Biking Across Kansas Announces Route for 50th Year, Overnight Stay in Concordia Planned

Biking Across Kansas, the state’s longest running annual bicycle tour, has announced the Biking Across Kansas route for their 50th year, June 8-15, 2024.

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

Each year, hundreds of cyclists gather on the state’s border with Colorado to begin a weeklong journey across the state.  Along the way, cyclists experience the rich history and hospitality of many Kansas communities, as well as the unmatched views across the Kansas prairie. 

This year, Biking Across Kansas will be staying overnight in the following towns: Tribune, Scott City, Ness City, Hoisington, Lincoln, Concordia, Frankfort, Holton and ending on the Missouri River in Atchison.  At the end of the day, Biking Across Kansas cyclists stay in small towns along the way.  Local high school gymnasiums and school grounds serve as a place for tired riders to shower, repair their bikes, eat and sleep.  All the cyclists' gear is carried from town to town by trucks, so riders bring sleeping bags and several changes of clothing.  About half of the participants bring tents and camp out while the other half prefer to spread out their sleeping bags and inside the gymnasiums.

Every evening, the group gathers inside the gym for a nightly meeting.  This casual gathering is led by the staff and informs riders of the news and anecdotes from the day's ride, and reveals what the route has in store tomorrow.  Sometimes there is local entertainment or an occasional impromptu singing performance.

The time spent in the overnight stops also provides a chance for Biking Across Kansas participants to get a feel for life in a small town.  Whether it's a visit to a laundromat, burger joint, or the local "watering hole," the cyclists see a side of life that one misses in a larger city. 

By the end of the week, riders have made new friends and had great adventures along the way.  There are always a few sore muscles, but they are soon forgotten once riders cross the Missouri line.  What's important is that they finished the challenge and had a great time doing it.

Registration for the 2024 ride will open on Kansas Day - January 29, 2024.  For more information visit bak.org.