Kansas City News Blog

In November 2007, I talked to a number of local cycling enthusiasts, who told me about their run-ins with ignorant or abusive motorists who don't know how -- or don't want -- to share the road with their two-wheeled brethren. While Kansas City is moving in the right direction when it comes to making the streets more welcoming to all modes of transit, the best way to reduce the tension is to increase the visibility of those who travel to work and play on Treks and Cannondales, rather than Toyotas and Chryslers. 

That's the aim of the fourth annual Bike Week festivities that kick off this weekend. Here's a handy summary of the seven days of cycling.

Get started on Saturday with workshops on Urban Cycling at Acme Bicycle Company or Bike Maintenance 101 at Family Bicycles, both at 9 a.m.

Starting Monday and continuing through the work week, Family Bicycles is giving out free grub to two-wheeling commuters at their rest stop on the Trolley Track Trail near 51st and Brookside Boulevard. Breakfast runs from 6:30 to 9 a.m. and evening snacks start at 4 p.m.

On Monday, Kansas City Mayor Mark Funkhouser will make a "major announcement" about progress toward making the metro more cyclist-friendly at 9 a.m. in the Power and Light District. Then, starting at 6 p.m., join one of the group rides leaving from the Northland, Parkville, Midtown, Waldo or Overland Park.

On Tuesday, from 7 to 10 a.m., cash in on a free bagel and brew if you arrive on bike to Caribou Coffee in the Northland. At 6 p.m. check out some bike acrobatics at the Track Stand and Skidding Contest at Volker Bicycles on 39th Street.

On Wednesday, dine on Overland Park's dime with a free biker's breakfast at OP City Hall from 6:30 to 8:30 a.m. In the evening, Epic Bike and Sport in the Northland hosts a workshop on finding the right bike for your needs at 6 p.m.

Thursday night, elevate your game with the city's newest cycling team -- Colavita/Parisi Coffee -- as they lead you through a hill training workout. The caravan leaves from Volker Bicycles at 6:30 p.m. and returns at 9 p.m. Beginners, catch up with the Brookside ride, which starts with a lesson on safely sharing the street and end with a group dinner. Meet at the parking lot behind The Roasterie Cafe.

On Saturday, KC WOW (Women on Wheels) will bring a female festival of cycling clinics, demos and vendors to Swope Park from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Then, at 5 p.m., join the always unpredictable, two-wheeling, urban scavenger hunt -- the Tour de Cowtown -- departing from Acme Bicycles. Make sure you find your way back, though, for an after-party with live music and plenty of booze.