If you have traveled the highways that are marked as Adventure Cycling routes, (route 76) you have no doubt encountered an increasing number of cyclists riding across the country. Since I am an avid cyclist, it is fun to see where the cyclists are from and where they are going. The Central Baptist Church bicycle campground, located in a grassy area just a block from 10th and Harrison, in Great Bend, provides an oasis for weary travelers.
The cyclists’ reasons for trekking across the country vary. Some are taking a leave of absence from a high-pressure job, while others are just figuring out what the next chapter of their life will be. So far this summer we have met solo riders as well as small groups, from across the country and several foreign countries. Our most recent campground guest was Alfrons, from Austria. He arrived in Great Bend on a very hot day last week. He was delighted to find a re-charging station, bike repair station, a hand pump water well, shelter, picnic tables and a porta-potty at the bicycle campground. All of the improvements have happened as a result of community partnerships being formed and small grants to pay for the improvements.
In late June, a group of four young ladies found our campground on Google maps. Three had been college roommates in upstate New York, several years ago and the fourth rider was from France. She had joined the group when they were riding on the Katy trail in Missouri. The young ladies exuded happiness and had such a positive outlook despite broiling heat and the summer Kansas wind.
Mark Thursday, July 28th at 9:30 a.m. on your calendar and plan to stop by the campground at 3301 Lakin Avenue. Central Kansas Partnership is hosting the Chamber of Commerce Coffee that morning and want to share with the community what improvements have been added to the campground. Each task force that makes up the Central Kansas Partnership will highlight the work they are doing to make Great Bend a better place to live, work and play.
The task forces that will be highlighted during the July 28th coffee include Be Well Barton County, Rise Up, Breastfeeding Coalition, Youth Crew, Suicide Prevention and Famer’s Market. Refreshments and door prizes will help to make it a fun event. If you would like to get involved with any of the task forces I mentioned above, give me a call and I will connect you with the leader.
Perhaps we should all take note of the cyclists’ positive outlook and find more joy in simple pleasures. While the campground amenities are not fancy, they provide just what our guests need. I look forward to seeing you on the 28th!
Donna Krug is the Family & Consumer Science Agent with K-State Research and Extension – Cottonwood District. Contact her at 620-793-1910 or dkrug@ksu.edu.
