www.localcycling.com - Kansas City

Kansas City

Cycling news, information, gossip, rides and races in and around the Kansas City Metropolitan area.
Also includes cycling information for the following communities:
Atchison, Lawrence, Leavenworth, St. Joseph and Topeka

Racing? Then you'll want the KCA schedule of events and our list of local teams
Looking for a Ride? Check out the JCBC Calendar
And don't forget to visit the Bike Clubs and Shops in the area.
Here's the complete Kansas City area Cyclocross Schedule with spectator guide. And a nice Special Section On CX in the metro.
Check out all the great events that happened with the Tour of Missouri: Rides, Parties, Festivals:
Go to our Tour of Missouri Kansas City Section

Thanks From Nationals

Cycling News
Written by Mark Thomas
Tuesday, 16 May 2006
2006 USA Cycling Collegiate Nationals - Thank you! The fact that Kansas has placed athletes on the podium two years in a row has put the national cycling community on notice! (Brian Jensen, 3rd place in the 2005 road race; Mark Smelser, 1st place in the 2006 criterium). While serving as both the promoter of the event and coach for KU Cycling, I recognize that people throughout the nation note that Kansas is creating the "big picture" in competitive cycling. Our state has a nationally recognized junior program directed by Jim Whittaker and GP Velotek. We've now successfully hosted the national championships two years in a row. And locally, both the developing juniors and collegiate athletes have seen how Brian Jensen turned pro and Mark Smelser earned the stars and stripes jersey. By combining these grassroots developments, hosting nationals, and generating national champions, Kansas is becoming a comprehensive "elite pipeline" in the eyes of many people. After reviewing the extensive list of volunteers and support personnel that were involved in hosting the National championships over the weekend, there is an approximate 4:1 ratio of support personnel for every athlete that participates in an event with the magnitude of Collegiate Nationals. Approximately 430 athletes converged in Lawrence last weekend, and nearly 1,100 people helped shaped the event in varying degrees. On behalf of USA Cycling, their Collegiate Board of Directors, and the Lawrence Sports Corporation, *thank you* to the many people of Lawrence, Kansas City, Topeka and all areas of Northeast Kansas for helping create a successful event and experience of a lifetime for so many athletes. Sincerely, Christopher Hess Promoter, 2006 USA Cycling Collegiate Road Nationals

Bike To Work Week Hits The Road

Cycling News
Written by Mark Thomas
Sunday, 14 May 2006
This week sees more fun and green activities around town for this cycling festival. Read Mike Hendricks of the Kansas City Star's take on B2WW. Hard working advocate Deb Ridgeway of Bridging The Gap gives us the link to the full schedule here. Localcycling.com and our team sponsor, Trek Bicycle Store of Kansas City help host two events during the week: Our Monday night ride becomes a quest for ice cream, and all area riders are invited to our Thursday night Team presentation party. See details on our calendar or the B2WWeek schedule.

Collegiate Nationals Wrap-up

KC Race Results
Written by Mark Thomas
Sunday, 14 May 2006
Lawrence Kansas hosted a second consecutive successful National Collegiate Cycling Championship. Area rider Mark Smelser of Kansas State University was top of the podium in the Division I criterium. Here's the link to the results and write up at USACycling.

Joe Martin Stage Race

KC Race Results
Written by Mark Thomas
Sunday, 14 May 2006
Lots and lots of locals headed down to Arkansas for this well done stage race. Local Tony Wilhelm was first in G.C. in the Category 3 event. Browse through all the results to see plenty of area names with fine finishes.

Time Trial Season

KC Event Fliers
Written by Mark Thomas
Saturday, 13 May 2006
Walt Bleser against the clock. Two shorter time trials are scheduled in the upcoming weeks. The Lanterne Rouge on May 21st and The Jesse Blancarte Memorial on May 28th. (Click the date on our calendar, left side of the page, for event flyers). Roger Harrison, promoter of the Lanterne Rouge event sends this info: "Thanks to the good people of Paceline Products, I will have 100 Navy water bottles that are shrink wrapped with their list of products and a sample of good ole buttocks butter(Not for use with Popcorn), first come first serve. If you are bringing a young person to the 2k or 1k race please let me know. I have 25 great looking medals, 15 male, 10 female, plus I have 18 goody bags for them. I do not want to be short for these persons. If there is a chance that they are coming let me know. I will have their course totally closed by a Sheriff and Volunteers. I want them to have a great time.... Additionally, so you understand, all my medals from now on will have either Pink or Gold Ribbons. This is a reminder to support the Breast Cancer Fund and Lance's Live Strong. See you next week. Please do not toss water bottles on the course, trash, etc., we are having an undercurrent of negative feedback to the county commissioners who are supportive of our racing. Let us not shoot ourselves in the pedal so to speak." I may be redundant, but I was speaking to a local runner, female, 40's. She told me that she had bought a bike recently. Guess what, I challenged her to race. I threw down the gauntlet, I will allow her to race for free if she buys a one day license. The lady said she takes the challenge. Come on, lets find some more!"

Lots To Do!

Cycling News
Written by Mark Thomas
Wednesday, 10 May 2006
O.K. folks, cycling season is in full swing with plenty of rides and related activities. First we're going to blow our own horn. Localcycling.com is the co-sponsor of a fine racing team. We're holding a team presentation party at Trek Bicycle Store of KC on Thursday night May 18th. Come join us for some hors d'oeuvres and wine and meet the team from 7Pm to 9PM. You'll see our new team kit, hear some of our sponsors talk about their involvement in cycling and learn about our program. The troops at KCOI and SKC are adding some cool rides to the calendar: Every Saturday in May (8:00AM) - Starbucks @ northeast corner of 135th and Metcalf in Overland Park. Hammer Ride - Fast ride intended for bike racers and other very fit individuals. Length 50-70 miles (2.5 to 4 hours). Helmets required. For more info visit kcbike.com or email Chad @ This e-mail address is being protected from spam bots, you need JavaScript enabled to view it Cancelled if raining. Every Sunday thru September (9:00AM) - Shawnee Mission Park @ 79th and Renner Rd. Ride intended for individuals who want to learn/develop bike racing skills and improve racing fitness. Length 40-60 miles (2-3 hours). Helmet required. For more info visit kcbike.com or email Phil at This e-mail address is being protected from spam bots, you need JavaScript enabled to view it Cancelled if raining. Every Saturday thru August (10:00AM) - Mill Creek High School @ 59th and Monticello Rd. in Shawnee. Ride intended for junior aged kids (10-18 yrs old) who race or are interested in developing racing skills. Rides will range from 15 to 30 miles (1-2 hours). Helmet required. info visit kcbike.com or email Chad @ This e-mail address is being protected from spam bots, you need JavaScript enabled to view it . Acme bicycle organizes a swap meet and some other festivities: Tour De Cowtown Check the JCBC calendar for the Lone Star ride. Don't forget the new Saturday ride from Scooters Coffee with your fave newsteam.

Kansas Road Championships

KC Event Fliers
Written by Mark Thomas
Wednesday, 10 May 2006
All three USCF Kansas State Road Championship events will be hosted by the Tailwind folks near Pittsburg. Here's a link to the information page. And each flyer: Time Trial. Criterium. Road Race.