The Sunflower Cycling News is a periodic publication of Kansas Cyclist, featuring a compendium of hand-picked bicycling-related news items from Kansas and neighboring states.
The following is a recap of recent bicycling news from the region, as well as a look ahead to upcoming rides, races, and bicycling events coming up.
Bicycling News from Kansas
Kansas Cycling Association Plans Annual Banquet
Call me ‘Big Poppi:’ Local bike store earns national honor
Powerful “Bicycle Lobby” Raises Agenda 21 Fears in Olathe
Charges Filed Against Driver Who Critically Injured 12-year-old Topeka Bicyclist
Douglas County Bikeway Plan Available for Public Comment
See also: Countywide Bikeway System Plan DRAFT
Regional Bicycling News
— Little Rock, AR: Ron King Steers ‘Recycle Bikes for Kids’ Program — “For many children, the desire to own a bike is fulfilled Christmas morning when they discover a shiny new bike under the tree. For other children, and even some adults, a bicycle isn’t that easy to come by. That’s where Ron King, founder of Recycle Bikes for Kids, comes in. King accepts broken or discarded bikes and parts, repairs them and churns out “new” bikes for kids and some adults. It all started around the holidays in 2007, when he saw on the news that the Little Rock Fraternal Order of Police was repairing bikes for kids and donating them to the Watershed Project. Inspired, King set out to do that very thing on his own.”
— Colorado: Fat bikes going big in Colorado — “While still a relatively small market, fat bikes are the fastest growing segment in the bike industry. In Colorado, anything that keeps riders on their bikes longer is sure to catch on. And after a few years feeling out the market, fat bikes—specialized frames that can hold a tire meaty enough to tackle snow—are taking over the terrain in the West. What started as a small niche has turned into a winter phenomenon. Now we can ride bikes all year.”
— Iowa: Guess the Route Contest for RAGBRAI XLII is Now Open! — “Do you think you can pick the eight overnight towns for RAGBRAI® XLII? Enter the contest and see how close you come. Last year, 6 of 8 towns was the best that anyone could do! Whoever correctly chooses the most overnight towns in order will receive a certificate worth $100 of RAGBRAI merchandise. No purchase is necessary to enter, and please only one entry per person. All entries must be received by January 17, 2014.”
— St. Louis, MO: St. Louis County wrestling with Complete Streets legislation — “Legislation being considered by the St. Louis County Council would prompt the county’s transportation department to include more pedestrian and bicyclist-friendly elements in road projects. The people of St. Louis County have spoken very loudly and clearly on what they desire. There’s a lot of support for Complete Streets policy. This is not a policy that’s going to overrun the budget. Everything would be done within budget.”
— Lincoln, NE: Lincoln Winter Bike Challenge — “With our top place finish in this year’s National Bike Challenge, we are excited to show how we are not just fair weather riders. The Lincoln Winter Bike Challenge starts December 1st. and will end February 28th. If you are signed up for the National Challenge you are all ready to log your miles in the Lincoln Winter Bike Challenge. Lincoln riders are a hardy bunch and we want this challenge to be a fun way to show that. Or maybe this challenge can inspire new cold weather riders. We’ll see you out there and ride on!”
— Oklahoma: Bicyclist struck and killed on Interstate 35 — “The Oklahoma Highway Patrol says a bicyclist was killed while riding on Interstate 35 in Carter County. A preliminary report says the collision happened early Friday at the 45 mile marker on Interstate 35. Authorities say the bicyclist was traveling southbound on the outside lane of Interstate 35 when he or she was struck by a van driven by a 25-year-old Lawton man.”
Event News
This coming weekend is the Kansas State Cyclocross Championships in Topeka, which will be held at Hummer Park. Prologue Cycling Magazine has details.
See also: Kansas Ride Calendar, Regional Ride Calendar
Bicycling Inspiration
The golden glow of the late-afternoon sun beckons, on a scenic gravel road in Allen County, Kansas.
If you have a news item or upcoming event you’d like to share, please contact Kansas Cyclist with details.
I could be wrong, but I think the I 35 incident might be a co-moron situation. I’d have to double check, but I believe that the section of I35 in question is not posted as a bicycle route, and has a minimum speed limit, which means that’s not a place open to ride unless he can maintain 40+ MPH for miles on end.