Frequently Asked Questions

What is Border Raiders?

Border Raiders is 500 miles of history through four states in eight days--an annual bicycle tour through Kansas, Nebraska, Iowa and Missouri. The ride is 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

Who organizes Border Raiders?

Border Raiders is organized by a group of bicycle enthusiasts who want to share the wonderful experience of cycling with people of all ages and physical ability. Together we have more than 100 years of riding and designing single and multi-day bicycle rides.

When is Border Raiders?

Border Raiders 2008 begins at 7:30 am on Saturday, June 21, 2008. The last day of the ride is Saturday, June 28, 2008.

Where does the tour go?

Border Raiders begins in Lawrence, Kansas and travels through Nebraska, Iowa, and Missouri before returning to Lawrence. The route follows the Lane Underground Railroad, Glacier Scenic Highway, Loess Hills Byway, and parts of Lewis and Clark Trail. Please see the route page for details.

What time and where should I arrive for the start of the ride?

Because the ride starts at 7:30 a.m. on Saturday, many people choose to arrive the night before and stay at nearby hotels, the Free State High School gymnasium or camp out. You are also welcome to arrive the morning the ride begins. Registration packet pick-up begins at noon on Friday, June 20, 2008, at Free State High School.

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What is the best way to get to the Border Raiders start?

Participants are responsible for their own transportation to and from Border Raiders. Because Border Raiders begins and ends in the same location, many people choose to drive or carpool to the starting point. If you're flying in from out of state, a shuttle service to and from Mid-Continent International Airport (MCI/KCI) is available. You may arrange to have your bicycle pre-shipped to a local bicycle shop and have it delivered to the start. Each participant is responsible for making arrangements for shuttle service and/or bicycle shipping plans.

If I drive or car pool, what do I do with my car for the week?

You can leave your car in the parking lot at Free State High School for the duration of the ride. A police officer will patrol the parking periodically to check on all vehicles.

How much does the ride cost and what does the fee include?

Before April 1, 2008, the Border Raiders registration fee is $225 per person. After April 1, 2008 the registration fee is $245. The registration fee includes overnight facilities in school gyms and camping areas with shower and restroom facilities. Also included in the registration are planned entertainment, baggage transportation between destinations, a Border Raiders T-shirt, a Border Raiders map book with historical facts about each day's ride, a Border Raiders water bottle, the celebration banquet in historic Weston, MO, visitor information about each host community, mechanical support, support services, route map, and a refreshing weeklong tour of four beautiful states (Kansas, Nebraska, Iowa, and Missouri).

If I have to cancel unexpectedly, can I get my money back?

Border Raiders cancellation and refund policy requires riders to contact us in writing at least 30 days before the ride. There is a $30 cancellation fee plus the cost of any extra items ordered. No refunds will be made for cancellations made after May 21, 2008.

Should a beginning cyclist attempt Border Raiders?

This tour is not a race - riders of all ability levels and speeds are welcome and encouraged to participate. However, it is recommended that riders train in order to be conditioned sufficiently for the ride. See "How can I train and prepare for Border Raiders".

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What is the terrain of the Border Raiders ride?

Most of the route for Border Raiders consists of rolling hills on paved secondary highways including the Glacial Scenic Byway in Kansas, the Loess Hills Scenic Byway in Iowa, the Lewis and Clark Trail, and the glacier formed hills of Missouri. These hilly byways can be challenging.

How should I prepare for Border Raiders?

Riders train as much as possible, with both short training rides during the week and longer rides on the weekends prior to the ride. The more miles you spend on your bike in the months before the ride, the better prepared you will be for a week-long tour. A good gauge of your fitness is your ability to complete back-to-back 50-mile rides on two consecutive days.

What if I can't finish Border Raiders?

Riders are strongly encouraged to take as much time as needed to finish each day. However, if you are unable to continue during any given day, limited SAG service is provided. If you are not able to complete the ride, we will help make arrangements for your return the starting point in Lawrence, KS.

How many miles will we ride per day on Border Raiders?

The average (mean) mileage is 60 miles per day. The shortest day is 55 miles and the longest is 73 miles. Some days have unsupported shorter routes available - details will be provided at the nightly meetings. Please see the route page for details.

What are some of the challenges of riding this ride?

The weather, taking in all the sites each day, eating too much, the rolling hills, not paying attention to the road while you look at the beautiful scenery.

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What is a typical day like on Border Raiders?

Each morning, a truck will be waiting for your luggage as soon as you pack up deliver it. You are free to travel the established route at your own pace, stop along the way to admire the attractions, and arrive in the next town at your own discretion. Along the way you will find smiling faces and places to purchase snacks and drinks. Repair vehicles, and ride support will be available to help you meet your daily needs. Minors participating in the ride are required to stay with their parent/sponsor.

Does Border Raiders provide guidance during the week or am I on my own?

The Border Raiders staff is on duty all day long. We hold a short meeting every evening to preview the following day's route. Information will be posted on bulletin boards located at each gym providing details about the host town route and points of interest.

Do I have to finish riding by any particular time each day?

No. Riders are free to schedule their day. The one exception will be Friday when we arrive at Weston, Missouri. All participants are invited to the "victory" dinner at 6:00 p.m. to share fellowship and fun with the other riders.

Where do Border Raiders participants eat during the ride and at night?

Border Raiders arranges for civic groups to provide breakfast and SAG support as fund raisers for charity at various points along the route. Dinner is on your own. In each town we will provide you with lists of restaurants for you to choose from. Each registration fee includes one ticket to Friday evening's catered celebration banquet in Weston, Missouri.

Will there be SAG support during the day?

A town or SAG support stop is available throughout the ride at varying intervals, with no more than 17 miles between them.

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Can I provide my own SAG support?

Absolutely! The registration page includes an option to add individual nights for non-riders. Information about shopping opportunities along the route is included is provided in several ways throughout the ride.

Where will I sleep?

Overnight host cities along the route provide facilities for sleeping, camping, bathrooms and showers. In most cases, riders will stay in school gymnasiums. Please remember that we are guests in these communities; alcohol and illegal drugs are prohibited.

What if I want to camp outside?

Riders may camp on the school grounds. In case of inclement weather, campers should move inside.

What if I don't want to stay in a gym or camp out?

A list of alternative lodging options is provided on our website. Alternative lodging plans are entirely up to the rider. If you choose other lodging, Border Raiders will drop-off and pick-up your luggage with notification of your lodging.

How will I communicate with Border Raiders and the other riders?

Each evening, a brief informational meeting will be held at 8:30 pm. It's important for riders to attend each meeting to get important information pertaining to the next day. If there are changes in the route, they will announce at the nightly meeting. Participants who opt to stay in hotels are responsible for their transportation to and from the nightly meetings.

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How do Border Raiders participants get around in the host cities?

We are currently working with the host communities to provide shuttles in each town from 4 p.m. to 8 p.m. The cost to ride the shuttle for the night will be determined by the host town.

What should I bring with me for the tour?

A multi-geared, quality bicycle will make the tour much more enjoyable. Although not required, a triple and/or low gears are recommended. Second, you must wear a helmet ' you will not be allowed to ride without one. Third, bring appropriate clothing for all weather conditions. All of your gear (except your bicycle) should fit into one large or two small bags. Please use the list of suggested cycling equipment and other luggage items to determine what to pack.

Should I bring extra money?

See How much does the ride cost?

What if someone needs to contact me during the week?

We will supply the riders with a list of cell-phone numbers for the ride directors to leave with family members. If a call comes in for you, a ride director will convey the message as quickly as possible.

Why should I want to experience Border Raiders?

To some, Border Raiders will be a week spent with fellow cyclists in an enthusiastic atmosphere. For others, it will be time enjoyed with family members or renewing old friendships. Border Raiders is a wonderful opportunity to enjoy this beautiful region of the Midwest in a truly unique manner. Take in the quaint shops, beautiful scenery, or tour many of the historic sites. Begin making plans today for a memorable four-state bicycle trip through history.

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When did Border Raiders first begin?

Border Raiders began in July 2005.

How many cyclists participate in Border Raiders?

In the inaugural year of Border Raiders (2005), we had 200 riders. We had 116 riders in 2006 and 156 riders in 2007. Border Raiders is limited to 300 cyclists.

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