Welcome to Kansas [Archive]

cruisin

12-08-2008, 05:28 AM

From MARS

12-08-2008, 06:12 AM

I discovered the Lake Wabaunsee area this fall on a day ride. A nice area and fun. It is on my list of rerides. One of our riding methods this summer was ; pick a lake within round trip distance from home in a day and ride around it. Looking for more places to ride.

That's where I was yesterday! We rode back roads from Strong City to Eskridge, over to the lake for pie and coffee, then to Hessdale and over towards Alma, before catching Old Hwy 4 to Council Grove. Then, we meandered our way back to Strong City. A 150 miles of riding with only 15mi on pavement.

Saturday, we did about 60mi of minimal maintenance and back roads up in the Diamond Springs area. This ride included several creek crossings and a little single track riding.

Now that I have my R100GSPD, riding in Kansas is a lot more fun!

Tom

lensuz

12-08-2008, 09:28 AM

Now that I have my R100GSPD, riding in Kansas is a lot more fun!

Tom

Gee, Tom, what happened to that beautiful red K bike? Missed you in Gillette...:wave

From MARS

12-09-2008, 05:51 AM

Gee, Tom, what happened to that beautiful red K bike? Missed you in Gillette...:wave

Hey, Len! How the heck are ya'? I looked for you in Gillette; even took a turn at the main entrance hoping to see you, but then, I left early. BTW, I still want that cookie you owe me. Heck, you should make it two cookies; I made it home from Gillette in one day, too. And this time, I didn't get to say hi that nice patrolman in Alliance,NE.

As to that "beautiful red K-bike", she is alive, and well, in CO. After the trip to Gillette, I knew I "needed" something more suited to exploring the roads less traveled. So, the PO of the PD and I traded bikes. We are both very happy; well, at least, I know I am! The PD is so much more "practical" for around here.

If I still have the where-with-all to do some traveling, given the current economic uncertainties, I want to go back out to NM and explore the roads I had to pass up when I was there on the K last January. I'll hunt you down.:wave

How's retirement?

Tom

Radar41

12-09-2008, 01:17 PM

The Great Plains- A much maligned area, we have a lot of great rides and beautiful scenery. Plus- the best part- very few people!

Now you have let the secret out!! :)

Having lived for many years in Southeast Kansas, I agree with you about Kansas/Great Plains!! Eastern Kansas is ONE of the ideal locations to live (personal opinion of course), close to the Ozarks, Kansas rolling hills, and open spaces!!

:)

Bird Man

12-09-2008, 07:32 PM

Now you have let the secret out!! :)

Having lived for many years in Southeast Kansas, I agree with you about Kansas/Great Plains!! Eastern Kansas is ONE of the ideal locations to live (personal opinion of course), close to the Ozarks, Kansas rolling hills, and open spaces!!

:)

I would have to agree most of the time. Although todays near blizzard put a stop to my riding, really glad I made the run to Mound City yesterday. A bit windy but a day riding is always better than a day at work. I like to have some excuse to ride have trouble just riding aimlesly. Have seen all the roads close to home to many times. The ride you spoke of ,MARS, on the back roads sounds like a lot of fun. Since the wife rides an RT we usually stick to pavement although she does ok on the gravel. I like the flint hills area. MARS, I have friends named Schierling who used to live in Elmdale a few years back.

bobh41

12-09-2008, 09:37 PM

I'm still a little confused by this organizational structure. I thought I was in the prairie AND in the Midwest. I'm about three miles due east of Lansing, Leavenworth (over the river). I love the Flint hills, but hadn't thought about "great rides". Give me a kick start, please - where would I head to from Lansing to encounter one of your great rides?

thompsonr

12-09-2008, 09:44 PM

Any ride is a great ride some are just greater than others...........:dance

shoeman

12-10-2008, 06:10 AM

Try taking State 4 out of Topeka west. Stop in Dover at the cafe for pie. If you have a dual sport take off on Illinois Creek Road or Skyline Drive.

From MARS

12-10-2008, 08:50 AM

I would have to agree most of the time. Although todays near blizzard put a stop to my riding, really glad I made the run to Mound City yesterday. A bit windy but a day riding is always better than a day at work. I like to have some excuse to ride have trouble just riding aimlesly. Have seen all the roads close to home to many times. The ride you spoke of ,MARS, on the back roads sounds like a lot of fun. Since the wife rides an RT we usually stick to pavement although she does ok on the gravel. I like the flint hills area. MARS, I have friends named Schierling who used to live in Elmdale a few years back.

Hey, Birdman. I know the Schierlings. In fact, my "shop" is an old garage that used to sit on their place in Elmdale until the flood of '98. I took it away before it was torn down.

The reason I wanted my GSPD was because I had seen all the paved roads in the area and wanted to see something different. My K12RS didn't like gravel. She would act like my dog when he didn't want to do something; she would lay down. I got tired of having to pick that heavy sucker up.

One of the things I enjoy about motorcycling is the adrenaline rush that comes from being on the edge. Riding on the unpaved back roads gives me the same rush at much lower speeds, and I don't have to deal with the traffic or LEO's. While I do usually have a destination or purpose for my rides, I seldom plan how I'm going to get there. That is especially true now that I have the GSPD. I don't care if the road turns to dirt, or even disappears altogether. As long as there isn't a fence across the right-of-way, I'm good to go.

This old garage, 12'X20', skinned with embossed tin made to look like bricks and stone, now sits at our place 5 miles from Elmdale. I think it is from the 1930's. A buddy and I jacked it up, put his trailer under it, and drove off. The bike is sitting in it getting ready for a major going over.

Tom

Bird Man

12-10-2008, 07:07 PM

Hi MARS The Scherilings have told us all about the flood. They now live near Melvern on top a rocky hill (no flood zone). Have shared sunday liunch with them many times ,small world huh? Do you run knobbys on your gspd or the less aggressive tourance type tire? Maybe some time we can get together and ride some of the back roads in your area. There are really none left in my area that I want to reride. Have lived here all my life ,seen'm all and they are just a grid work on every mile.

Cool old shed.

We had sunday lunch at the cafe by Wabunse lake the day we rode over there, then went on up to Alma then to Council Grove then some back roads back to Emporia and then home (an hour east )

From MARS

12-10-2008, 07:56 PM

The bike has Avon Gripsters on it. I don't foresee trying to ride in mud where I would need a more aggressive tire; at least, not intentionally. The PD is lighter than the K and has a lower center of gravity but still, trying to wrestle a 500+ pound mc in the slick, sticky stuff around here, isn't my idea of fun; that's exercise! Riding off-pavement is a new experience for me, but I'm having a ball learning.

Kansas is still fairly new to me. We came up here in '97 expecting to spend a few months. A vintage Bluebird Wanderlodge was home at the time. After seeing Chase County, we decided to spend a year volunteering out at the Tall Grass Prairie Preserve while we checked out the area. There was a house in Elmdale, close to the RV park, that was abandoned, but appeared salvageable. So, we bought it and rebuilt it. The flood came, and we had 18" of water and mud in the house. As luck would have it, there was an old, abandoned homestead out Middle Creek Rd about 5 mi that belonged to the grandson of one of the owners of the house we had redone. He sold it to us, and we prepared the site then had the house moved out here. We, too, are on a hill, but surrounded by trees. I left for a few years, well, seven to be exact, but came back about 2 years ago. Sometime we'll share a beer, and if you're interested, I'll tell you the rest of the story.

Tom

shoeman

12-10-2008, 08:05 PM

Elmdale Tom

Do you know Luke Koch down your way? My wife did some photo studies of him building walls.

From MARS

12-11-2008, 06:27 AM

Elmdale Tom

Do you know Luke Koch down your way? My wife did some photo studies of him building walls.

I met Luke when we first came to Chase County; he was fresh out of college and working as the maintenance person out at the Preserve. He is an excellent stone mason and a *really* nice guy!

Tom

Bird Man

12-18-2008, 08:30 PM

Here is a bit I wrote the other evening lamenting the winter weather.
Gena is my r1200gs

Oh where has the warm summer gone
All those nice days have dissapeared
Gena and I used to ride so carefree
in the warm breeze ,what fun we had

But now only cold winds blow
and snow and ice fall from the sky
As I trudge around the farm
doing work created by the storm

Oh where have the warm summer days gone
How I long for them again
so Gena and I can go exploring
to visit friends and faraway places

We did go for a ride in the cold, days back
dark and 24 degrees on that morning
made rising from a cozy bed hard
What an enjoyable day, even riding in the cold

I guess any day in the saddle is can be fun
Whether the weather is good or bad
I have even enjoyed riding in the rain
with proper gear you feel no pain
Larry

From MARS

12-19-2008, 06:44 AM

:clap :clap :clap :clap :clap

Bird Man

12-23-2008, 09:07 PM

It is rumered by some of the forcasters that the weather may moderate a little the last part of this week. If this turns out to be true I plan to get Gena out and go for a ride. Got to ride it ever few weeks to prevent having to put fuel stablizer in her tank you know. Who knows if the day is long enough I may attempt to ride to MARS and back, time will tell. That way I can stop in Emporia for a Braums milk shake too! Today is the 3rd birthday for me as Gena's owner (purchased new). 27000 miles later, I like riding her as much as when new. To date my experience with BMW cycles has been very good. Hands down the best cycle I have ever owned, and I have ridden for 37 years. :thumb Lar

shoeman

12-24-2008, 03:57 PM

If you get out hit Bobby D's BBQ in Emporia.

raygun

01-11-2009, 12:18 PM

shoeman

01-11-2009, 04:00 PM

I am not a rally rat. Most of my riding is solo or with one of my sons. I try and hit little known roads and have a goal of riding every road in Kansas (paved), not counting city streets.

PGlaves

01-11-2009, 07:05 PM

Bird Man

01-11-2009, 11:52 PM

Hi Ray how is the 650 I sold you back in the fall doing. I didn't make it to the rally in OK but I did go to Cassaday 3 times this summer. Went ahead and purchased one of those no mar tire machines, really does the job. I used the dyna beads and am pleased with the results. Thanks for the help. Larry

From MARS

01-12-2009, 12:16 PM

Surprised I'm not familiar with any of you. I live in a small settlement named Piqua. We're east of Yates Ctr and west of Iola. Do any of you go to the LaCygne rally or to the Boxerworks Rally at Ken's near Queen Wilhemena Lodge in the Mtns of OK? Or how about the Bavarian Mtn Weekend in NM?

Made it to LaCygne year before last, but not '08. Haven't been to the others.

My previous ride was a K12RS. When I'd climb on it to go somewhere, it didn't seem like a real ride unless it lasted for 1000's of miles. Now that I have the GSPD and can take the unpaved paths, I'll be looking for places a little closer to home. Thanks for mentioning a couple of destinations.

As soon as I get my transmission and drive shaft back from the rework guys and get the bike back together, we'll have to get together.

Tom

hhshort

01-19-2009, 09:14 AM

I I find it very interesting that with Kansas suffering some level of rider disrespect that this thread has more replies then any other thread in the region. It might have something to say about the quality of the riders as well as the rides.

I have ridden the last two weekends. I wore my heated jacket but didn't plug it in because I didn't need the heat. I will ride A ROMEO ride (retired old motorcyclist eating out) this Wed.. I don't consider myself a Rounder but usually ride every month of the year.

Kansas!!!! The land of four seasons and you don't have to put your bike away for the winter. Harold in Kansas :)

osceola

01-19-2009, 10:24 AM

From MARS

01-19-2009, 02:47 PM

It always kind of irks me when folk dis Kansas and Nebraska as boring places to ride.:banghead
I've ridden in many parts of each state over the last 30 years and have found many a wonderful, scenic ride!
I try to go to the Huskerrally each year held in Franklin Nebraska and usually take US 36 from Colorado up through NW Kansas and just love that ride!:dance

I missed the Husker Rally in '08, but thoroughly enjoyed it the year before.:thumb

While riding in Kansas and Nebraska, I have been hot, cold, wet, tired, and wind-blown, but never bored! Riding and boring are mutually exclusive terms, IMO. If riders crossing the prairie would just get off the interstate, they would be surprised by what there is to see. Especially if they ride dual sport bikes.

Kansas isn't flat. Its just subtle; like our sense of humor.:wave

Tom

Ksrob

01-19-2009, 06:50 PM

shoeman

01-19-2009, 09:44 PM

The WPA Guide to Kansas, published in 1939, has a great deal of info on some sights that make for great rides. I have thought of doing a German POW Camp ride. I know of three locations. Two still have the buildings the German soldiers were housed in.

osceola

01-20-2009, 10:29 AM

The Huskerrally I mention in a previous post is held at a county fairgrounds that during WW2 was a German prisoner-of-war camp. Just a few sidewalks and pieces of foundation left but it gets your imagination going when your there.

Bird Man

01-21-2009, 08:01 PM

My friend and I have been talking about going to the husker rally in Franklin for a couple years but never have managed to go when the time came. I was on business some time back and drove through Franklin to check the town out. It is a very nice peacful little town , a good place for a rally like that. I am sure if we ever get around to going we will enjoy the setting and the rally. There are some attractions/things to do nearby also.
My friend and I also met one of the ROMEO riders a few years ago and invited us to join them we haven't done that yet either.

osceola

01-22-2009, 07:55 AM

thompsonr

01-23-2009, 04:20 PM

You know we should all ( Kansas area riders or anyone for that matter) try to meet at a destination in April or May .Cassoday? It would be nice to put faces with names.

What do ya think?:dunno :thumb

shoeman

01-23-2009, 04:36 PM

Sounds like a great idea. We should meet at a central point for a dinner or lunch.

dan_forker

01-23-2009, 08:53 PM

Sounds like a great idea to me. Cassody would work or for that matter anywhere else that is in the central part of the state. I'm game someone else decide when and where.

Dan Forker
R1200RT

thompsonr

01-23-2009, 09:07 PM

Hay MARS where are ya . You can ride the rock roads to wherever we end up meeting!:laugh

From MARS

01-24-2009, 06:21 AM

Cassoday, about 30mi from me, is a fine meeting place. Or at least it will be, when I get the transmission and drive shaft back from rework and reinstalled.

There is a little hamburger/beer stop called The Hitchin' Post in Matfield Green, about 10 miles north of Cassoday on 177, that would work if we want to meet and eat. If anyone wants, they can camp out here in the middle of nowhere, and we can ride down to Cassoday together.

How many of us ride D/S bikes? It is a nice back road ride from here to Matfield.

Another possibility is the motorcycle museum in Marquette.:dunno

Tom

PAGoldsby

01-24-2009, 09:08 AM

I gotta horn in on this one, too.

Hey, Tom! Welcome to the wonderful world of Airheadery. :dance

From MARS

01-24-2009, 10:51 AM

Hey, Phil! What the heck have you been up to? How's the new business and the RT doing?

Bird Man

02-02-2009, 09:18 PM

Today while in town (Garnett) Dena heard about a trail to ride somewhere in the Flint Hills. It seems as though this trail is through the hills rather than on roads. Sounds like somthing we would really like to do. Does any one know of a trail or ride like this ? Don't know if it is a private trail ,sponsered or organized ride.
Larry

From MARS

02-03-2009, 05:33 AM

Larry, I'm pretty knew to this off-pavement riding scene, but I'm not aware of any designated "trail" in my part of the Flint Hills (Chase County). However, the Backroads Touring Kansas website, has information about routes.

BTW, are any of you going to the Backroads Touring "Flint Hills Stampede" in Council Grove in June?

Tom

Bird Man

02-03-2009, 01:02 PM

MARS;
Never heard of the back roads touring "Flint Hills Stampede." Tell me more about it.
By the way how is the tranny repair on your GS coming along.
Larry

From MARS

02-03-2009, 03:11 PM

Larry, http://www.backroadstouring.org will get you to their website, but basically it is a group of off pavement riders that promotes sensible back roads riding. The "Stampede" is their rally. The website has routes, pics, and ride reports. Signup is free. I haven't spent much time on the site mainly because on dialup the pics take forever and I haven't had a backroads bike, until now, but it looked pretty good.

The GSPD is still awaiting parts. The tranny is in Virginia and the driveshaft is in California. Looks like it will be three or four weeks before everything gets back. Meanwhile, I've replaced the rear seal and oil pump O-ring and balanced the clutch assembly. When it gets warmer, I'll put the flywheel/clutch back in place. Engles has been great to deal with for the small parts like clutch, etc. They even sent me a kick stand pad and motorcycle shaped key ring.:thumb The "gifts" took some of the sting out of spending $350 and getting a box that was so small.:)

Tom

alvingee43

03-03-2009, 09:41 AM

I just found the Backroads touring web site this winter and may try to make some of the rides. I will be headed to Alaska the first of June so will miss the stampede. I ride many of the backroads in the flint hills and really enjoy the scenery. Two years ago I traveled to all the counties in Kansas and took a picture of the Courthouse. Kansas is quite diverse in landscape and culture.

From MARS

03-03-2009, 12:51 PM

Alvin, anytime you're in the Elmdale area, feel free to stop in.:thumb Hopefully, a trip to Alaska is in my future, too.

I was just reading the March "Airmail". Jeff Ecker, over in Canton, is having a "tech day" the weekend of the 13th. I should have the PD's transmission back by then. Jeff's a good guy.

Tom

alvingee43

03-03-2009, 02:08 PM

I will be in St Louis on the 13th. I was through Elmdale last year on my way to Cottonwood. Maybe we will meet up sometime.

shoeman

03-15-2009, 04:56 PM

I will be in residence at the Lake next week (of the 23rd) Bobby D's BBQ on 4 at Lake Wabaunsee is a great destination on a great road. Hopefully will see some riders there.

shoeman

03-29-2009, 04:25 PM

Rode down to Elmdae for the Mushrush sale and stopped by the school house but missed Tom. When are you generally around?

From MARS

04-03-2009, 08:44 PM

Rode down to Elmdae for the Mushrush sale and stopped by the school house but missed Tom. When are you generally around?

Hi, Jim. Sorry I missed you. I saw all the pickups and trailers out at Mushrush's but didn't stop. There's enough BS in my life as it is.;)

"Usually" I'm out here in the middle of nowhere (38 24.333/96 43.444), but on occasion, I get out and about. Look for a white Jeep with a winch and hard top or a white/red '93 GSPD. Or, you can ride out Middle Creek Rd until your GPS tells you you're here.

FWIW, the Kansas Riders from ADV are planning a get together out here the first weekend of May. Of course, everyone is invited. We've had 10-20 riders come to our previous lunches/camp outs, but I never know how many will show up. Generally, some come out on Friday night and camp 'til Sunday. Then ride to Cassoday and home. Let me know if ya'll want to join in.

Tom

shoeman

05-03-2009, 06:16 PM

Rode K-140 from Ellsworth to Brookeville. this is a spectacular rides. great curves and great scenery. Another hidden Kansas ride.

konrad

05-09-2009, 03:36 PM

I agree that Kansas is a good ride. A few times each year I ride to the Garden City, KS area to stay overnight for a short weekend. From Oklahoma City-Edmond, this is about a 360 mile ride - one way.

Just 2 weeks ago I took a weekend ride to Bushton, KS (North Central) and on the way ran into some delightful experiences in Arlington, KS - German food + an old car show. Rained most of the way, turned around in Bushton and back through Lyons and Little River (visited great-great-great grandparents grave sites on father's side) on my way to overnight stay in Hutchinson. Next day to Halstead and on to Furly, KS (found great-great-great grandparents grave sites on mother's side), back via Wichita and I-35 south.

I am a solo rider and I truly enjoy the solitude of the sparcely populated areas along with the quiet scenery. This area of Kansas is a good place if you enjoy this type of time alone.

From MARS

05-17-2009, 05:44 PM

What a great day to be in Kansas! Road around out in SE Chase County and enjoyed the perfect weather. Crossed paths with my SO who was out mapping for the Census, so I had her take a picture.

thompsonr

06-15-2009, 09:26 AM

Going to the Mo. State Rally at Crane Mo. Anyone else going? R and R

thompsonr

06-25-2009, 08:54 PM

Going to the Mo. State Rally at Crane Mo. Anyone else going? R and R

Guess Ill see me there!!!

From MARS

06-26-2009, 06:05 AM

Guess Ill see me there!!!

Man, I wish that I could join you. Since I sold the old school with the provision that I would help get it fixed up, I have been working my butt off. This past week, we have been working on the roof. It has been really warm up there. Looks like the only riding I'll get to do this weekend is the lawn mower.:banghead

Tom

thompsonr

06-28-2009, 08:31 PM

Man, I wish that I could join you. Since I sold the old school with the provision that I would help get it fixed up, I have been working my butt off. This past week, we have been working on the roof. It has been really warm up there. Looks like the only riding I'll get to do this weekend is the lawn mower.:banghead

Tom

Had a great time! Nice rally with great food and folks. Very humid Saturday so we opted for a cheep motel with air. But a nice ride home Sunday. Road down with Walt Hoffman 78 yrs young rides a 1200Rt like a 25 yr old an inspiration to all.

Saturdays ride took us to Bentonville Ark. BMW for a cookout. Wow what roads! I was happy to hit a strait stretch and relax for a moment! For you GS folks there was a GS route that meet up with the road guys at Roaring River Park and all went to Bentonville together from there.:thumb

Ready for next year…… R.

From MARS

06-29-2009, 05:36 AM

Had a great time! Nice rally with great food and folks. Very humid Saturday so we opted for a cheep motel with air. But a nice ride home Sunday. Road down with Walt Hoffman 78 yrs young rides a 1200Rt like a 25 yr old an inspiration to all.

Saturdays ride took us to Bentonville Ark. BMW for a cookout. Wow what roads! I was happy to hit a strait stretch and relax for a moment! For you GS folks there was a GS route that meet up with the road guys at Roaring River Park and all went to Bentonville together from there.:thumb

Ready for next year…… R.

Rub it in, why don't ya!;)

Tom

thompsonr

07-30-2009, 10:22 PM

Ok this Sunday 8-2-09 going to Cassoday leaving Topeka at 7:00 am south Turnpike gate. pay toll meeting just past gate.
:clap
anybody want to go! or meet down there!:brad

From MARS

08-01-2009, 04:16 AM

I had intentions of riding this weekend, but two things happened this week to change the plan: Engles sent me the wrong parts for the bike and I was hit in the face by a falling pipe clamp. While I could jury-rig the broken blinker, the stitches and broken nose prevent me from wearing a helmet. I'm out.

Tom

thompsonr

08-05-2009, 07:42 AM

Man sorry to hear about your construction accident better stay away from power tools for a while if ya let a clamp get ya like that.
Big group at Cassoday Sunday. We arrived around 9:00 the main streets were already full with side lots filling fast. When we left meet a steady stream of incoming bikes. There was even a hand full of BMWs there.
Did see one bad accident on the first curve north of town.
Will post a photo or two later. R

From MARS

08-06-2009, 07:16 AM

Avoid power tools! I'll put that on my to-do list!;)

Sunday, I tried on the helmet and was able to wear it, so I headed for Cassoday via back roads; made it as far as Matfield Green. Stopped at the Hitchin' Post for refreshments before taking more back roads home in a rather circuitous route. Took one dirt road that dead ended after a creek crossing, and dropped the bike in the slick mud going in and coming out. What fun!

Glad you had a safe, fun day!

Tom

From MARS

08-15-2009, 07:45 AM

Some of us will be meeting in at the gas station on the West side of Alma at 1000 Sunday for a day of exploring and lunch. Come join in.

Tom

supercat1

08-15-2009, 11:14 AM

argh!!! if i hadn't already agreed to go with my girlfriend to manhattan (aka the dark side) as she moves back to start grad school i would definitely be out with y'all. need to start putting some good miles on the bike.

From MARS

08-17-2009, 12:01 PM

Well, we had a nice, dusty ride. Only three bikes, mine, a DR650, and a well equipped R12GS.

There was some suggestion of an early October camp out out here in the middle of nowhere. Any interest?

Tom

thompsonr

08-17-2009, 01:07 PM

Only have my RT,:cry but Iam lookin............:brow

supercat1

08-17-2009, 02:09 PM

well, i guess depending on the amount of non-road riding required for a camping trip, i could be up for that. i have no idea how the k11rs handles not on a road.

From MARS

08-18-2009, 07:12 AM

You guys are good; the pavement leads all the the way to our place. There are seven nice curves in the 5.5 miles between Hwy 50 and here. That may be a Kansas record!:D

Tom

supercat1

08-27-2009, 05:12 PM

any further news on said camping excursion?

From MARS

08-28-2009, 07:24 AM

October is too far away for me to do much planning for a specific weekend; I'm an impromptu kind of guy. You, however, are welcome to plan on coming down anytime you want. Just drop me a PM.

We are 5.5 miles West of Elmdale (Hwy 50) on Middle Creek Rd. Its a small white house in the middle of a bunch of trees surrounded by tall grass prairie. Ya can't miss it!

Tom

thompsonr

11-01-2009, 07:59 PM

Rode down to Cassoday today would have bet there would be several thousand cycles with nice weather and what may be the last get together of the year but............. nothing ....maybe 200 bikes at 11:00 thats pushing it. I parked on the main drag usually cant walk through there.Would never have guessed that. A hand full of venders.

Sure fooled me ...Oh well, nice ride even with the wind:clap

From MARS

11-01-2009, 08:04 PM

The Toys For Tots ride was in Wichita today. Something like 5000 bikes, I heard.

Me, I headed to Mushroom Rocks State Park out by Kanopolis Lake via backroads. Rode right at 250 miles. The ride home was pretty much downwind,:thumb

Tom

thompsonr

11-01-2009, 08:37 PM

Oh ... Toys ride , well that explains it.

Coloradoclc

11-16-2009, 04:41 PM

I recently moved from CO to Lenexa, KS and I'm looking for information on the KC BMW club....anyone a member? I believe they have a monthly meeting on the 3rd or 4th Monday? I'd appreciate any information.

Also, what's the word on Engel BMW? I normally have a dealer do 90% of my wrench-work.

I guess I'll have to change my Coloradoclc moniker to something more appropriate Kansan! I'll give that some thought...you know, this is serious stuff!

Jeff

From MARS

11-16-2009, 04:54 PM

Welcome to Kansas, Jeff.

I can't help you with the club information, but as for Engles, I've had nothing but top-notch service from them. They took care of my K12RS and supply the parts for the GSPD.

Tom

20774

11-16-2009, 06:23 PM

thompsonr

11-16-2009, 07:20 PM

Welcome to Kansas ....Colorados just a days ride away a long day but a day nun the less.:clap

MLS2GO

11-16-2009, 10:04 PM

Welcome to the greater KC area. The local BMW Club does meet the 4th Monday of the month at Westport Flea Market. The meetings start at 7 PM and most come a little early to eat. We meet in the front room it should say reserved. Food is good, camaradarie is good and usually out by 8. Dues are a whopping $10.00 per year. Everyone introduces themselves each week and tells us what they ride. We have a mileage contest that starts December 15th, give out plaques at the Party which is every January. Next meeting is coming up next Monday the 23rd. Hope you can come. Pay now and it is good for next year too. We also have a rally the weekend after Memorial Day south of KC.

Coloradoclc

11-20-2009, 08:11 AM

Everyone...thanks for the information. I will be attending the meeting this coming Monday, Nov 23rd. I look forward to participating.

Jeff

thompsonr

02-18-2010, 09:12 PM

Winter has really shut us up.. But got my new rear tire today ..a glimmer of hope.:laugh

k75s

02-18-2010, 10:08 PM

Yes, there are attractions nearby! Almost every time I've attended the "Husker", i've gone to "Pioneer Village" in Minden about 15 miles north of Franklin. Neat collection of old stuff in a 1950's type museum.
Link here:
http://www.roadsideamerica.com/story/2157

There is a great B&B just North of Minden I stayed at last September on my way out to the Black Hills.

http://www.nebraskabb.com/listings/burchellswhitehillfarmhouseinn-minden-nebraska.html

The scenery is, well, Nebraska cornfields, but the family that runs it is great. The house is spotless and they have a very good restaurant in a separate building.

Polarbear

02-21-2010, 07:51 AM

Many have said the plains are sooooo boring! Not me. I've enjoyed reading all these posts, of active riders in Kansas. I'm grown up in Virginia, lived in CA for 30+ years and find the prairies so refreshing to ride. I'm a long time GS/GSA rider and would love the opportunity to spend time there, riding all the dirt byways. Its not what what your mind see's on the horizon, so much as what your mind takes in as you go along:). So many, too many miss the point!!! Back roads America is where life starts getting exciting:). Randy:thumb:usa