By TONY GUERRERO
Hays Post
Pedal through Kansas history on Saturday with the Tour Die Kapellen bike ride, a journey through small towns that immerses you in rich culture.
The fifth-annual Tour of Chapels features stops at St. Catherine Church in Catharine, The Basilica on the Plains in Victoria, Holy Cross Church in Pfeifer and St. Francis Church in Munjor.
Kay Werth, president of the Hays Area Bicyclists, said the concept originated to showcase Ellis County's history and culture while promoting health.
"We thought Ellis County had so much to offer," she said. "It promotes wellness, geography, limestone structures and beautiful landscapes."
The Hays Area Bicyclists is a nonprofit that supports health through cycling. The Tour of the Chapels was created as a joint effort among four rural communities in Ellis County to celebrate Volga-German heritage.
Cyclists can choose from a 15-mile casual ride to a 100-mile journey that begins at Hays Municipal Park, 100 Main St. While most routes are on asphalt roads, the 54-mile mixed-surface route includes 27 miles of gravel.
Depending on the route chosen, cyclists can pedal to St. Catherine Church in Catharine, The Basilica on the Plains in Victoria, Holy Cross Church in Pfeifer and St. Francis Church in Munjor.
Routes of 75 to 100 miles begin with a self-start between 6:45 a.m. and 7 a.m., while the 15-mile ride departs at 9 a.m. Saturday. You can view the Tour of the Chapels' schedule of events here.
Werth said the 15-mile casual ride is ideal for first-timers. It is led by three experienced cyclists to ensure guidance and safety.
"We call that a beginner route because it gets people introduced to riding on the tour and how to communicate with others that they're cycling with," she said.
The Ellis County Sheriff's Department will patrol the routes, while the Hays Police Department will assist in escorting the convoy of bikes out of the city.
Registration costs $55 per person for the bike ride and $85 per person for the bus tour. On-site registration opens Saturday at 6:30 a.m.
Riders will receive a free shirt, an authentic German meal and drink tickets, which are required for the post-ride meal. The registration form is available here.
This year, the bus tour has been reduced from two buses to one with limited space and limited meal tickets available for purchase. You can contact [email protected] to check availability.
"We're back to one bus, which is OK because of the amount of time it takes people to get on and off the bus. We want them to have as much time in the churches as they can," Werth said.
The bus tour, led by Jerry Braun, a descendant of the Volga Germans who arrived in Ellis County from Russia in 1876, will depart at 8:30 a.m. after the cyclists have left the area.
With help from the Hays Convention and Visitors Bureau and the Hays Symphony, most of the profits will go to the Hays Symphony this year. Next year, the ride will continue the tradition of distributing funds to a different church each year.
"We're going to put this on a five-year basis and donate the money to the four main churches," Werth said on how the concept came to be. "The fifth year, we're going to give the bulk of the money to the symphony."
Founded in 1914, the Hays Symphony Orchestra is the longest-running orchestra in Kansas. Its about 60 musicians include Fort Hays State University students and faculty, Hays area volunteers and guest musicians from throughout the state.
With 90 volunteers at each stop, attendees can enjoy snacks, water and music from the Hays Symphony at every church, except for the Basilica of the Plains, which will feature a local brass choir.
The after-ride party will feature music by Simply Tone from noon to 2 p.m. Adult beverages from Defiance Brewery Co., and non-alcoholic refreshments will be available.
German meals will be served from 11 a.m. to 2:30 p.m., but dishes will be boxed up for anyone who misses this time window. Some of the food offered will include cream potatoes, dumplings and green beans. Vegan options will be provided by Gella's Diner and LB Brewing Co.
There are 50 registered participants on the bus tour, and about 230 people have signed up for the bike ride through Ellis County.
Werth said riders are likely to consider the weather conditions before signing up for the ride, with the expectation of a hot Saturday.
"We all believe in the power of prayer. We've had such great weather the last four years, but this year looks like it's going to be hot," she said.
Saturday's forecast predicts sunny skies with a high of 102 degrees, a low of 75 degrees and winds of 13 mph. For a detailed weather forecast, click here.
Werth said after completing the ride, participants feel satisfaction and enjoy getting to know the community.
"You meet a lot of new friends. You see areas of the county that maybe you haven't seen because even if you're on a bike, you see it up close as opposed to driving in a car," Werth said.
You can follow the Hays Area Bicyclists on Facebook and visit the Tour Die Kapellen's website for more information.