Coffey County Bicyclists Enjoy "Biking Across Kansas"

In early June, several Coffey County residents were among nearly 900 bicycle riders who pedaled their way across the great state of Kansas. Their effort began on the morning on June 6 at the Colorado state line and ended around noon on June 13 at the Missouri River in Leavenworth, KS. The event was organized by Biking Across Kansas (http://www.bak.org), a non-profit organization.

About 300 riders took each of three separate routes; all ending at Leavenworth, KS. The total distance ridden by each cyclist was about 500 miles. The "Bubbly Route" began near Sharon Springs, KS. The "Amusing" and "Krazy" Routes both began near Tribune, KS but took different roads between Dighton, KS and Abilene, KS. Most of the Coffey County riders took the "Amusing Route".

Local riders included J.D. Badgley (Burlington), Brent Dale (Burlington), Ron Holloway (Burlington), Mary Holloway (Burlington), Jim Hugunin (Burlington), Leon Payne (New Strawn), Glenn Reeves (Burlington), Harold Stubby (Burlington), Jim Zell (New Strawn) and Kathy Zell (New Strawn).

This was the 24th year in which the Biking Across Kansas (BAK) organization arranged for biking enthusiasts to experience Kansas in this very special way. The idea for the ride began in 1975 when Larry Christie (Wichita) told his wife, Norma, he wanted to ride his bicycle across the entire state as his birthday present. Norma planned a route and contacted several local communities for support. She also invited several other avid bicyclists to join them. Each year since, the BAK organization has arranged this trip for the benefit of bicyclist of all ages.

Each day, cyclists would typically pedal from 60 to 75 miles between host communities. About every 10 miles along the way, rest stops were set up. Each rest stop is known as a "SAG stop". (Although the real meaning of SAG is a matter of debate, many refer to it as "Support and Gear"). At each SAG stop, SAG members would provide water and usually something to eat. Bananas, oranges, apples and/or cookies were often available.

At least one SAG stop each day was hosted by the "SAG Hags". These colorful ladies provided eats, drinks and also entertainment. On one day, they presented themselves as the "Brazil Nuts"; they donned colorful costumes and wore hats of fruit (plastic, of course). On another day, they presented themselves as "Prom Queen Has-Beens"; they dressed themselves in prom dresses with banners declaring them to be "Miss Absent Minded", etc. Every day was a different theme. Two of the four "SAG Hags" are from Coffey County. The bikers on the Amusing Route tip their helmets to Mary Ann Hugunin (Burlington) and Kathy Payne (New Strawn) for their creativity and hard work.

Showers and sleeping accommodations were made at high school and middle school gymnasiums. Some people preferred to sleep in tents, travel trailers or nearby motel facilities. Meals were often made available by local school or church groups. This gave the bicyclists an chance to get a good meal for a reasonable price and local groups a chance to raise money.

The weather on this ride was overall delightful. On Saturday, June 6, a westerly wind all but blew the participant to their first day's destination. On the morning of June 9, a gentle but steady rain lasted for an hour or so. Many riders rode in the warm rain; other waited for it to pass. In either case, the roads were wet and few riders escaped without getting soaked.

Glenn Reeves

Pictures from the "Amusing" Route - 1998

Pictures from the "Komfy" Route - 1999

Pictures from the "Bedazzled" Route - 2000

Pictures from the "Kan Do" Route - 2001