Border Raiders: A Participant's Perspective

Wes Grose and Brian Cahalan participated in Border Raiders last year and kept a photo-journal of their trip. You can check it out at crazyguyonabike.com.

Thanks for sharing!

2008 Border Raiders T-shirt Design

Here's the t-shirt design for the 2008 Border Raiders tour. These will be printed on a heavy cotton t-shirt. One shirt is included in the registration fee, but you can also order more if you'd like an extra. The color of the shirts will be a golden-yellow.


I promise to have the jersey design finalized soon and will post it as soon as it's complete.

2008 Border Raiders Bicycle Tour

Well folks, it's getting to be that time of year when the holidays are over and you think you have nothing to look forward to. Well we have a solution: the 2008 Border Raiders Bicycle Tour!

That's right, we're back for our fourth tour and are hoping it's ever better than the first three. Stroll on over to the Border Raiders website to look for new info and to register online. If online registration isn't working just yet, give it a day or two and check back -- or shoot Paul an email and let him know you want to raid the border. One way or another we'll help get you signed up and prepared for June.

Don't forget to check the blog periodically -- we promise to more diligent about updating it with all sorts of good info to get you ready. If any of you would like to do a little "guest blog" action and write a brief story about your ride last year and how you prepared, shoot Mary an email and she'll help you out. We'd love to share your stories!

Looking forward to seeing you this summer!

FINALLY! Post-Ride Update

Hey everyone! Mary here. I'm just now getting around to doing our little post-ride update because it took me, literally, two weeks to recover, re-group and upload all of those freaking photos I took!

The guys and I all had a blast on the tour this year and really enjoyed meeting and talking with everyone. We all hope you had a wonderful time too, and would love to see you again on Border Raiders 2008 -- or any other rides in the area for that matter! No matter what, we hope you keep in touch and let us know about all of your great cycling adventures. Now on to the updates...

--------------------------------------------------------------

• PICTURES
  I've uploaded all of the pictures to a Kodak Gallery. You can check out all eight albums here. Yes, you have to have a Kodak account -- sorry! I don't make the rules. The cool thing is that you can view all of the images in a gallery format, save them to your computer (they're all high resolution), or you can order prints (4x6 prints are $0.15/ea), albums, stickers, mugs -- even apparel (I like medium t-shirts if you're curious).
  
  If you're interested in prints of any of my artistic photography that's not included in the galleries (flowers/frogs/etc...), please email me. I'm working on having prints and mini photo books made and will have them for sale for anyone who's interested.

• JERSEYS
  We're still taking orders for the 2007 jerseys. If you'd like to order one, please
  email us and we'll add you to the list and send you a PayPal invoice. The final day to order a jersey is Sunday, July 22. We'll place our re-order on Monday, July 23, so we won't be able to take any orders past Sunday, July 22. The jerseys should take a couple weeks to be printed, but we'll send them out just as soon as they arrive.

• LONG RIDERS T-SHIRT
  If you're interested in ordering a Long Riders t-shirt, please
  email us to let us know. The t-shirts will be $15.
  
  We took a list of names and the banquet dinner on Friday night, but would appreciate it if you'd send us an email to place your order.

• 2007 FLINT HILLS DEATH RIDE
  If you had fun on our week long tour, would be interested in our other rides and own a mountain bike, check out the Flint Hills Death Ride. The ride is in a couple weeks -- July 28 & 29, but we're still taking registration forms online.

• 2008 BORDER RAIDERS BICYCLE TOUR
  One trip over those "bumps" between Hamburg and Savannah can't possibly be enough! If you're dying to try it again, you'll have your chance! Border Raiders will return for it's fourth year in 2008. We're tentatively planning on hosting the tour the week of June 21 - June 28. We'll be sending out fliers around the first of the year, so check your mailboxes.

--------------------------------------------------------------

Well, I suppose that's about it for the updates! On a personal note, I'd just like to say what an awesome trip this was for me. I've done BR with my kilt-donning father all three years and this year easily takes the cake. Thanks to everyone for being such a great bunch of people to spend a week with!

Check Your Mailbox!

The 2007 Border Raiders Newsletter has officially been sent out, so check your mailboxes in the next few days. The Newsletter has a lot of great information about what to expect and how to plan for the 2007 tour.

For those of you who are too impatient and excited (like most of us) we've provided some of the important information from the newsletter below. Check it out!

--------------------------------------------------------------

GENERAL INFORMATION

• Training & Conditioning
The more miles you spend on your bike before the ride, the better prepared you will be. A good gauge of your fitness is your ability to complete back-to-back 50-mile rides on two consecutive days and your ability to ride 20 miles in two hours or less.


• Lodging
Overnight host cities along the route provide facilities for sleeping, camping, bathrooms and showers. However, participants may elect to make their own lodging arrangements in nearby hotels.


• Luggage
A truck will transport luggage to and from each host city; the truck will arrive at the schools at noon each day. Participants should plan to pack their luggage each morning and drop it off by the luggage truck. Please note: If you elect to stay in a hotel, we will deliver one piece of luggage to your hotel each night (other luggage can stay on the truck if necessary). Special tags will be provided for you to mark your luggage each night so we know where to pick-up and drop-off your gear..


• A Typical Day
Breakfast is served at 6 a.m. at the school unless otherwise noted. Feel free to ride at your own pace, stop at the SAGs to rest and refresh, and take in the sites and attractions along the way. The luggage truck will arrive at the school at noon; after retrieving your luggage, you are free to set up camp, clean up and explore the town. Evening entertainment has been arranged in a few towns (keep reading for more details). Plan to attend the nightly meetings — they are the chief information forum throughout the ride. Please note: Schools will not be available until noon, due to summer activities.


• Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Food and water are the fuel your body needs to ride! For your convenience, breakfast will be served at the school by charitable organizations unless otherwise noted, lunch stops and restaurants for dinner will be identified in the nightly meetings.


• Nightly Meetings
Your chief source of information each day will be the nightly meetings. Meetings will take place each night at 8:30 p.m. in the gymnasium of the school unless otherwise indicated. You will receive information about the next day’s route, the weather, places of interest along the way, and news updates. Please plan to attend!


• What to do in Host Cities
Host cities are eagerly anticipating the arrival of the Border Raiders. Many of the host cities have arranged for local discounts. Local transportation by bus or trolley has also been arranged in several cities to make getting around more convenient.


• Safety
Inexperienced highway riders should study safety precautions and state laws. State law prohibits bicycles from impeding traffic; do not ride more than two abreast. Single file riding near the right-hand edge of the pavement is the safest option. Ride defensively at all times.


• On-the-Road Emergencies
Should you have an emergency on the road, signal approaching support vehicles by raising your fist in the air. DO NOT WAVE—we’ll think you’re just being friendly. Emergency phone numbers are also available should you need help during the ride. Remember, reception is limited but a ride director will answer your call as soon as possible. Please note: Ride directors sweep the route throughout the day—no one will be left on the road.


• Road & Mechanical Support
A mobile bicycle mechanic travels with the Border Raiders throughout the week. If you experience mechanical problems, call the emergency numbers and the ride director will arrange for the mechanic to find you. Common replacement parts will be available at cost, and the mechanic will provide needed services. Donations for the services provided by the mechanics are strongly encouraged.


• SAG Support
SAG support will be available at least every 17 miles along the route. “Self” SAGs are sites where you may purchase supplies from a store or other vendor; “Charity” SAGs are provided by non-profit organizations that raise funds by selling food and drinks at a nominal fee; “Border Raiders” SAGs are provided by Hog Back Ridge Bicycle Touring, Co., Inc. “Lunch” SAGs are suggested places to get lunch. Be sure to stay hydrated and energized by taking in enough food and water.


• Weather
Border Raiders is a rain or shine ride. Should inclement weather ensue, seek temporary shelter along the route.

--------------------------------------------------------------

SUGGESTED PACKING LIST

• Must Haves
-Cash (for food/snacks/massages/gifts/etc.)
-Driver's License (or other form of identification)


• Recommended
-ATM card/credit card
-Medical information card
-Mobile phone (although reception will be limited at times)


• For Your Bike
-2 water bottles or hydration pack
-Computer
-Mini air pump
-Seat bag w/ tools
-Spare tire, tube, patch kit, and tire irons
-Toilet paper


• Cycling Clothing
-2 to 3 pairs of bike shorts
-2 to 3 jerseys/tops
-2 to 3 pairs of socks
-ANSI or Snell approved helmet
-Biking shoes
-Gloves
-Rain gear
-Sunglasses
-Sweatband/headband
-Tights and jacket or other cool weather gear


• Evening Clothing
-1 pair of jeans/pants
-1 sweatshirt/light jacket
-1 to 2 pairs of shorts
-2 to 3 t-shirts/casual shirts
-3 pairs of underwear
-3 pairs of socks
-Street shoes/casual shoes


• Other Gear
-Air mattress/sleeping pad
-Bag balm/butt butter
-Book/magazine
-Camera & film/memory card
-Camping gear
-Ear plugs
-Flashlight
-First aid kit
-Insect repellent
-Journal & pen
-Lip balm/chap stick
-Mini book light
-Pillow
-Sleeping bag/blanket
-Sunblock
-Swimsuit
-Toiletries (soap, shampoo, toothpaste, etc.)
-Towel & washcloth

--------------------------------------------------------------

REGISTRATION

• Getting to Registration
Your destination is Free State High School in Lawrence, Kansas. You may check in on Friday, June 22, 2007 from noon to 8 p.m. and stay overnight in the Free State gymnasium. Alternatively, you may elect to book your own reservation at a Lawrence hotel/motel (see page 4).

If you choose to stay in a local hotel/motel, you must arrange in advance for your luggage to be picked up on Saturday morning. Call Paul Corcoran at (785) 550-5273 before June 8 and provide him with the name of your hotel/motel.

Your final opportunity for check in is Saturday, June 23, 2007 from 6-7:45 a.m. at Free State High School.

Participants are responsible for arranging transportation to and from Border Raiders. Many participants choose to leave their cars in the Free State High School parking lot for the week. Police officers will check the lot regularly throughout the week to ensure the highest possible level of safety. Additional safety information will be available at registration.

Shuttle service is available to and from Mid-Continent International Airport (MCI/KCI). You may arrange to have your bicycle shipped ahead of time to Sunflower Outdoor & Bike Shop or Cycle Works; owners of these shops will deliver your bike to the starting point. To make arrangements, please call Paul Corcoran at (785) 550-5273.


• Early Registration
-Friday, June 22, 2007
-Noon to 8 p.m.
-Free State High School, 4700 Overland Drive, Lawrence, KS 66049


• Late Registration
-Saturday, June 23, 2007
-6 a.m. to 7:45 a.m.
-Free State High School, 4700 Overland Drive, Lawrence, KS 66049

--------------------------------------------------------------

LAWRENCE ACCOMMODATIONS

Please visit the Lawrence Journal-World Marketplace listings for Hotel and Lodging information.

--------------------------------------------------------------

Feel free to contact us if you have any questions.

2007 Border Raiders Banquet Ticket

Last year we had a lot of people who wanted to keep their banquet tickets for their scrapbooks; however, we needed them to get an accurate count for how many people attended. Well, this year our problems have been solved! We're working with a company to print our tickets on a nice, thick cardstock with a perforated edge. This way, we can tear off our little stub to help us keep track, and you can have a nice keepsake.

Coming to a Mailbox Near You:The 2007 Border Raiders Newsletter

We've received a few emails from people who are concerned that they haven't received any materials or information about the ride after registering and paying. I'm here to say, "Don't fret -- it's on it's way!"

Every year we mail out a newsletter loaded with helpful information about what to expect and how to prepare for the ride. We'll also try to throw in some coupons (who doesn't like a discount?) and spotlight some of our evening entertainers (that's right, we like to entertain or riders!).

So, if you haven't heard from us since you registered, don't worry -- we've got you covered. In the meantime, if you have any questions or concerns between the time that you register and receive the newsletter, please don't hesitate to get in touch with us. You can visit the contact page on our website or you can send us and email: questions@borderraiders.com.

We promise we we'll answer all of your dying questions and help you get geared up for the ride. One way we're going to do that is by mailing out a newsletter at the end of May. The newsletter will be loaded with helpful information about what to expect on the ride and how to prepare.