By MIKE COURSON
Great Bend Post
The 50th year of Biking Across Kansas could be a big one. Last year's ride featured more than 400 bicyclists, and that number is being capped at 700 riders this year. The riders have a scheduled overnight stay in Hoisington on Monday, June 10. USD 431 Superintendent Patrick Crowdis expects a full house in and around the Hoisington Activity Center.
"We're not just talking about a group of bikers that are coming across," he said. "We're talking probably anywhere between 2-5 support people with each one of those bikers as well. It really is a huge undertaking where you could potentially have 1,000 people show up, or more. That kind of impact to the community is good, and I know one of the reasons they chose to have us as one of the host cities is because we've had good success in the past. That says a lot about the community of Hoisington."
Planning for the stop is still in the early stages. Crowdis would like to offer a shuttle service for the bikers to downtown businesses. The bikers will have access to air conditioning, showers, and other amenities at the Activity Center. Volunteers will likely be needed once plans are finalized over the coming months.
"It's their 50th anniversary so we're really looking forward to it," Crowdis said. "Those who have been here before and have been a part of hosting have expressed a lot of interest. I was a part of it out west when I was a principal and really saw a lot of benefits to having a wide variety of people come to the community you're in."
This year's Biking Across Kansas route will take the riders 489 miles in eight days from June 8-15. The bikers will travel 67 miles from Ness City to arrive in Hoisington, then ride 62 miles to Lincoln the following day. Tuesday, June 11 is also BAK Century Day where the riders have the option of riding 100 miles on an alternative route to Lincoln.
CLICK HERE for more information about BAK.