Following is basic information regarding Biking Across Kansas. Much of the information aligns with the agreements made with the cities and schools in which we stay. Be sure you understand these policies, as you will be expected to comply.

PURPOSE
Biking Across Kansas (BAK) is an annual, eight-day, bicycle tour across the state of Kansas. BAK promotes health and wellness through bicycling, the history and beauty of the Kansas landscape, and the warm hospitality of the Kansas towns and people.

Biking Across Kansas 2016 is a recreational and social rally for cyclists. It is not an endurance contest, a race or a test of stamina. Each rider should plan to set a pace agreeable to his or her own degree of expertise. All capable riders are welcome.

FEES
The fee covers overnight facilities and showers for eight nights, t-shirt, embroidered patch, route guide, one or two meals, celebration dinner/picnic, fresh fruit, truck to carry gear and other amenities.

Children under 5 and under, who do not ride, are free. Child care services are not provided. Minimum age for unsupervised participants is 18. Participants (riders and non-riders) ages 0-17 must be accompanied by an adult at all times. All participants, riders and non-riders of all ages must be registered.

LODGING
Lodging is included in the entry fee. Overnight facilities (usually schools) include showers, restrooms and grounds to pitch a tent. Some, but not all, facilities have air conditioning and Wi-Fi available.

Typically, half of participants sleep outdoors in tents and half sleep indoors. There will be LIMITED space, depending upon the facility, for indoor sleeping. BAK cannot guarantee indoor sleeping space to all participants each evening. but for those who wish to sleep indoors we recommend bringing a tent and alternating nights sleeping indoors and outdoors. This ensures participants a fair balance of tenting and indoor lodging. We strongly encourage participants to be prepared to tent outdoors if necessary. Seniors and those with medical conditions are allowed to sleep indoors each evening.

Riders must provide tents, sleeping bags, towels and other personal items. Participants are also free to reserve (at their own expense) motel rooms, bed and breakfasts, or RV parks where available. BAK does not provide a list of or endorse any motels, bed and breakfasts or RV parks along the route.

BICYCLE PARKING & FACILITIES
Bicycles are expected to be parked outside at the overnight facilities. Some riders choose to bring a bike lock for use at the overnight stop; however, bike racks and objects to which to secure your bike may not be available. Some bring a lightweight cover to protect their bicycle from the rain. Bicycle cleaning and repair work must be done outside. Overnight facilities must be in the same, or better condition, than we found them. This means trash in the trash barrels, and no litter lying around the grounds. BAK is known for being an excellent guest and we work hard to maintain that reputation. Alarm clocks and radios are PROHIBITED in the sleeping area between the hours of 10 p.m. and 6 a.m. There shall be no cleats, food , alcohol or smoking inside the lodging facilities. Kick stands shall not be used indoors. Alcohol and tobacco use on school property (inside or outside)is strictly prohibited by Kansas State laws.

FOOD
BAK 2016 will provide one or two meals throughout the week. These meals will be listed in the route guide and announced at nightly meetings and posted on the electronic message board. All other meals will be your responsibility. Often local civic groups provide meals as a fundraising project. We make every effort to notify local restaurants weeks in advance.

BAGGAGE
Personal baggage will be transported by BAK. You are allowed two bags not to exceed 40 pounds total and not more than three cubic feet each. Due to space limitations, please pack only essential items. BAK does not permit the indoor use of sleeping cots, chairs or any other item that could damage the surface of a gymnasium floor. Soft-sided luggage like duffel bags and dry bags are ideal. Hard-sided luggage is not recommended.

LAUNDRY
Participants typically visit a local laundromat at least once during the week. Many wash their daily riding attire in the shower.

SUPPORT
BAK keeps several support stops (SAGs) and vehicles on the routes daily between the hours of 7:00 am and 5:00 pm (ending 10:00 a.m. on June 11). SAG stops provide water and fruit, as well as assistance with minor medical and mechanical problems. SAGs are placed in areas where local services are not available. Riders should plan to utilize the communities along the route and not rely solely on the SAGs for support throughout the week. BE PREPARED each day and carry emergency water, food and basic tools to repair a flat bicycle tire (pump, spare tire, patch kit, etc.).

WEATHER
BAK 2016 is truly a rain-or-shine ride. We will move each day regardless of weather. Rain, although not good for bicycle bearings, won’t hurt the riders as long as they stay warm and ride cautiously, preferably with blinking tail lights for visibility. If we should have a real cloud buster, temporary shelter should be sought in towns or at farms along the route. We don’t recommend riding in heavy rain or thunderstorms. June in Kansas can also be hot, windy and sunny—be prepared with at least two water bottles and plenty of sunscreen and lip balm.

HEALTH AND SANITATION
It is the shared responsibility of both organizers and participants to maintain a sanitary and healthy environment during BAK. We urge the following steps be taken to prevent the spread of contagious illness within our group. Each participant is urged to carry a container of hand sanitizer and use it frequently, along with "soap and water" hand washing on a regular basis. If you feel sick at any time during the event, please notify a BAK medic or staff member immediately. If you have a contagious illness, you should make arrangements to leave the ride and return home for a full recovery.

IMPORTANT: Please do not join BAK if you are recovering from the flu or other potentially contagious illness. It is better to delay your arrival until you are completely recovered or not to join the ride at all than to take the risk of spreading illness.

BAK has strict policies for the handling of food items, water containers, and utensils. SAG support staff and volunteers are instructed to enforce these sanitary policies at each SAG stop along the route. Upon arrival at each SAG stop, participants must remove their gloves and wash their hands before refilling water bottles and/or taking food items. Participants will be expected to comply with these measures to ensure the well-being of the group.

GETTING TO & FROM BAK
Each participant is responsible for making their own transportation arrangements to the starting point at the Colorado state line and also for pickup from the finish point. If interested in chartered bus service, contact the vendors listed below. (Please note that bus services are provided at an additional cost and are not included in BAK registration fees. Biking Across Kansas, Inc. does not provide this service. Interested participants will deal directly with these outside vendors.)

Bus Service from Wichita, KS
FEES: Round-trip: $159; One-way $89
Note: The Wichita bus can not accommodate three-wheeled "trikes" due to space constraints.
Contact: Betty Dewitt
753 W 53rd St N, Wichita, KS 67204
316.249.2555 or 316.207.1869 cell
email: bettyd1973@att.net
checks payable to: Betty Dewitt

Bus Service from Kansas City area (Lenexa, KS) (Lawrence, Topeka, Manhattan, Salina)
FEES: Round-trip: $200; $150 Lenexa to Saint Francis; $50 Elwood to Lenexa
Contact: Amy Cederlind-Hanna
12000 Linden Lane, Overland Park KS 66209
913.220.4177
email: BAKbuses@gmail.com
Download the flyer for complete details (pdf) »

RIDER HOSPITALITY SERVICES
Bubba's Pampered Pedalers will be along during the tour to provide tents, tent set-up and other hospitality services. Visit Bubba's Pampered Pedalers at: http://www.bubbaspamperedpedalers.com/schedule
(Please note that services by Bubba's Pampered Pedalers are provided at an additional cost and are not included in BAK registration fees. Bubba's Pampered Pedalers is a third-party vendor and interested participants will deal directly with the vendor.)

BAK SHIRTS
A t-shirt with the BAK 2016 color design is included with each full and part-time entry. Shirts are Gildan Performance. Additional t-shirts may be purchased for $15.00. A cotton, collared polo shirt with the BAK logo will be offered for $20.00. A long sleeve moisture-wicking t-shirt is offered for $20.00. All XXL shirts are $2.00 extra.

JERSEYS
A BAK jersey is available for $75 each. Offered in Men's Sportcut, Women's Sportcut (with sleeves) and Women's sleeveless. Order online with your BAK registration or separately on our website. Check here for details

CONDITIONING
To enjoy BAK 2016 to its fullest you need to be in good/excellent riding condition. It’s time now to become serious about conditioning both yourself and your bicycle. Plan training rides for as many miles as you can—the more the better. Short rides won’t do as much good as the longer ones. It is important to ride as often as possible—every day if you can. Add some long rides on weekends of 40 to 70 miles. One suggestion is that you should be able to do 30 miles in 3 hours or less. But many have found it is more enjoyable to ride at a faster pace. Training on hills and windy days will help you prepare.

If you don't like training alone, seek a bicycle club or other cyclists in your area. Most clubs schedule rides on a weekly basis—it's a great way to meet other cyclists and learn how to ride safely within a group.

SAFETY & HIGHWAY RIDING
Inexperienced highway riders should study safety precautions and Kansas laws and Kansas Bicycle Statutes. Generally, riders must break up into small groups that do not pose a traffic hazard. The State law prohibits bicycles from impeding traffic and does not allow riding more than two abreast. Single-file riding, is by far the safest way to travel on the highway. Most of the roads on BAK tours are lightly to moderately traveled, but don’t let that cause you to lower your guard. Highway riding requires constant attention.

Ride Defensively! Helmets are strongly recommended and should be worn at all times when riding.

OTHER FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
Many other frequently asked questions are addressed HERE

PACKING LIST
A suggested packing list can be found HERE