This year, I had the pleasure of riding the K Route with Austin Hills.  Austin will be 14 years old in July.  Austin and I both live in Burlington, KS.   This was Austin's first BAK.  With very little training, Austin met the BAK challenge with a smile.  Austin's 23-year-old sister, Jenny Beegly-Hills, also went on the ride this year.  Jenny, being a strong rider, usually rode on ahead of Austin and me.  We owe Austin and Jenny's mother, Barb Hills, a big "Thank you!" for riding out with us and for driving our van back to Burlington.  We also owe Jim Hills a big "Thank you!" for driving to Atchison to pick us up when the ride was over.

BAK 2002 was very challenging.  The first five days brought strong southerly winds and temperatures which reached near 100F by each afternoon.  In anticipation of the heat, many riders left early in the morning - as soon as the daylight would permit.  However, the wind slowed many of us such that we were still riding in the heat before the day was done.  On Tuesday, we rode over 20 miles directly into the wind. There were times when I felt like I was filming an episode of "Survivor".   It rained on Thursday as we rode through Junction City, Ft. Riley and Manhattan.  On Friday, although the temperatures were lower, we fought our way northward against stiff winds from the northwest.  About half way through the day on Friday, we turned east and were able to enjoy our first good tailwind.   After that, the riding was great!

Don't get me wrong; although I would have preferred better riding conditions, the BAK experience is always a good one!  Pedaling a bicycle across the state is great exercise.  Each day feels like a significant accomplishment.  While you're working to reach your destination, it's difficult to think about any of the problems in your life which would normally cause stress.  BAK is a great way to put all of your cares behind you - even if it is just for one week.

There are so many nice people to get to know.  I always look forward to talking to John Cooper, Hutchinson.  John loves people and is a friend to everyone he meets.  Bruce and Nancy Whiteley, Salina, have been bikers for years.  Bruce still rides; Nancy enjoys driving the route as Bruce's personal SAG.  Nancy will stop and help anyone who needs it.   Nancy drives with their daughter, Stacy Croomes, a BAK Medic.  This year, Stacy brought her teenage daughters Nicole and Danielle.  Nicole and Danielle rode their bicycles during all but the most-difficult conditions.  Tony Palmer and Larry Aldridge, both of Topeka, being strong riders, were good about ensuring Austin and I had a nice place to bed down each night.  Debora Aldridge provided personal SAG service to Tony and Larry.   The Aldridge's were very generous about allowing me to use their truck when I had errands to run (e.g. to find a laundromat).  I was pleased to meet Kathy Holloway, Kincaid.  Kathy rode much of the route with her 12-year-old son Westin.  Kathy and Westin traveled with Leonard and Deb Wools, Garnett.  This was the first BAK for Teresa Scott, Olathe.  Teresa was very determined to ride as much of the route as possible.  Teresa became proficient at changing flat tires.  Teresa was a lot of fun.  She was joined by her husband, Chris, on Friday and Saturday.  Bob Rowe, Burlington, was also a first time BAK rider.  He is a very good rider and had no trouble.  He was accompanied by his brother Ron Rowe, Enid OK, who is also an avid bike rider.  Ron's wife, Carolyn, provided SAG service for Bob and Ron and others who needed help.  Harold Stubby, Burlington, and his 13-year-old son, Zach, rode a new tandem recumbant.  They set a very strong pace and were able to beat the heat.   This was the first year Gail Fick, Garnett, was on the same route as many of her Wolf Creek co-workers.  It was good to ride with her.  I met Thayne Coulter, Denver, CO, just before we both got into the back of a big yellow (and hot) truck -- to ride around some bridge construction.  Thyane took a photo of Austin and me at the half-way point.   Thayne took our picture because I had lost my camera.   Fortunately, Duane Billinger, one of our many great SAGs, found the camera and returned it to me.  Speaking of SAGs, it was sure good to see SAG Donna Reist this year.  Tandem riders and newlyweds Doug and Marie Henkel, Olathe, made friends with tandem riders Andy and Lynn Medina, also from Olathe.  All four are very nice people.  I wish I could mention all of the nice people I know and met.

While eating lunch in Salina, Austin and I had the pleasure of meeting Brandon Case.  Brandon is from Pratt and wrote of his BAK experience.  He writings were published in the Hays Newspaper.  Brandon has graciously permitted me to post his excellent work on this web site.

Hope you join all of us in 2003!

Glenn Reeves
Burlington, KS

Brandon Case's BAK Articles

BAK 2002 Photos

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