The Basics
What is Border Raiders?
Five avid cycle-dudes in Lawrence, Kansas, put their heads together and came up with a list of ideas they wanted to use to start a unique annual biking tour:
- Provide cycling enthusiasts with a challenging and fun recreational ride;
- Provide small towns with the opportunity to host large groups of really cool people;
- Bring unique charitable opportunities to small non-profit organizations in these towns (last year, Border Raiders raised more than $6,000 for charities along the route);
- Retrace the history of the Civil War in the Midwest to make the ride extra interesting;
- Utilize their cumulative 100+ years of cycling experience to benefit other riders; and
- Feed their need to ride!
Thus, the annual Border Raiders bicycle-touring event was born — a ride designed to let participants tour historic places where the border wars ignited the Civil War long before the first shots were fired on Fort Sumter. This is a loop tour of eight days, riding 50 to 75 miles each day. The route follows paved secondary roads for the easiest ride and greatest safety. Many rest stops feature local community organizations who sell food and refreshments as a means of raising funds for their charities. Restaurants, gas stations and other shops can also be found along the route.
Ride accommodations include baggage transportation between destinations, overnight facilities in school gyms and camping areas, shower facilities and restroom facilities.
Border Raiders is 500 miles of history through four states in eight days. We are delighted to have you join us!