Larned, KS to Bazine, KS
Friendly horn taps: 1
Friendly cyclists wishing us well: Several hundred
Miles: 54
Total so far: 2,349
Meeting riders from the RAK at Rush Center, Kansas
We encountered the RAK today, otherwise known as the ride across Kansas. They have something like a thousand riders, and have been conducting the ride for over thirty years. Their ride is always west-to-east, and the route varies each year. We intersected their route quite by mistake at Rush Center, Kansas.
It was fun visiting with the riders. They were quite interested in our travels and uniformly, they all wished us well. As we left Rush Center, we rode west while the remaining riders went east on the same road.
The Ride Across Kansas is a seven day supported ride. Supported means they transport the gear for the riders in trucks to the next evening’s stop, and the riders can travel unimpeded through the day. The ride organizers arrange for rst stops every 10 or fifteen miles, with refreshments, fruit and snacks for the riders. I understand the overnight towns where the ride stops host a variety of meals and entertainment options for the riders, and they are quite famous for rolling out the red carpet and hosting their evening stop in a big way. There is a woman in my cycling club in Dallas that rides in the Kansas ride every year and truly enjoys the experience.
Sallie and I have been on several supported rides around the country to include, rides in Florida, Georgia, Wyoming, and the “big one”, Iowa’s RAGBRAI, a ride that numbers in excess of 10,000 participants.
One of the riders today engaged me in a conversation and then promptly made a donation to MADD on the spot. Thank you Kansas!
Otter Creek, south of Rush Center, KS
Sallie and an early morning wheat field
Julie on a rare north-bound stretch with a tailwind
An old barn holding onto residence in a wheat field
The now obligatory Kansas today photo
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Tomorrrow’s ride is dedicated to Jason James Grandon
Jason James Grandon
Jason’s hometown is Paola, Kansas. Jason was killed in a drunk driving collision at the age of 20 years, on May 19, 2002. Jason’s father says Jason was his only son and his best friend. He describes Jason as the son every father dreamed of having.
In Memory of Warmer Summers 
Nice sunset pictures, y’all. All the pictures are good.
Except that cheesy bill board pic of biscuits and gravy.
Don’t eat the stuff, Carl.
More food pics. Find a gun to snap one on.
Such a great idea. Love the pictures. My son, Gary Allen Wagner age 23, was killed near Ellinwood KS by a drunk driver on May 3, 2000. Looking forward to more pictures. Thank you for your support of MADD.