Biking Across Kansas

Biking Across Kansas (BAK) is an annual recreational bicycle tour that crosses the state of Kansas within the space of eight days. Though the route varies from year to year, cyclists on BAK always ride west-to-east, from Colorado to Missouri (to take advantage of the prevailing winds).

Biking Across Kansas was organized by Larry and Norma Christie of Wichita. The first ride followed the route devised for the Bikecentennial '76 cross-country route (which would later become known as the TransAmerica Trail), and subsequent routes have criss-crossed the state, touching nearly every community in Kansas at one time or another.

Fewer than 100 cyclists participated in the first BAK, but the tour grew quickly, and the ride is now capped at approximately 800 riders. Traditionally, the ride takes place the second week of June each year, and each day's ride covers about 60-70 miles on average, with a few shorter and longer days mixed into the week. Total mileage for the entire tour ranges from about 450 to 500 miles, depending on the route.

BAK is a fully-supported tour, with rest stops staffed by volunteers, providing food, water, and support along each day's route. Overnight lodging is typically provided at schools, and riders can choose to sleep indoors in the school gymnasium, or outdoors on the school grounds, in tents. Each day, trucks haul riders luggage from town to town.

Food is often provided by community groups in towns along the route, and riders can also choose to eat in restaurants and cafes along the way. Each year's tour concludes with a celebration luncheon provided by BAK.

Although BAK is by no means the largest cross-state tour (Iowa's RAGBRAI claims that honor), BAK has earned a reputation as one of the friendliest and most accessible tours in the nation. And contrary to popular belief, Kansas is not entirely flat! While the terrain may be less hilly than some other states, there are still plenty of ups and downs to provide a formidable challenge for most cyclists. With the subtle beauty of its scenery, Kansas will delight you with a surprising diversity of landscapes, as well as its open and welcoming people.

You can learn more at bak.org or on the Biking Across Kansas page at KansasCyclist.com.