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I was thinking about the first time that I rode BAKand what my friend and I learned throughout ourfirst weeklong bicycle ride. What we learned aboutBAK that week could fill a book, since I do not havethat much space in the newsletter, I thought I wouldpick just a few of the more important items to writeabout.

Don’t expect to get a lot of sleep Friday night: Withall the different stresses you will be feeling, long rideahead, new environment, sleeping in a tent or on agym floor, watching your ride to the starting pointdrive away, and possibly not knowing anyone on theride, as ALL your friends thought you were crazy,you are going to have some butterflies. This is nor-mal so don’t worry about it, as most of the ridersaround you in the gym that night will be feeling thesame thing. Even some of the long time riders willbe feeling the nervousness of anticipation. My friendRon and I might have slept about two hours thatnight as all we could do was worry about making itall the way across the state. The longest ride we hadcompleted prior to BAK was the two day MS150 fromthe year before and in our minds 150 miles in twodays did not seem to be large enough test beforeattempting to complete a multi day 500 mile ride.

Adrenaline will be your friend: Since you did notreceive enough sleep the night before, you are goingto get up Saturday morning feeling a little tired. Youwill notice as you are getting around you will start tofeel better as the adrenaline from the nervousnessand anticipation starts to kick in. The adrenalinewill usually carry you for a couple of days. The firstday the anticipation will drive you, and the secondday you will be feeling good as you will start to think,that this is not so bad and I might be able to com-plete the ride. But as usual with the upside there isalways a downside, the third day usually seems to be

the day that everyone feels a little tired and thingsjust don’t seem to flow as easily. This is normal,most all riders feel this to some degree, and the feel-ing usually only last one day. After the third daymost people feel great the rest of the week, as theirbodies start to adapt to the daily schedule andmileage.

Type of bicycle: I have read some post on the website asking questions about what type of bicycle toride on BAK. Ron and I used road bikes on our firstBAK; these bikes were not high priced, high tech, 15-pound machines, but your average entry level bicyclefrom a bike shop. Most every type of bicycle you canthink of has been ridden on BAK in the past, every-thing from mountain bikes, 50’s model single speedbikes, tandems, single speed track bikes, recumbentsand three wheelers. Do not worry about the type ofbike you are bringing to BAK, work on your fitnesson the bike you are planning to ride. I have seenpeople on 40-pound mountain bikes make it acrossKansas when people on the most high tech 18-poundrace bikes quit the ride. Remember it is the ridernot the bicycle that will determine if you make it allthe way across. Now that I have said that, please besure your bicycle is in top shape before leaving forthe line. One way to make BAK difficult is to have towork on your bike the whole week. For those of youriding mountain and hybrid bikes let me make a sug-gestion, purchase a set of narrow, high-pressureslicks for your bike. The BAK routes are on pavedroads so the narrow slicks will lower your effort.Lugged Mt./hybrid bike tires are heavier andtougher to push on the pavement.

Have a Good Time: This maybe one of the last typesof vacation that you can get away from all the news-papers, phones, TVs, computers, etc. This is one ofthe things that Ron and I liked the most about our

The Official Newsletter of Biking Across Kansas

Some Advice for First-time Riders by Greg Dennett

MAY 2002

ADVICE (cont. from page 1)

first ride, we both worked for large companies and aweek completely away from the normal headacheswas very enjoyable.

BAK can be what ever you want to make it, there arepeople who want to ride 100 miles per day and somewant to follow the route map and stop at each townto take in the sights and sounds. The one thing thateveryone has in common is that you start in thesame town each morning and end in a different towneach night. How each person gets there and howfast they get there is not important. Riding with oldfriends or developing new friends/riding partnerswill become way more important throughout theweek than how long it takes to make it to the nexttown. One of the things that is sometime forgottenis that everyone on BAK is on vacation. Remembereveryone on BAK, including the riders, directors,truck drivers and SAGs are on vacation so just relaxand enjoy the week.

See you on the road.

Check In & Out BoardsHow do you keep track of all the hundreds ofBAKers? Each route will have a check-in/out boardthat is used to keep track of riders and post mes-sages. It’s kind of the ”water cooler” of BAK.

Check the board for last minute notices pertaining topossible road hazards, bridges out and etc. for today’sroute. Check yourself out for the day. When youarrive at the next overnight stop, check yourself in.Check the board for possible messages, notice of dis-counts in the town we are staying in, and if friendsor family have arrived and are looking for you.

The board is also used to determine if a SAG is needed to go out and check on riders. You must bechecked in to win the $5 nightly drawing. Please coop-erate and use the Check In & Out Board every day.

Flats Happen... by Denise Duerksen

It was a beautiful day for riding, maybe a little toowindy, but nonetheless, the sun was shining and itwas warm. Since we haven't had too many of thosedays lately, it was time to take advantage and getsome good training miles in. Unfortunately, the bestlaid plan doesn't always work.

As we started out on our long ride it became appar-ent that training for the day wasn't meant to be andsome valuable lessons were relearned. We were onlya few miles out of town when I noticed I had a flat.No big deal, we'd change it and get on our way. Twotubes later, the flat was finally changed and we head-ed back in to get more tubes. By the time we werealmost home....another flat. (Good thing we were soclose, I could just walk the rest of the way.)

After changing that flat, we headed out to salvage alittle of the day. Again, not too far from town, I hadanother flat. I must say, I found a lot more humor inthis than anyone else, and was reminded on someimportant lessons.

First, make sure before starting BAK you have ser-viced your bike to so it's in good working condition.If you don't want to do it, visit your favorite bikeshop. They will be happy to do that for you. Also, beprepared for anything...make sure you have extratubes with you since a mechanic might not be avail-able or extra food and water. Lastly, roll with thepunches. Remember, BAK is a vacation for everyone!

Nightly Meeting TimeEach evening at 8:00 PM, a general meeting of par-ticipants will be held in the gymnasium on eachroute. Although it is not mandatory to attend, we dourge you to participate in these meetings. If latebreaking information concerning the next day’sroute is available, it will be shared at that time.These meetings are scheduled for about 30 minutes.Your families are invited to attend at any point onthe ride. The meetings are fun! 2

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Year after year, I am impressed with the athleteswho organize and participate in Biking AcrossKansas. I applaud the goals of pedaling nearly500 miles, visiting Kansas’ communities, taking inthe scenery, and making new friends while pursu-ing a healthy pastime. To ensure that the approxi-mately 1000 participants enjoy the bicycle tour, Iwould like to offer some tried and true safety tipson behalf of the Kansas Highway Patrol. As youride from Goodland to Atchison, please rememberthe following:

• Visibility may be low in some areas due toextreme heat, wind, rain, or fog. To help driverssee you, always use front, rear, pedal, and siderim or wheel reflectors. Wear reflective clothingor use reflective tape on your clothing and equip-ment, including your helmet. Turn on your head-light and taillight at dawn, sunset, and ininclement weather. Avoid riding in the dark.

• Always wear a helmet that fits properly, prefer-ably one approved by ANSI, Snell, or ASTM. Wearit forward over your forehead.

• Make sure your bike is the right size for you,and adjust the seat so your knees are slightlybent and your feet rest easily on the pedals. Youshould be able to reach the handlebars comfort-ably.

• Thoroughly service your bike, paying specialattention to the wheels and brakes.

• Be alert and ride carefully and defensively. Bepredictable. No tricks or games. Do not take bothhands off the handlebars at the same time.

Follow the rules of the road:1. Ride on the right with the flow of traffic.

2. Stop at all stop signs and all traffic lights.When exiting a driveway, stop, look left, right, andleft again. Then, only exit when there is no traf-fic.

3. Never ride in the wrong direction on a one-waystreet, weave in and out of traffic, or make a sud-den turn or U-turn.

4. Use proper hand signals to indicate turns.

5. Stay two feet from the curb or edge of the road-way and ride in a straight line, never more thantwo abreast. Always dismount at the curb or farright side.

6. Give the right of way to pedestrians. Never rideon sidewalks in business districts.

7. Only carry the number of riders the bicyclewas designed for. Do not carry items thatobstruct vision or prevent proper control of thebicycle.

8. Never ride upon anything other than the perma-nently attached seat the bicycle was designed for.

I also encourage you to attend the safety briefingat the beginning of the ride. We all need to bereminded of the rules now and then, and the safe-ty briefing is designed to keep Biking AcrossKansas injury and fatality-free. The KansasHighway Patrol looks forward to seeing you trav-el safely across the state. Enjoy the ride!

Safely Biking Across Kansas 2002By Lieutenant Colonel Terry Maple Kansas Highway Patrol

Think SAFETY by Wayne Byrd

For most of us, our pre-BAK riding takes placeover familiar local roads, where speeds arebetween 25 and 55, with most nearer the lowend of that range. As we prepare for a week-long ride over unfamiliar highways, wherespeeds often exceed the posted limit, we needto re-learn what we already know.

BE AWARE. Is the car approaching you aboutto be passed by another, thus forcing you tothe shoulder? Is the sun low in the sky, blind-ing approaching drivers and making themunaware of your presence. I've had memorableexperiences with both cases. Watch allapproaching traffic and know where the sun is.

BE PREDICTABLE. The "wide open spaces" ofwestern Kansas tempt us to abandon our basicsafety rules; not a good idea when vehicles areclosing on you at 50 feet per second. Ride in astraight line, give clear signals when you areabout to turn or stop, and talk to fellowcyclists. "Car BAK," "car up," "on your left,""hole," "road kill," and "tracks" should be stan-dard phrases in your BAK vocabulary.

AVOID FATIGUE. A tired rider is focused onsurvival, not safety. TRAIN for a ride thatinvolves back-to-back, high-mileage days. EATAND DRINK often, and take full advantage ofthe refreshing SAG stops. KNOW YOUR LIM-ITS, and ride at a pace you can maintain for afull day. LISTEN TO YOUR BODY and SAG in ifyou are cramping, nauseous, lightheaded orsimply feel that you cannot complete the day'sride.

AND ABOUT HELMETS... If you have $50worth of brains, you should wear a helmet. Ifnot, please carry an organ donor card.

RegistrationRegistration will open around 4:30 P.M. Friday after-noon in Goodland at the High School and will remainopen until around 8:00 P.M. CDST. Remember thatthe lights go out in the gym at 10:00 P.M. If you areunable to register on Friday evening, you can regis-ter at the State Line starting point on Saturdaymorning. If time is short Saturday morning, we willask that you sign the release and you will be given aroute guide and name tag. You can pick up yourpacket that evening.

Start of BAKThe Start of BAK 2002 will be at the State Line as indicated in your Route Guides at 8:00 A.M. CDST.The baggage trucks will plan on leaving fromGoodland early enough so that it will be at the StateLine before the start at 8:00 A.M. If you plan to joinat the State Line, be prepared to load your gear ontothe truck and then register with the route directors.Due to the lack of "office" space at the line they mayhave you do a minimal registration and only give youyour badge and Route Guide and ask that you pickup the other stuff later that evening.

Unloading the TruckThe trucks will plan to arrive at the evening’s desti-nation around 1:00 PM. If you arrive in townbefore that, time, spend some time getting a feel forthat host city. Check out the restaurants, visit themuseum, or simply explore the town. When thetrucks arrive, form a line, unload and spread thegear out so that others can find their belongings.Then stake out your area, clean up and enjoy yourself.

Keep in mind that the leaders must work with thelocal school principal, custodian, or other represen-tative to open the facilities and learn the groundrules. Don’t interfere with the arrangements thathave been made and don’t try to add areas or makerequests of those local officials.

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It All Started Back on BAK 1978... by Charlie Summers

As BAK 2002 went through the planning stages, itwas interesting to note, that we would be starting inthe same town that I started in when I did my firstBAK in 1978. It was a much more fearful person,who spent that sleepless night in the basement ofthe old Goodland city building. With the unknown,an entire week on a bike, staring me in the face, Idiscussed with another first time Bak’er, whobecame a life long friend, “what have we gone anddone?”

Saturday morning found 78 brave souls at the stateline, readying them selves for what the week held instore for them. Little did I know. BAK would becomea passion for me, an annual adventure.

It’s funny how life plays out. During that week ofBAK, all those 78 strangers became, Larry, Roger,Cathy, Ed Ott, Stan, Steve, Bill, Catherine, Dave,Norma etc. All those fine friendships formed, for noother reason than the common ground of bikingacross the great state of Kansas.

So here I am now, many more revolutions of thecrank arms later, embarking on a new BAK adven-ture. I hope that you all keep in mind, it’s not justabout biking or ourselves, but also about the peoplewhose towns we go through and our fellow BAK par-ticipants.

New on BAK 2002

For those BAK veterans attending this year, you mayinterested to know that there will be a few changesto the routine you've been familiar with in the past.Nothing major, but a fine adjustments here and thereto hopefully make BAK even better for all partici-pants.

1) Nightly meetings will now begin at 8:00 pm andend at 9:00 or before. We will make every attempt tokeep the meetings informational, entertaining andbrief. In the past, the group meeting began at 9:00pm, which for some, was a little too late. Now, youwill have more time to sleep or enjoy the Kansassunsets.

2) Luggage Trucks will arrive at the overnight stopand can unload at 1:00 pm if certain conditions aremet. The conditions are: 1)there are enough peopleto help (10-20), 2) the school administrator has beenconsulted by a BAK director and 3) the weather isagreeable. This is an hour earlier than in previousyears and should help alleviate the 2:00 pm showerbottleneck that we sometimes experienced. The BAKFacilities Director (truck driver) will make the finalcall as to when the actual unloading takes place. Noone will be allowed to stake their claim on the schoolgrounds until the BAK Facilities Director gives theword. This is ensure that BAK participants only useareas of the facility that are covered in our agree-ment with the school.

3) Combined First Meeting in Colby. All three routeswill participate in a combined nightly meeting onSaturday evening in Colby. We will also end the weekwith a combined meeting in Holton.

With new leadership this year, comes many othersmall changes which we hope will make your experi-ence on even better. We are committed to keepingBAK the fun, friendly ride it has been since 1975.

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Kansas Survival SeriesUp for a challenge? You may want to checkout the Kansas Survival Series, which con-sists of several rides throughout the year.See the KSS Web site at:

http://www.geocities.com/Yosemite/Falls/7850/

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While I’ve enjoyed my first-year at college, there aremany things that Massachusetts fails to offer—namely, a horizon to watch the sunset on and qualitybeef. When I mention Biking Across Kansas to myfriends, it tends to be a short statement in a list ofsummer plans—people here never understand whywe take joy in such a trip. This year it sounds likethis, “First, I’ll go to my sister Amy’s graduation,then I’ll do the first four days of BAK before headingto New Hampshire to become a camp counselor forthe summer.” But after twelve years of BAK, the ridebecomes so much more than a trip across the flat-test state in the union. Biking Across Kansas is anexperience unparalleled in my short existence. Ireturn to the ride year after year because BAK islike a family reunion, and with every family vacationcomes the need to work together so that everyoneinvolved will enjoy the week.

There are some short, and not all sweet things I’dlike to share about organizing BAK: these commentsmostly respond to feedback I received during andafter last year’s ride. First of all, the route directorsare volunteers. We all have jobs and families in addi-tion to BAK, so BAK is just as much our vacation asit is yours. We come together every spring to orga-nize BAK because we want to give others the sameenjoyable time that someone has given us in yearspast. As a rule, we are friendly, outgoing people, andif you ever see us otherwise we’re probably tired.Route directors get very sleep because we usuallyrise with the first bikers and stay out late markingcrucial turns on the route. From leading the nightlymeetings to making sure there’s enough toilet paperin the bathrooms, a route director’s work is neverdone. At the first route meeting, route directors willexplain some expectations of a biker, please attend.Remember: all of the route directors are bikers, andif push came to shove, we’d rather be biking. We’veall ridden the whole thing, and we know how hot,hard, and long you have to push before you get intotown. But we also believe that the accomplishment

is worth the hard work. We route direct because wewant to help our fellow biker. Yes, it sounds altruis-tic because it is.

Second, Kansas was not settled by bikers. Over acentury ago, when the Conestoga wagons wererolling across Kansas, they did not measure thetowns equidistance to better aid in the placement ofSAGs. So, route directors do their best to communi-cate with volunteer SAGs to support the cyclistswhere they’ll need it most. Please remember shadetrees are not transportable, and sometimes waterjugs need help being refilled by a tired biker. Believeit or not, directors consider people attempting a trekacross Kansas resourceful and competent enough totake some responsibility in ensuring the success ofthe ride.

Third, biking is an inherently dangerous sport. Myfamily has enjoyed BAK as a vacation for years, butalways with the understanding that we must acceptresponsibility for our own safety. This includes saferiding habits—training, staying close to the whiteline, signaling, communicating with fellow bikers.Speaking of communication, whining is strictly pro-hibited on BAK. For every complaint a directorhears, whether it be by an irate cyclist in their face,or a tired cyclist complaining in the showers, it takesmany compliments and thank you’s to counteract thedisappointment we feel. We each admit our humanityand our inability to do everything perfectly.

As I mentioned before, one of the best parts of BAKis the community and the friends we make. We bring1,000 people together for a week and ask you torespect each other—from speaking kindly to allow-ing each other to feel free to leave valuables lyingaround. I love BAK. I can’t wait until I’m ridingwith flat road ahead of me, wheat fields beside me,and the wind behind me. So, let’s all pack less stuff,do more favors for each other, smile more, sleepmore, and enjoy the ride!

Why (should I) go on BAK? by Joy Delamaide

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I'm a BAK truck driver. If you ridden BAK in thepast you have very definite ideas about my duties. Ifyou are a rookie, you will soon have very definiteideas of what my duties should be.

I really like driving the luggage truck because for aweek I get to sojourn with some of the finest peoplearound.When I rode my bike (this is my fourteenyear on BAK and my 2nd as the truck driver) Ialways knew what the ideal truck driver would dofor the bikers? Mainly, those were getting thereearly and getting the truck unloaded quickly.

This year the committee wants me to be moreresponsible and work with route director in accept-ing the facility for the "gym rats" and where the"tent mushrooms" may camp. ** Hint I believe thebest place is tenting but the kids always wanted tobe in the gym, where the "action was happening."Second, they also would like truck drivers to encour-age the unloading of the truck with enough help thatit can be done in manner that wouldn't endangerany body's health.

We have all witness the people who hang back andwait till the truck is unloaded and then swoop in likebirds of prey carrying their luggage to their savedspots. Face it; we will never be able to stop that. Ijust ask that you give me twenty willing people tostart and more as the truck gets further unloaded.This will lead to the luggage being place in lines andnot piled in big bunch so that those who come inlater can find their stuff.** Hint try to make yourbag very distinctive so that you can pick it out fromover 20 feet away. You will be very glad you did.Please leave the Boggle game, and items that wouldcause your bag over weight-home! Bring the essen-tials and leave the rest. Remember if you can't lift itover your head by yourself to load the bag in themorning-- it is too heavy.

The committee really wants to do right by those whoride. However we know that will never make all ofthe people happy but we do want it be as safe and asfun as possible. ………..(Signed) The truck driver!

(Bill will be driving on the A Route again this year.)

BAK MealsDuring BAK, most meals are on your own, butBiking Across Kansas does provide a few diningopportunities at no charge.

Saturday, June 8BAK Lunch in Brewster (All 3 Routes)

Sunday, June 9K Route: BAK Supper in Hill City

Friday, June 14B Route: BAK Breakfast in FrankfortA Route: BAK Breakfast in Blue Rapids

Saturday, June 14All Routes: BAK Pancake Breakfast in HoltonAll Routes: Celebration Dinner in Atchison

Towns on BAK

Many of the communities we will pass through onBAK have local groups that plan to provide meals asfundraisers. Please be sure to support our hosts byparticipating—the food is always tasty! A partial list appears below:

B Route: Stockton (supper & breakfast), Frankfort(Supper)

A Route: Lenora (supper & breakfast), Plainville(supper & breakfast), Lincoln (supper & breakfast),Blue Rapids (supper)

K Route: HIll City (breakfast), Palco (lunch),Wamego (supper & breakfast)

Confessions of a BAK Luggage Truck Driver by Bill Edwards

Volunteers During BAKThere are several tasks during BAK for which weask the participants to lend a hand. Here is a run-down of a few that you might want to consider.Each morning, we need 3-6 volunteers to help sweepand police the school facilities as we depart.

We always are looking for participants to help giveout prizes at the nightly meetings and tell anecdotesfrom the day's ride.

If you sing, play a musical instrument or have aunique talent you are welcome to perform at one ofour nightly meetings.On the last day of BAK we ask for about 40-50 volun-teers to help on the serving line at the CelebrationDinner. The best part is that the volunteers get toeat FIRST!

BAK Leadership TeamB Route Director Team:Kenny Allen, Christy Hinz, Mike Hinz, JanetteSheldon

A Route Director Team:Denise Duerksen, Bill Edwards, Julia Martin,Ben Martin, Sherry McKee, Mary Kate McKee (Jr Leader), Ashley O'Brian (Jr Leader), David Rohr

K Route Director Team:Joy Delamaide, Greg Dennett, Jerri Dennett,Michelle-Brionne Fick (Jr Leader), Matthew Kenney(Jr Leader), Mike Stefancik

BAK Committee: Wayne Byrd, Anne Byrd,Catherine Easton, Roger Kenney

Executive Director: Charlie Summers

Vacation. We all look forward to it and can’t wait toget away for a while. As you pack your bags for BAKconsider the following to make your vacation experi-ence pleasant:

Travel Lightly:Remember the kitchen sink you bring might be thebag you unload from the truck

Travel Slowly:Planes and cars are for getting you places, not see-ing places. Take time to absorb the beauty and sightsof Kansas.

Travel Expectantly:Every place you visit is like a surprise package wait-ing to be opened. Unwrap the package with an expec-tation of adventure.

Travel Courteously:Consideration for your fellow BAKers and host cities

will smooth the way through the most difficult days.Travel Gratefully: Show appreciation for the manythings that are being done by others for your enjoy-ment and comfort.

Travel With Curiosity: I t is not how far you go, buthow deeply you go that mines the gold of experience.Take the time to explore the sights along the way.

Travel Fearlessly: Banish worry and timidity, enjoyeach experience you are given.

Travel Relaxed: Make up your mind to have a goodtime. Let go and…GO!

BAK will be here before you know it and gone just asfast. Make each day a day to remember and cherish.This will give you something positive to rememberwhen you are having “one of those days,” and need avacation.

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Vacations...What Are They Good For? By Denise Duerksen

Remember That We Are Guests

Over the years BAK has accumulated many let-ters of reference stating that BAK participantswere good guests. These words come from schooland city administrators answerable to patronsand taxpayers. That kind of favorable impressionis what we should all attempt to leave in everycity we visit.

Be sure to remember that we are guests in theBAK towns in which we stay. In truth, they don’towe us anything, but the city and school officialsof each city have been kind enough to go out oftheir way to make us feel welcome in their com-munity. Each BAK participant is a representativeof our group and will help us make either a goodor bad impression with that community. We cankeep our good impressions up by coming togetheras a group and taking care of the facilities anddemonstrating our appreciation to the locals.

Pick up, clean up, sweep up, stack up and policeup are the last things that we must clear upbefore leaving each morning. You are responsiblefor keeping your area clean and checking the sur-rounding area for things that others might haveoverlooked before starting for the next adventureof the trip. If you think that just because youwant to leave early you don’t need to be botheredwith these clean up tasks, think again. You mustdo your share of this kind of task every day.

In the past the leaders and truck drivers havecontributed much time to the clean up efforts. Ifyou want to have the fruit delivered on time, havethe trucks into the overnight stops on time andhave leaders that are not burdened with cleanupchores, you must help. Don’t forget, this is a dailychore and must be done. Future negotiations withthese cities and schools may very well depend onhow well we cleaned up after ourselves.

Special Medical RequirementsIf you have special medical requirements, make yourown arrangements and bring your own medication.It would be a good idea to let your Route Directorsknow so they in turn could make the BAK Medicsaware of this.

Contacting you in an EmergencyIf an emergency arises that your family or associ-ates need to contact you on BAK, we suggest theycontact the police department in the scheduledovernight location. The police department will relaythe message to you. Please, emergencies only.

Cold or Hot ShowersCold or extremely hot showers are provided free ofcharge at some locations, but generally the showersare pleasantly warm. Complaining, while temporarilysoothing to you (but not to the leaders) will notwarm the water. And many have tried! Water heatersof our host towns may not be large enough to accom-modate a group as large as ours. Just grin and bearit – a cold shower is invigorating.

Gym FloorsUnless you are pitching a tent outside, you will besleeping in the gymnasium. Gym floors are meantfor basketball and other court shoes. If you havecleats or other hard soled shoes, remove them beforewalking on these special floors. If using a cot, makesure that its feet don’t damage the floor. Don’t for-get!!! If the trusty steed (your bicycle) needs cleanup or repair, do it outside., Repair work will not beallowed in the gymnasium. Do no use Kick Stands onGymnasium Floors.

Lost and Found ItemsEach entrant is responsible for his/her own belong-ings, but if you misplaced something, look first in thelost and found box in the Route Truck or near thecheck-in/out boards. In turn, if you find somethingthat seems to be lost by one of the BAKers, turn itinto the box or one of the route directors.9

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Packing Checklist for BAKON THE BIKEWater - You each will be given a water bottle to carryon your bike, make sure that your bikes have water-bottle cages.Inner Tube and/or Tube repair kit - I might suggestthat each of you have a tube and a repair kit in yourbike bag. After a few days you can determine if youneed to carry the spare tube. I would also have anoth-er spare tube in your luggage for each of your tires.Tire Irons - To remove the tire from rim. There aresome plastic ones available that are very light anddo a good job. Be sure that you know how to fix a flatwithout pinching the tube.Chain repair kit (or spare chain) - I don’t remem-ber every having a chain failure. Make sure that youhave a fairly new chain on your bicycles. If you hap-pen to get the chain wet you might need some spraylubrication for it. Also investigate a way to have aclean chain by maybe using a wax lubrication. Inever did like to get that black grease from a chainon me when changing a tire or even when brushingup against it at any time.Basic Tools - I suggest that you bring only thoseitems necessary for fixing a flat tire. Other tools canbe in your luggage. Usually there is a repair vehiclealong that will visit your group from time to time. Ifan emergency arises most of the time the sags willbe able to help.Sun Block - Yes. You will be out in the sun for longerthan usual each day. Don’t forget to reapply if perspi-ration or rain removes it. SPF 30 and above.Lip Balm-Good to bring--your lips WILL get chapped.Extra Glasses - Sunglasses If you are using sun-glasses be sure that the ones selected offer adequateperipheral vision. Many riders prefer cycling googles.Energy/Granola bars- Fruit will be available at eachSag. When I was riding we carried dried fruit(apri-cots), raw cashews, and sometimes candy (starlightmints). Available now are "power bars" or “powergel” paks; it seems that many people carry them forneeded energy.

First Aid Kit - Again I would keep this to theabsolute minimum on the bike. You might consideradding a piece of moleskin to your kit.Hand pump - A frame mounted pump seems to be awell accepted piece of equipment. I have seen peoplethat relied on others for a pump.Extra T-Shirt- Why not wait until after a shower tochange. A windbreaker or rain gear might be moreappropriate especially for the first day or so. Somepeople carry trash bags to be used as emergencyrain gear. They pack small and are very effective.The down side is that they don’t breath.Toilet paper- Good idea especially for the women. Asmall roll would be a good choice. or even a smallpackage of Kleenex might be appropriate and wouldbe smaller.Map with route marked- Route Guides will be provid-ed - a state map might be of interest but is not nec-essary.Helmet-We STRONGLY recommend that you wear anapproved helmet while riding your bicycle. It shouldbe worn even in the evening when going to a restau-rant or other attraction. For safety sake, use a hel-met all the time when on your bicycle.Cycling Gloves- Helps relieve the hand discomfort ofholding the bars for long miles. More important is ifyou happen to fall they protect the hands from abra-sions.Cycling Shoes- Many people ride in tennis shoes butcycling shoes have a stiff bottom that helps with amore efficient transfer of energy. They also helprelieve foot discomfort from pressing on the pedalsfor long periods.Cycling Shorts- If you have not been exposed tocycling shorts, you may be surprised that they fitvery tight and have a padded seat. The padded seatis obvious what it provides. But they also are seam-less in the areas that might cause chafing. On a triplike this the comfort of your bottom and hands isvery important.Cycling Jerseys- Again they fit very tight and pro-mote the wicking and rapid evaporation of perspira-tion for proper cooling. Usually they have pocketsacross the lower back for storage of food and thingsyou might need during the day.

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Spare Tire-If your tires are new chances are that youwon’t need any replacements. Also if a tire is newthey seem to pick up fewer flat-causing problems.Real Money/Plastic Money/Checks- During the dayyou will have an opportunity to visit many differentcommunities, each will possibly have something ofinterest. Antiques, Ice Cream, Food or other sou-venirs that you won’t be able to live without.NO Kick Stands- If you have a kick stand on yourbike I recommend that you remove it. When you stopit is safer to just lay your bicycle on its side than totry to stand it up and hope someone doesn’t knock itover and do real damage to it. If its already layingdown it can’t fall over.

OFF THE BIKE

Air mattress/Pad & Pillow- Be sure that you arecomfortable and can rest well in your bed. After thefirst night most people can sleep very well. Selfinflating Thermo rest mattresses are popular.Sleeping Bag/Blankets- I would suggest a light sum-mer bag and a sheet. Most warm evenings a bag istoo heavy and a sheet provides the necessary cover.There are some bag liners that look interesting tome. Some of those are made of polar fleece andwould feel very nice and are also washable. Localsources for these bag liners say that a fleece orpolar tech liner is available for about $80 or youcould go to a fabric store and purchase the materialto make one yourself. These liners are estimated tobe good to about 60°.Ear Plugs- Some soft ear plugs might be appreciatedif you happen to pick a spot by a noisy sleeperTent-If you are not planning on sleeping in the gym-nasium you will need a small tent some outdoor sup-ply stores rent a limited number of these.Couple of changes of shorts/shirts- You each willreceive a BAK t-shirt. Many people “go out” in theevening to local attractions.One pair of jeans- Long pants are nice the firstnight or two.Several pairs of underwear- Enough said. Althoughusually underwear is not worn under cycling shorts.

Evening Shoes- Especially if you have cycling shoes.Teva sandals are light and don’t take much room.Socks- Several pairs. Most people plan on doing laun-dry at least once during the trip. So you can haveclean clothes to wear every day and not overpack.Swimsuit- Several cities will offer swimming to usLight sweater/Long sleeve shirt-Some eveningscan be cooler especially early in the trip when weare at higher altitudes. Don’t forget that we willstart out at an altitude of nearly 4,000 feet.Other Tools-Things you think you might need butdon’t want to carry on the bicycle. Usually there aretools that can be borrowed and as said before we willhave a repair vehicle along.Towel/Wash Cloth- Yes, do bring. You might want tocheck the new pack towels available at backpackingstores. They hold up to 12 times their weight inwater and can be wrung out to nearly dry.Toiletries- Yes. Hopefully you will shower at leastevery evening, don’t forget soap, shampoo, deodorant.Talcum Powder- Some people use powder or anantibacterial cream on/in their shorts each morningto treat and prevent chafing.Flash Light-Each of you will receive a small flash-light in your registration packetPost Cards-Each of you will receive two stampedpost cards in your registration packet and otherscan be purchased from your leaders. A mail box willbe available at your leaders table each evening.Pen or pencil- Something with which to write yourpostcards.Insect Repellent- Sometimes in the evenings theinsects can be bad. Bring a small bottle of repellent.Camera and film - These items can be an importantpart of your memories of this adventure.Business Cards- Hopefully you can escape from yourdaily life and fully enjoy BAK. But just in case…

Wow what a list! You may not need everything listedhere, but this is a good overview of what people actu-ally bring on BAK. Remember, each rider is limited totwo pieces of luggage that are no more than threecubic feet each and 40 lbs combined. The luggagetrucks really do fill up quickly!

Did You Know That...?Check-in Registration opens about 4:30 in Goodland at the School(Max Jones Fieldhouse)...Official Starting Time on June 8 is 8:00am CDT at the Kansas/Colorado border...the town of Kanorado willprovide some space for riders who wish to camp overnight and beclose to the start on Saturday AM...All BAK non-bike vehicles mustpark in Kanorado (1/4 mile from the border) at the start...The KRoute participants can tour the RANS recumbent factory inHays...The B Route passes through Cawker City, home of theWorld’s Largest Ball of Twine...The Lenora CYO will have a lemon-ade and cookie stop in New Almelo for the A Route on Sunday...KRoute riders may have to detour around Ft. Riley because oftighter security restrictions this year...there will be a unique show-er set-up (kind of a shower trailer) in Ellsworth for K route rid-ers...the BAK waterbottles are extra large this year...Souvenir “End-of-the-Ride T-shirts will again be on sale at the celebration pic-nic...A bridge is closed just west of Holton and the K route willhave to detour around it, making that day’s distance 77 miles...Allthree routes will begin together for the first time ever?

PO Box 646 Newton, KS 67114

Published by Biking Across KansasP.O. Box 646Newton, KS 67114

for information call: 316-283-7528email: director@bak.org

Follow BAK 2002 on the WebYour family and friends can followthe progress of BAK 2002 on theweb. They can visit the web site tosend email messages to participantsand view selected photographs.

The site is at: http://www.bak.org