The City of Olpe played host to several hundred cyclists from across the state Thursday evening.
Riders in the annual Biking Across Kansas event concluded day six of their journey across the state at Olpe High School where students, staff and residents put on a special meal to welcome roughly 600 individuals. The ride from the Colorado to Missouri state line began this past Saturday and entered the KVOE listening area Thursday with riders passing through Cottonwood Falls before making their way to Olpe.
Among those taking part in this year’s ride is Sheri Barnes who has been participating in BAK since the late 90s. She says Thursday’s ride was “brutal” given high temperatures in the upper 90’s and heat index readings that reached 110 at one time.
Despite the conditions, she says participating in BAK is an experience she wouldn’t trade for anything.
USD 252 Superintendent Mike Argabright says he was grateful for the opportunity to showcase the Olpe community to the visiting riders.
Thursday’s meal was also a fundraiser for the USD 252 Honor Flight program which takes local veterans and student guardians on a two-day whirlwind trip across Washington DC. The next Honor Flight trip is scheduled to leave on Oct. 31.
Fundraising totals from the meal are currently pending. BAK riders will now make their way through Lebo Friday before the tour ends Saturday east of Louisburg.
