothespins. A collapsible bucket may also be handy for washing clothes in the shower.
Bike Lock – Some riders choose to bring a bike lock for use at the overnight stop, although most do not.
Q: Are e-bikes allowed on BAK?
A. If you’re considering riding an e-bike on BAK, here’s what you should know:
• You are responsible for ensuring your e-bike is fully charged before the start of each day.
• BAK cannot guarantee access to the electricity to charge e-bike batteries, although charging options are often available..
• Daily mileage on BAK may exceed the battery range of your e-bike. 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 e-bikes is limited and may not be available on the ride.
• BAK staff and volunteers will not lift or transport e-bikes.
While we recognize the growing popularity of e-bikes 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 primarily a self-propelled tour, and we cannot always accommodate the unique situations presented by the addition of e-bikes. If you choose to bring your e-bike on BAK, you must be prepared to handle each of the above issues in a self-sufficient manner.