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There is only ONE route!!!!

If you've as much as heard of Biking Across Kansas, you likely know that BAK always has THREE routes.  BAK 2004 had only ONE route.  (You're probably thinking:  "Gasp!  That must have been terrible!  Long lines in the bathrooms and showers, crowded highways, waiting for an hour at a town's only café, impatient people, and more!!")    Normally, your concerns would be justified.  However, thanks to excellent planning and work on the part of the BAK 2004 executive team, the route leaders, the sags, the medics, the truck drivers, and everyone else associated with the ride, the concept of one route turned out to be more of a benefit than a problem.

How could it possibly be better?  Let's put it this way.  Imagine you're the head of the Chamber of Commerce of, let's say, St. Mary's, Kansas.  Wouldn't you much rather hear that over 800 people will be visiting your town versus 267?  For 800 people, you're much likely to roll out the red carpet.  You want those BAK folks to remember your town so fondly that they'll want to come back again!  Nearly every town on the route greeted BAK cyclists with open arms.  Many local organizations came out to raise money by selling biscuits and gravy, sports drinks, brownies, and ice cream.  You know; the stuff we cyclists live for!

This year's web page is broken down by days - starting on Friday, June 4 and ending on Saturday, June 12.  Just click on the link to take you to the day you'd like to read about.

All in all, this year's ride was fantastic.  Thank you to all of those who support us riders.  I'm am terminally hooked on BAK; I hope to ride it as long as my body will allow.

Glenn Reeves
Burlington, KS  

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