06/22/2026
The Independence Chamber of Commerce Convention & Visitors Bureau would like to extend a sincere thank you to everyone who helped make the 52nd Biking Across Kansas stop in Independence on June 11 and 12 such a success.
Our community came together to showcase true Independence hospitality, and the response from riders was overwhelmingly positive.
A special thank you to Independence High School and the USD 446 Bus Department for the use of their facilities and for providing a 12-hour bus rotation that allowed riders to fully experience everything our community has to offer.
Thank you also to the IHS Cheer & Dance Team for operating a concession stand at the school for cyclists throughout their stay.
The Independence Lions Club provided a wonderful welcome with fresh watermelon. Dirty Sodas were available from Sugar & Spark, and free hydration packets and water were donated by Fuel Your Best's Browyn O'Malley.
Because our local downtown Chamber member restaurants simply do not have the seating capacity to accommodate such a large influx of visitors all at once, three food trucks were invited to help serve our guests. Thank you to our local Chamber member, Munchkinz Mobile, along with Tri-Mee Food Truck and Ghetto Tacos Food Truck, for helping keep everyone fed.
We appreciate the Riverside Park and Ralph Mitchell Zoo staff, the Little House on the Prairie Museum, and local historian Ken Brown for sharing the history, attractions, and unique character of our community with visitors from across Kansas and beyond.
Thank you to the IGC - Sporting Heritage Center for providing not one, but two fundraiser meals that helped serve the large number of visitors and support the overall event effort. In addition to a great meal, we also appreciate Eagle Rock Shredders for providing a fun selfie station, Bryan Knowles for sharing his musical talents, and K-State Extension - Wildcat District for bringing the Bike Blender and serving free smoothies at the fundraiser dinner.
Because calories were not a concern for the riders, we appreciate the Independence Historical Museum and Art Center for hosting ice cream and pie for visitors.
We are also grateful to Down Home Family Restaurant, MuffinTops Bakery, Ane Mae's Coffee and Sandwich Shop, Daylight Donuts of Independence, and Consolidated Management Company at Independence Community College for providing very early morning breakfast options to fuel riders before they hit the road.
Thank you to the City of Independence Kansas Police Department and Street Crew for handling security, signage, and public safety efforts throughout the event.
A special thanks goes to ICC Fab Lab, Sound Ideas and Life Skills Academy for producing quality signs, banners, stickers, postcards, and other materials that helped create a memorable experience for our visitors.
Finally, thank you to all of our downtown businesses, restaurants, retailers, volunteers, and community members who stayed open, extended hours, welcomed visitors, and helped showcase the very best of Independence.
Events like Biking Across Kansas succeed because of community teamwork. Thank you to everyone who played a part in making Independence a memorable stop on the route. We are proud of our community and grateful for the opportunity to share it with so many visitors.
