Tour die Kapellen
About the Event
The Tour die Kapellen (Tour of the Chapels) was organized in 2019 as a joint venture between four rural communities in the Ellis County area along with members of the Hays Symphony and Hays Convention and Visitors Bureau. Through the efforts of volunteers from Hays Area Bicyclists, Catherine, Victoria, Pfeifer, Munjor, Schoenchen, Antonino, Walker and the Fort Hays State Music Department, the event has become a popular, uniquely supported, organized cycling ride. The event celebrates the Volga-German heritage in the Ellis County area, as riders visit historic limestone churches, experience the ethnic culture, and listen to professional musicians at each venue – all through a commute on cycle. The solitude of the open, rural terrain is an added bonus for anyone hoping to escape a hectic, daily routine. The small town, midwest friendliness is unforgettable to all visiting Ellis County. In 2022, the Bus Tour was added to accommodate the non-cyclists traveling to Hays.
The Tour die Kapellen brings an exciting 24.1K, 48.3K, Ultra to Hays, Kansas on July 11, 2026. Don't miss this beautiful event!
Races Offered
Cycling
15 Mile Ride - 1 Chapel
The 15 Mile Ride is a guided ride with no rider left behind. Riders will meet at 9:00 a.m. in the shelter house of Municipal park. From there the group will pedal to St. Francis Church in Munjor, led by experienced cyclists, Kathy Rome and Susan Bowles. The terrain is flat. You will be greeted at the Munjor church with sounds from the Hays Symphony principal cellist, Ben Cline. After visiting the church and refreshments, the cyclists head back as a group to attend the after-ride party. It includes the post-ride German meal with live music, T-shirt and the Swag Bags.
30 Mile Ride - 2 Chapels
This route begins at Municipal Park, (Optional stop at St. Joseph Church to hear pipe organist, Tom Meagher). Ride continues on asphalt to Catherine, Victoria and back to Hays. It includes the post-ride German meal with live music, T-shirt and the Swag Bags.
52 Mile Ride - 3 Chapels
This intermediate route departs Municipal Park (Optional stop at St. Joseph Church to hear pipe organist, Tom Meagher), continues on to Catherine, then Victoria and head to the ornately Gothic, sculpted Holy Cross Shrine in Pfeifer. You will hear a violin solo as Hays Symphony Conductor Brian Buckstead plays this acoustic gem. You will marvel at the details in the carved craftsmanship. There are restrooms open in the school next to the church. Deb Hoffman, a Pfeifer native, is providing tours; meet locals Patty and Janice hosting the SAG. There is one short (1/2 mile) incline at 3.7% grade; otherwise, the terrain is relatively flat. It includes the post-ride German meal with live music, T-shirt and the Swag Bags. From this church, the route takes you back to Hays.
62 mile, Metric Century - 4 Chapels
The Metric Century Route begins at Municipal Park, (Optional stop at St. Joseph Church to hear pipe organist, Tom Meagher). Ride continues on asphalt to Catherine, Victoria, Pfeifer, Munjor and back to Hays. It includes the post-ride German meal with live music, T-shirt and the Swag Bags.
75 Mile - 5 Chapels
The Advanced Road Ride has options of 75 or 100 miles. This continues on to the German villages of Schoenchen and Antonino. The churches will be open; however, after the Munjor stop, these distances are self-supported. There is a Saturday Mass at Antonino at 4:00. You are welcome to attend, however, we ask that you not enter during the service. I
100 mile, Gran Fondo - 6 Chapels
RIDERS ON THIS ROUTE may opt to self start prior to group start from Municipal Park. The TdK Gran Fondo begins at Municipal Park, (Optional stop at St. Joseph Church to hear pipe organist, Tom Meagher). Ride continues on asphalt to Catherine, Victoria, Pfeifer, Munjor, Schoenchen, Antonino and back to Hays. It includes the post-ride German meal with live music, T-shirt and the Swag Bags. RIDERS ON THIS ROUTE may opt to self start prior to group start from Municipal Park.
54 Mile Mixed Surface
The Mixed Surface Route (54- miles) is 27 miles of gravel, 27 miles of asphalt. This ride commences with the group at 7:00 a.m. Local cycle enthusiast, Ron Leiker, will join the group to answer any questions or give updates on route changes. The route covers rolling terrain – dirt, sand, washboard, chalk, possibly mud roads. This is coordinated to arrive at the four churches in the window of time that the musicians are playing. It includes the post-ride German meal with live music, T-shirt and the Swag Bags.
About Hays
Tour die Kapellen takes place in Hays, Kansas, United States. The local timezone is America/Chicago.
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Race information has been sourced from the event's official website and other publicly available resources. For the most up-to-date details, please refer to the official website directly. If you notice any incorrect or missing information, don't hesitate to reach out to us by email.
