Registration is now closed! We have over 230 participants from 33 communities in Kansas and 11 states. A few reminders for those of you already registered:
We have a huge turnout this year! Please plan to arrive at Washburn University no later than 6:30 am, and before if possible. We will try to set up by around 6:00 am so we can get everyone through registration. We will have a police escort leaving Topeka, but you must be through registration and have your namebadge to be served at the sags and at Sunday meals.
The weather has finally warmed up. Looks like highs will be in the 80's, but lows still in the 50's. Make sure you pack jeans and a sweatshirt for the evenings. The chances of rain have been all over the board, but it looks like we will have some rain during the weekend. If it occurs as it has in the past, it will be in late afternoon or evening, so we should be done biking. If you are tenting be sure to bring a rain fly. If it rains during the ride, we will continue, unless there is lightening or other threatening weather. If that occurs, we will delay the start until it passes. If we are already underway, we will have folks shelter where ever they are on the route.
I have driven and ridden the route the last few days; the views are incredibly green and the roads are in good condition.
A couple health points: we will have plenty of hand sanitizer on the route, and expect everyone to make liberal use of it. With all the news about flu problems, we want everyone to be aware and help keep the group healthy. On a more "delicate" issue: with the warmer weather, everyone will probably be sweating. If you have done multiple days of long rides, you know the skin in the area of your crotch can become irritated after hours of riding, if you do not protect it. There are a number of specialty products on the market, but A&D ointment or something similar is cheap and effective. Taking care of your skin will mean riding on the second and third days will be much more pleasant :0)
See you early on Saturday!
