This October, William and I traded in our running shoes for, well, other running shoes since we don’t have cycling shoes. We took on our very first long‑distance riding event: the Octoginta in Lawrence, Kansas. It was a milestone for both of us, and one we’ll definitely remember.
This year we both got new bikes – mine from our local Cycle City shop early this year when training for my first duathlon, and William’s from our dear friend Toni, who not only passed along her bike but also mentored us through training. With her guidance, we built up the confidence and endurance to sign up for our first organized ride: the Octoginta, hosted by the Lawrence Bicycle Club (LBC).
The Lawrence Bicycle Club (LBC) has been a cornerstone of the cycling community since 1969, and their annual Octoginta has become a beloved fall tradition in northeast Kansas. Riders can choose from three routes – 80 miles, 60 miles, or 26 miles – each winding through the rolling hills of Douglas and Franklin counties. For our first outing, we chose the short route (26 miles, about 800 feet of climbing).
When we first signed up, 26 miles felt daunting. After all, earlier this year I had struggled through a particularly hilly duathlon at Shawnee Mission Park, and I wasn’t sure I was ready for another long, demanding course. But Octoginta’s short route turned out to be the perfect introduction: challenging enough to feel like a real accomplishment, yet approachable for two first‑timers. And while the hills kept us honest, the inclines were nothing compared to the punishing climbs of that duathlon course. With Toni’s guidance and encouragement, I found a renewed confidence in cycling and am now looking forward to those longer distances. Hills, maybe not so much just yet.
In the weeks before Octoginta, we spent weekends exploring both the countryside and Lawrence’s city trails. One of our favorites was the Burroughs Creek Trail, a 1.7‑mile paved path built along a former rail corridor. Originally part of the Leavenworth, Lawrence, and Galveston Railroad (opened in 1868), the corridor was later transformed into a linear park. Today, it’s not just a trail but an outdoor museum, with interpretive panels highlighting Lawrence’s history – from Quantrill’s Raid to the city’s agricultural roots, and even stories of local icons like Langston Hughes and William S. Burroughs. Riding there gave us a sense of connection to the city’s past while preparing for the miles ahead.
We also ventured out onto country roads, getting used to longer stretches, rolling hills, and the rhythm of riding together. Those training rides made Octoginta feel less intimidating and more like the natural next step.
On October 12, we woke up early and joined hundreds of cyclists at Broken Arrow Park in Lawrence for the start. The morning was cool and bright, yet the warmest morning for Octoginta in many years. The energy among cyclists was contagious. The short route took us through quiet, low‑traffic roads with plenty of hills to keep things interesting. Along the way, we enjoyed the camaraderie of fellow riders, the support of volunteers, and the satisfaction of knowing we were part of a tradition more than five decades strong.
Crossing the finish line after 26 miles (about 2.5 hrs of cycling), we felt both tired and exhilarated. It was a different kind of endurance than running – steady, rhythmic, and communal in a way that surprised us.
Octoginta was the perfect introduction to cycling events, and we’re already looking forward to more rides in 2026. Between the mentorship from Toni, the support of the Lawrence Bicycle Club, and the joy of discovering peaceful trails like Burroughs Creek and quiet countryside roads, this first season of cycling has been one of growth and gratitude.
Why We Ride
Just like with our running events, we’re not only riding for ourselves. We’re proud to keep supporting KC Pet Project, and we’d love for you to join us in that effort.
👉 Donate to our KC Pet Project fundraiser here
Our goal is to raise $250 to support their lifesaving programs and amazing community work. Every contribution helps us go further, both on the road and in the community.
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