The producers of the Belgian Waffle Ride series of gravel racing events announced today that they have signed on Specialized as their official bicycle and bicycle fitting technology partner for the Belgian Waffle Ride in Lawrence, Kansas October 29-31, 2021.
For the first time, Monuments of Cycling is bringing its iconic form of racing to Kansas, where a vibrant cycling culture anxiously awaits this new spectacle to be known as The Hell of the Mid-West. Now with Specialized onboard, the BWR KS promises a deep field and exciting support from the leading bicycle brand. The BWR, which is celebrating 10 years in 2021, will provide professional and amateur cyclists alike the opportunity to ride the most coveted roads, punctuated by dozens of off-road sectors over a 111-mile route throughout the northeast region of Kansas, giving the event its unique complexion.
For the official word from Monuents of Cycling, please follow the jump.
SPECIALIZED HAS PARTNERED WITH OUR INAUGURAL EVENT IN KANSAS!
TEAMS UP WITH MONUMENTS OF CYCLING AND SUNFLOWER OUTDOOR & BIKE TO RAISE MONEY FOR THE STEVE TILFORD FOUNDATION
Monuments of Cycling, a premier cycling events producer, has partnered with Specialized on its inaugural Belgian Waffle Ride KS (BWR KS) event to be held on October 29 – 31, 2021 in Lawrence, Kansas. Specialized will be the Official Bicycle and Bicycle Fitting Technology (Retül) partner of the event working closely with Sunflower Outdoor & Bike Shop to host the grueling bike race for the Steve Tilford Foundation.
For the first time, Monuments of Cycling is bringing its iconic form of racing to Kansas, where a vibrant cycling culture anxiously awaits this new spectacle to be known as The Hell of the Mid-West. Now with Specialized onboard, the BWR KS promises a deep field and exciting support from the leading bicycle brand. The BWR, which is celebrating 10 years in 2021, will provide professional and amateur cyclists alike the opportunity to ride the most coveted roads, punctuated by dozens of off-road sectors over a 111-mile route throughout the northeast region of Kansas, giving the event its unique complexion.
Created as an extremely challenging race in the spirit of the great European one-day Spring Classics, BWR, with a Belgique theme, is truly a unique race in North America. There will be three distances on offer in Lawrence; the longer Waffle Ride and the half-as-long Wafer Ride, plus a shorter Wanna Ride for those looking to get a taste of the fun without the training commitment of the longer events.
REGISTER FOR BWR KS RIGHT HERE!
This inaugural BWR Kansas race, like the other BWRs in California, N. Carolina, and Utah will have a deep field of professional riders and an expansive list of hungry amateur riders drawn to the unparalleled opportunity to race alongside their heroes, like World Tour rider, Peter Stetina, who won the 2019 and 2021 California editions and came in second to Keegan Swenson in the 2020 BWR Utah event in Cedar City. The Waffle will be offering a prize purse to the top five riders, both female and male! Racers and event patrons will be treated to Belgian waffles, Belgian ales, mussels & frites, all sorts of culinary delights, more waffles, and more beer on race day.
As Steve Tilford would have wanted it, the Waffle race promises plenty of punishment for entrants and their bicycles along its dynamic parcourse, which features 8,000 feet of relentless, undulating climbing and over 80-miles of off-road terrain that harken to the teeth-rattling cobblestones of Europe’s most grueling races.
Festivities will kick off Friday, October 29th with a Kermesse Kross (think cyclocross and criterium mixed) race for riders to compete in and fans to enjoy just a short walk from the event Expo area. Immediately following Kermesse Kross, festivities will swing into high gear with the Steve Tilford Foundation hosting an outdoor concert and VIP event held at Sunflower Outdoor and Bike. VIP’s will be treated to a Halloween themed party (costumes encouraged) with Belgian Food and Ales, as well as a silent auction. There will also be a special race-related presentation riders won’t want to miss, the pros interviewed, and cyclists will get to rub shoulders with all the celebrities on hand for the epic Halloween weekend.
On Saturday and Sunday, the Expo will take place in downtown Lawrence, promising to be Kansas’ coolest cycling party of the year! Expo festivities kick off Saturday, October 30th at 10:00 a.m. and are open to the public. There will be a Kermesse Kross race for riders to compete in and fans to enjoy. The Belgian theme will be in full force with a host of other unique entertainment features. Attendees can peruse a wide range of offerings from event sponsors and over 40 vendors!
“We are so lucky to partner with Specialized and our friends at the Steve Tilford Foundation and Sunflower, who will be hosting the event,” said Michael Marckx, BWR creator. “Having known and raced with Steve, who was a Specialized athlete, it is such a joy that we all get to partner with the Foundation to support its mission to help young people of all backgrounds find and chase their passion through cycling. My grandfather grew up here and attended KU, so it’s with great joy that we get to share this unique event with this fervent cycling community.”
ABOUT STEVE TILFORD FOUNDATION
The Steve Tilford Foundation is a 501(c)3 not-for-profit private foundation established to honor the life and legacy of Steve Tilford by paying forward his passion for cycling. The Steve Tilford Foundation is determined to help young people find and chase their passion in the sport of cycling by promoting education, mentorship, and access to quality cycling opportunities. Always guided by Steve Tilford’s true spirit of dedication, teamwork and respect, the foundation works every day to improve lives and nurture healthy communities. For more info, visit www.stevetilfordfoundation.org.
ABOUT SUNFLOWER OUTDOOR & BIKE SHOP
Sunflower Outdoor & Bike Shop, a locally owned and operated business, was established in 1972 to provide the surrounding community with high quality gear and clothing for outdoor adventures. Located in the heart of Downtown Lawrence, Sunflower Outdoor & Bike Shop is staffed by enthusiasts seven days a week and can be reached at (785) 843-5000 or on the web at www.sunfloweroutdoorandbike.com.
DON’T MISS OUT ON MAMMOTH TUFF – IT’S COMING UP FAST ON SEPT. 18TH!
Put on by our good friends, Amanda Nauman and David Sheek, Mammoth TUFF is an adventure through the hills of the Eastern Sierra. From the iconic town of Mammoth Lakes and rolling through the TUFF terrain of the Long Valley Caldera.
The name, Mammoth TUFF, is a nod to the Long Valley Caldera and the volcanic stone that defines ‘gravel’ in the area. The caldera was formed about 760,000 years ago in a volcanic eruption from which the magma still underlies it, heating underground water and fueling hot springs the event will ride by. The short course is around 45 miles with 2,000 feet of climbing and will circle the famous caldera. The long course is around 100 miles with 8,000 feet of elevation gain and travels through the Volcanic Tableland formed by the Long Valley Caldera. Prepare to be transported back in time on routes used by miners and even further back.
REGISTER REGISTER FOR BWR CEDAR CITY HERE!
ABOUT US:
Monuments of Cycling is committed to delivering the most unique cycling events in the country, offering experiences for the most elite athletes on the planet, as well as those in awe of them, through the creation of world-class races that engage riders in myriad and unexpected ways. Our mission is to inspire riders of all stripes to reach, grow and aspire to new levels of fulfillment and joy, finding unusual avenues to test their physical and mental fortitude. To learn more, visit www.MonumentsofCycling.com.
