Bikes on the road this Saturday for PEAKS to Conga

The annual PEAKS to Conga bike ride rolls through town this Saturday. In its 15th year, the non-competitive fundraiser tasks bikers to ride from Cody to Shell either solo or with a group along Highway 14.  

All proceeds benefit PEAKS (People Everywhere Are Kind & Sharing), a nonprofit that supports cancer patients in the Big Horn Basin by helping cover gas, groceries, and other non-medical expenses during treatment. Since its inception, the ride has raised more than $450,000 to assist local friends, family, neighbors, and coworkers facing cancer.

The 66-mile ride is fully supported with aide stations along the route. The ride begins at 7:00 a.m. from the parking lot of Cody Coffee Roasters (near the airport) and concludes in Shell. Along the way there are tribute signs honoring those who have faced or are currently facing a cancer diagnosis. 

“I think it’s going great, and we have an incredible crew of volunteers that come back every year to help,” said event organizer Emily Reed. “We hope for good weather and just enjoy the day.”

Reed invites the public to join in on the ‘Shellabration’ after the ride from NOON – 3 p.m. There will be food vendors, yoga, massages, and a craft table where anyone can make an inspirational card for the cancer patients who receive PEAKS grants. All the live music this year will be from out-of-town bands. 

The entire ride is on pavement; helmets are mandatory and once again riders can count on the Bacon and Beer aide station in the Shell Valley. “Blair hotel donates the bacon and Cody Craft donates the beer,” said Reed. 

Registration is still open (until 6:00 p.m. on Friday, June 19) if you want to join in on the fun, mirrors will be provided in the swag bags this year according to event officials. There are roughly 100 signed up so far. 

Reed noted that the current PEAKS website is outdated and directed people to: www.bikesignup.com/Race/WY/Cody/PEAKStoConga

For those interested in supporting riders as they cruise by, Reed estimates the fastest group to cruise through Greybull will be around 9:15 a.m. depending on headwind. “The majority of people will come through Greybull between 10:30 a.m. – noon,” she said. 

Fifteen years ago, a group of women, dressed in pink and riding motorcycles in a conga line, passed through Shell. While at the former Dirty Annie’s Country Store, PEAKS founder Laurie Parker Stoelk learned about their mission – raising awareness and funds in the fight against breast cancer. Inspired by their passion, Stoelk and a small group of cyclists took on the challenge the following year, riding the 66 miles from Cody to Shell, escorted by Flo and her ‘Conga Gals.’ Since that first ride, the event has grown, with more riders taking to Highway 14 each June. While Flo and her conga line no longer escort the ride – her legacy lives on. Seasoned riders often say: ‘Just go with the Flo.’ 

Stoelk stepped down two years ago as the event director. This year, instead of being the organizer, she is a spectator and participant. “It’s been years since I’ve ridden that ride. All I have to do is worry about pedaling, I’m looking forward to it,” said Stoelk.