One of the things I love most about my Extension career is that every day is just a little bit different. Like this past Tuesday, when my day started before 8 with a quick trip to the grocery store to get supplies for a program later in the day. My normal mode of transportation, (bicycle) had to be replaced by our van thanks to early morning showers. But our timing was perfect. As my husband and I were leaving the store, I spotted a cross country cyclist pulling in under the entryway. I smiled and said “Welcome to Kansas.”
For the next 20 minutes we enjoyed learning about our new friend’s cross-country trek that started in Lander, Wyo., 12 days earlier. Over the course of the next 10 weeks, Mike’s plan is to travel east to Richmond, Va., then fly to the west coast and cycle home to Wyoming. We noticed his bike was loaded with camping gear, so we asked where had spent the night. With his late arrival and ensuing storms, he opted for a motel.
If you have traveled along K-96 you may have noticed the cycling signs which designate we are on the trans-America bike trail. It is exciting for our community of Great Bend to be included on this route. With cycling season upon us, we are sure to see more cross-country cyclists, looking to restock their supplies and get a good night’s rest. Mike was looking forward to buying some fresh veggies and needed some new tubes for his bike tires from our Golden Belt Bicycle shop. He commented how hard it was to find fresh produce early on his trip and how many stickers he encountered in western Kansas!
My husband, John, and I, are active participants on the Be Well Barton County task force. One of our projects has been to develop a campground for cross-country cyclists in the grassy area behind Central Baptist Church. The church installed a bicycle repair station several years ago. Small grants from our Central KS Partnership have been used to repair two picnic tables and provide electrical outlets for cyclists to charge their phones. A kiosk will be added soon that will provide contact information in case of an emergency and a map of services our community offers the cyclists.
We want everyone who visits our communities to have a positive experience. Each one of us has an opportunity to become engaged in our community and promote the great place we have to live, work and raise a family.
Consider sharing ideas with members of the Be Well Barton County Task force or our Cottonwood Extension District Community Development committee. We would welcome your input. Feel free to give me a call for more information.
Donna Krug is the Family & Consumer Science Agent with K-State Research and Extension – Cottonwood District. Contact her at 620-793-1910 ordkrug@ksu.edu.
