By TONY GUERRERO
Hays Post
Ride through history Saturday with the Tour Die Kapellen, a cycling tour showcasing the rich Volga-German heritage of Ellis County.
The sixth-annual Tour of Chapels features stops at St. Catherine Church in Catherine, the Basilica of St. Fidelis in Victoria, Holy Cross Church in Pfeifer and St. Francis Church in Munjor.
Kay Werth, president of the Hays Area Bicyclists, said the tour began in 2019 as a partnership between the rural communities, the Hays Symphony, the Hays CVB and Fort Hays State University.
"It's interesting this year that the demographics of our tour are almost 50% of the people that are doing the bike ride are over 65 years," Werth said. "People think that it's just for young and active people but it is a very doable sport to keep their wellness regimen going."
The event offers several route options from 15 to 100 miles, all starting at Hays Municipal Park, 100 Main St., along with a bus tour, live music and homemade meals. New this year are optional church stops and the ability to create custom routes.
The 15-mile beginner route begins at 8:45 a.m. and will be guided by three experienced cyclists, with a stop in Munjor to hear violinist Rigo Murillo perform at the chapel.
All routes from 30 to 100 miles will depart from the downtown park at 7:30 a.m., except for the 54-mile mixed surface route, which starts at 7 a.m.
Werth said new optional stops along the routes include St. Ann Catholic Church in Walker, Our Lady Help of Christians in Antonino and St. Anthony Catholic Church in Schoenchen.
The bus tour, starting at the park at 8 a.m., will visit the same churches featured on the bike routes and pass by landmarks such as George Grant’s Villa, the Old Walker Air Base and the ruins of Emmeram Church.
Jerry Braun, a descendant of Volga Germans and Ellis County Historian, will guide the bus tour. Werth advises against drivers following cyclists in their own vehicles for safety.
Werth said around 200 participants have signed up across all routes. Bike ride registration is still open through the day of the event, with a $50 fee that provides a post-ride German meal, a T-shirt and a swag bag.
The bus is currently full, but Werth said those interested can check for cancellations or last-minute openings. You can learn more by reaching out at [email protected].
The afterparty runs from 11 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. and includes piggies in a blanket, bratwurst with sauerkraut, potatoes, dumplings, and Kuchen and Spitzbuben for dessert. The Hot Shots of Pfeifer will play polka music.
Drinks will be available from Defiance Local Brewery Co., Budweiser and Coors, with non-alcoholic options also offered. Boxed lunches will be provided for participants who miss the scheduled meal time.
Saturday’s forecast predicts partly sunny skies with a high around 90 degrees and a 20% chance of showers.
Werth gave thanks to Auto World Inc., The University of Kansas Health System, Werth Wealth Management, Ellis County Abstract & Title Co. and Hays Convention and Visitors Bureau.
You can follow the Hays Area Bicyclists on Facebook and visit the Tour Die Kapellen's website for more information.
