TOUR DIE KAPELLEN

TOUR OF THE CHAPELS

JULY 12, 2025

Route Options

All routes are on asphalt roads, EXCEPT the Mixed Surface Ride.  All road routes have signage with colored arrows.  The Mixed Surface ride will be guided by a local cyclist. 

Click each below to learn more about the route, view route map and download GPX file.

Bus Tour!

The Tour of Chapels via Bus will depart 30 minutes after the cyclists are escorted from the Municipal Park.  The route will travel to the same destinations as the cyclists: St. Catherine ChurchThe Basilica on the PlainsHoly Cross Church, and St. Francis Church. Participants will enjoy the snacks, the music, and the historic information at each of the four churches. Along the route, the bus passes by the George Grant’s Villa , Old Walker Air Base and the remains of the Emmeram Church. All registrants receive a SWAG bag and a T-shirt. The bus returns to Municipal Park to join in After-Ride Party for a German meal, beverage, and music by Simply TONE. A limited number of seats are available, so book early!

Jerry Braun, Bus Tour Guide
Jerry Braun is a 4th generation resident of Ellis County – a descendant of the Volga Germans who came to Ellis County from Russia in 1876. Raised on the family farm west of Victoria, Jerry moved to the city (Hays) to begin his teaching career and has lived there teaching in the Hays school district for 23 years. While his area of specialty has been mathematics, Jerry has always had a passion for history and his Volga German roots. Jerry is active with the Sunflower Chapter of the American Historical Society of Germans from Russia in Ellis and Rush Counties and is currently a Board Trustee for the Ellis County Historical Society. He looks forward to retirement someday when he can spend more time exploring the many treasures of Ellis County’s rich culture and history.

Rules of the Road

Whatever distance you choose to ride, we want you to enjoy the ride and finish safely. Below are some rules of the road you’ll want to follow each time you ride.

Courtesy 
  • Respect other riders
  • Respect people in cars
 
Be Friendly 
  • Acknowledge other riders and pedestrians
  • Wave to kids
  • Smile at drivers. 
  • The friendlier we are the better they will treat us.
 
Stop at Stop Signs, Yield at Crossings and Turns
  • You are a vehicle and need to obey the same rules drivers do.
 
No More than 2 abreast 
  • Don’t take the entire lane
  • Single File on 2-lane roads with cars present
 
Keep Right 
  • Keep as far to the right in your lane as is safe at all times.
  • Don’t move to the right turn lane if you are not turning right. Not THAT far right 😉 
 
Announce Car Back 
  • Move to the right and do not pass other cyclists until the car passes.
  • Single File on 2-lane roads with cars present
Announce When You’re Passing 
  • Use a bell, or your voice to indicate your intentions
  • Call ‘On your left”
  • Pass on the Left Pull out only when you are sure the lane is clear
  • Allow Plenty of Room, about two bike lengths, before moving back to the right
 
Scan ahead, to the sides and behind you before changing lanes or making turns
 
Use hand signals 
  • Left turn – left arm straight out 
  • Right turn –  right arm straight out, or left arm pointing up
  • Stop –  left arm out, elbow down, palm facing behind you
  • Audibles and eye contact to let drivers and cyclists know your intentions.
 
Yield at Crossings and Turns 
  • You are a vehicle and need to obey the same rules drivers do.
 
Don’t Litter 
  • If you take food with you, please place your trash (including banana peels) in a pocket or bag till you get to your next stop or the finish.

2025 TdK Schedule of Events

Helmets are Mandatory

6:30 – 7:15

Registration (Pick up packets at Municipal Park, Hays)

6:45 – 7:00

Self-start for 75 – 100 mile routes

7:15

Announcements, National Anthem, Invocation

7:30 – 8:00

Sheriff Escorts Riders (cycling 30 or more miles) out of Hays

8:00– 8:30

Bus Participants pick up registration packets, wrist bands and load bus AT MUNICIPAL PARK Parking Lot, after cyclists have left the area.   

8:15 – 9:15

St. Catherine Church, Catherine, KS
– Music by Erin Wood, Harpist

8:30

Bus Departs from Municipal Park

8:30 – 9:45

St. Fidelis Church, Basilica of the Plains, Victoria, KS
– Music by St. Fidelis Brass Quintet, Kathy Amrein, conductor

8:45

15 Mile Cyclists meet at the shelter house in Municipal Park

9:00

15-mile, Casual Ride Departs Municipal Park

9:30 – 11:30

Holy Cross Church, Pfeifer, KS
– Music provided by Brian Buckstead, Violin, Hays Symphony Conductor

9:45 – 11:15

St. Francis Church, Munjor, KS
– Music provided by HSO Principal Cellist, Ben Cline and HSO Principal Flutist, Hilary Shepard

Optional Rides to Schoenchen and Antonino churches are self-supported

11:00 – 2:30

German Meal prepared by Victoria Community Coalition
– Local brewery – Defiance Brewery
– Root beer & Cream Soda provided by LB Brewing, Gella’s

11:15 – 1:00

St. Francis Church, Munjor, KS
– Music provided by HSO Principal Flutist, Hilary Shepard and HSO Principal Clarinetist, Kristin Pisano

12:00 – 2:00

Municipal Park
– Music provided by Simply TONE

For those cyclists continuing the self-supported 75- 100-mile option, please arrange your schedule to enjoy the meal and music in the window provided. If you cannot make it in this time frame, meals will be boxed for when you return.

TdK Gear

* Must be ordered by May 15, 2024 to pick up at event

JERSEYS FREE WITH A $75 DONATION!

Pre-order jerseys are SOLD OUT – Donations can be made onsite July 13th at Tour Die Kapellen. Limited number of jerseys available. Email haysareabicyclists@gmail.com to check size/style inventory.

Meet Our Musicians

Erin Wood, Harp
St. Catherine Church, 8:15 – 9:15 a.m.
Kathy Amrein, Music Liturgist, Director of Brass Choir
Basilica of the Plains, 8:30 – 9:45 a.m.
Holy Cross Church, 9:30 – 11:30 a.m.
St. Francis Church, 9:45 a.m. – 1:00 p.m.
Ben Cline, Cello 
St. Francis Church, 9:45 – 11:15 a.m.
Kristin Pisano, Clarinet
St. Francis Church, 11:15 a.m. – 1:00 p.m.

After Ride Party!

The post ride German meal will be served from 11:00 – 2:30.  For cyclists doing 75+ miles, it might be advantageous to stop and eat after the 62 mile route.  Lunches will be boxed up for anyone who misses this window of time.  Simply TONE will provide music from noon to 2:00.  Adult beverages from Defiance Local Brewery are available, as well as NA refreshments.

Register today!

Early Registration

Deadline: June 21, 2024

  • $45/Person Bike Ride
  • $75/Person Bus Tour

* Free T-Shirt Deadline: June 21, 2024

After June 21st & Day-of Registration

  • $55/Person Bike Ride
  • $85/Person Bus Tour

On-sight registration opens, July 13, 6:30 AM