By COLE REIF
Great Bend Post
Because of the COVID-19 pandemic, last summer was the first full,
week-long Biking Across Kansas (BAK) tour since 2019. The bicycling adventure has
released its route for 2023, which will include an overnight stop in Stafford.
Biking Across Kansas Executive Director Stefanie Weaver said when the
organization is considering a route each year, they look for cities they have
not stayed overnight before. Stafford is one of three new stops for the event
which started in 1975.
"Last year we were in St. John," said Weaver. "The way our mileage has worked in previous years it has been better for us to stay in St. John. This year it's better for us to stay in Stafford and show off just one more town in Stafford County."
The eight-day trek, takes bicyclists across Kansas while promoting health and
wellness. Each stop allows the participants to enjoy the hospitality of the
Kansas towns and learn the history and scenery of those locations.
"People are pretty surprised about the varying geography of Kansas," said Weaver. "They have this myth that everything is really flat and part of the lowlands. That's not necessarily true. They get to see those beautiful rolling hills and become very surprised."
The 542-mile route this year will begin in the southwest corner of the state on
June 10. Bicyclists will arrive in Stafford on June 12.
Weaver said approximately 600 bikers participated in the tour last year, and
she anticipates between 600 and 800 to sign up this year. You can find more information on BAK and how to register at bak.org.