By TONY GUERRERO
Hays Post
Three-hundred cyclists rode across Ellis County Saturday to visit several Volga German Chapels and experience the culture.
This is the fourth-annual Tour of Chapels, including stops at St. Catherine Church in Catharine, The Basilica on the Plains in Victoria, Holy Cross Church in Pfeifer and St. Francis Church in Munjor.
Cyclists chose from a 15-mile casual ride to a 100-mile ride across the county that began at Hays Municipal Park. The ride concluded in the Municipal Park with meals and refreshments as The Joe Dolezal Polka Band performed.
Deanna Lusk came from Derby and biked 50 miles to visit Holy Cross Church. Lusk said it was a positive experience despite the challenging hills and wind conditions early in the morning.
This was her first Tour of the Chapels and advises future goers to be prepared for the demanding journey.
“If you're just starting cycling take it 5-10 miles at a time, work your way up to bigger rides and make sure you got enough nutrition and water,” Lusk said.
Brian Buckstead, Hays Symphony conductor, performed at St. Catherine Church, Basilica of the Plains with their Brass Quintet led by Kathy Amrein. Jane Hyde played at Holy Cross Church while Hillary Shepard, Kristin Pisano and Ben Cline took center stage at St Francis Church.
Kay Werth, a coordinator of the event, wanted to raise money for the churches while also promoting wellness and cyclists in the community.
“I have always loved No. 1 our faith and No. 2 biking,” she said. “As you get older, you become more health conscious and you want a heart-healthy lifestyle.”
Each year, a different church is chosen to receive the majority of the profit. For this year, the Holy Cross Church in Pfeifer was selected as the receiver.
Two buses visited the same destinations as the cyclists to experience music and learn historical information at each church. The bus route included George Grant’s Villa, Old Walker Air Base and the remains of Sacred Heart Church.
Jerry Braun is a descendant of Volga Germans who migrated from Russia to Ellis County in 1876. He worked as the bus tour guide, providing historical knowledge and showcasing the legacy of Ellis County.
Dette Younger toured the chapels via bus and said the Holy Cross Church was her favorite to visit because of her father's connection to the church.
Younger said she learned a lot on the bus ride, from the chapels still in operation to the burned remains of the Emmeram Church.
The feedback received so far has prompted the organizers to start contemplating next year's annual event.
“I think it was very detailed oriented, and we tried to cover almost every facet, but it’s certainly not without areas that could use improvement,” Werth said.
The post-ride German meal may accommodate those with dietary restrictions next year by including vegan and gluten-free options for those who attend.
