Cottonwood200.org Blog

Cottonwood 200 riders and volunteers:

The big weekend will soon be here! I hope you have checked the Packing List on the website, and made sure your bike is in tip-top shape.

Start time is 7:45 am. Please arrive no later than 6:30 am for registration, and with the record turnout, arriving at 6:15 or a little earlier would not be a bad idea. We will try to be set up by 6:00 am.

The ride starts on Saturday at Washburn University southwest parking lot, at the corner of SW 20th and SW MacVicar. A Google map of the start site is available on the “RIDE” page of the website. For those joining the ride on Sunday, you can register between 8:15 and 8:30 am at the Council Grove Elementary/Middle School, which is located at 706 E. Main in Council Grove. Main street is also US Highway 56, and the school is seven blocks east of the K-177 Junction.

All participants (riders and volunteers) must register and get their nametags.

Sag Captain Bill Lucero and the other volunteers are planning some special sag stops, so this year will be a great one. The weather looks like it is going to cooperate.

Although the ride is closed, I have had a handful of (literally, 5) late cancelations. If you know someone who can fill the spots, have them contact me ASAP. I will not be able to take anymore than the five slots available.

See you soon!

Mark Kossler
Ride Director

Remember – the Cottonwood provides indoor camping at the Council Grove Middle School Gym. You may also camp outdoors on the school grounds if you wish. Have you checked all your gear? Do you have a sleeping bag, an air mattress or pad, and pillow ready? Does your air mattress hold air? If camping outdoors, do you have all the poles and a rain fly for your tent? Check your gear NOW, to make sure everything is ready. IF YOU PLAN TO STAY IN A HOTEL – have you made and confirmed reservations? Accomodations other than the school are your responsibility.

Check the “Packing List” page on the website for suggestions on items to bring.

If you have not yet ordered a t-shirt, the last day to do so will be May 14. T-shirts are not included in the registration fee. You can view this year’s shirt on the “Extras” page of the website, and order one through the “Registration” page.

Alan Apel, ride photographer, has stated that May 20, 2010 will be the last date to order photos from the 2009 ride. There is a link on the Cottonwood 200 home page to Alan’s site. If you are interested in a 2009 photo – order now! Photos from the 2010 edition will be available in June shortly after the ride, and we will have a link to those photos.