you know it's time /May 24

[david h]

The Kansas Dakar !!!!! Sat May 24, I could be talked into a week earlier or a week later if it's best for the group . I know thats Memorial day weekend, but what better way to remember someone than to ride your bike, plenty of time to think about all those who have given so much to make your life better. Start at the infamous Burger King in North Lawrence, home of Greenhoots favorite foods. Lunch at Wathena, one of the best burger joints going, also home to a harley riding older lady we happen to run into every time we go there. This is a long ride (200 + miles) so a 7:30 start is in order. We could meet up with other riders in places like Tonganoxie, Easton, or Atchinson Ks. No specific route set yet, but we all pretty much know where were going, and thats White Cloud. I have finished this ride 2 times out of 5 attempts. For one reason or another it's hard to ride the whole way. Last time our group of 5 had five flats , Time before we all got stuck in mud and had flats. Everyone but "ride red JOE H " that is. If there is interest I will set some firmer times and routes. This can be done by almost any Dualsport bike when dry, but wet and you better leave your big pig at home. David H

[tp_cracker]

I rode up to White Cloud last year, don't know if it was this same ride, but it was muddy. Dave ran circles around me and it was the first and last time I dumped my KLR (5 or 6 times). If its dry I would consider this ride, if its remotely wet, count me out.

[Hayden]

Heck I did 287 last sunday out to cassody on the XRR. 1 flat for good measure. Im out though as I have friends comming in from AR, sister comming home and roofing dads house


Hayden

[BadCompany]

I'm in.

[kchusky]

If we can keep caught up at work I'll go. This was the first Sat off in 6 weeks.

[MacWildcat]

Looks like I can make it also. This will be my 3rd ride in this area. Furtherest north I have made it is Troy Might have to sacrifice a chicken (sandwich?) before the ride to drive off bad spirits.....I'm packing extra tire patches!

[kchusky]

MacWildcat wrote,

I'm packing extra tire patches!

Thats no lie, last year on our ride North I think David H flatted 5 times and me once. Went and bought a mini compressor after that ride, and have gotten a lot of use out of it already.

I have a buddy coming along also.

[Harvey Mushman]

Is this the ride that goes to that lookout point that overlooks four states?
If it is, I did this a few years ago with Greenhoot at the helm. Left Lawrence early morning, had to dodge deer on the backroads coming back as the last 25 or so miles were in the dark. Then I had another 20 to get home. The KTM headlight was dismal at best. A Maglite would be better, maybe even a Bic lighter. Fun ride. I think you should get a "finishers pin" or maybe a free adult beverage at Johnny's upon returning.

-Harvey

[Greenboots]

The time is right. Let's roll.

But look, that diner in Wathena sucks. They don't have anything good. And the waitress has meth mouth. Let's go to Paolucci's in Atcheson for lunch. Everybody loves that place. We got like thirty guys in there last time. Man, the marinara sauce with sausage, that's the real deal. I'm hungry.

Vote for Paolucci's:
http://www.insiderpages.com/b/3714835802

[Hank Moody]

The time is right. Let's roll.

But look, that diner in Wathena sucks. They don't have anything good. And the waitress has meth mouth. Let's go to Paolucci's in Atcheson for lunch. Everybody loves that place. We got like thirty guys in there last time. Man, the marinara sauce with sausage, that's the real deal. I'm hungry.

Vote for Paolucci's:
http://www.insiderpages.com/b/3714835802

You are actually going to be able to ride??? This is great! I will not be able to make the whole trip, but will likely ride up to Atcheson for lunch. Remember, bike maintenance before you ride, not during. If that muffler falls off one more time....

[Greenboots]

Muffler's all buttoned up now, professional like. Despite your avatar, my turn signal still hangs limp. But I never use it anyway.

So, who's ready to get dusty? There will be dust on this ride, right?

[david h]

I ain't got time to spend on where to eat next weekend. Tomorrow 4 of us will be Riding instead of talking about riding. If you need to contact me try the Mulberry Mt. resort Can you imagine being lucky enough to get to ride down there 3 times in 6 week span. Life is good, enjoy it while you can.

See you all next weekend, David H

[BadCompany]

I'll be picking up the run at the south end of river road, just north of Leavenworth. Going to try to get out there a bit this weekend to see what awaits us.

[ajayhawkfan]

I would like to join you on this ride after hearing so much about last year however, I'm going to be in Canada on a archery bear hunt/fishing trip.

[MacWildcat]

I think the reason we were eating at Wathena was because it was the closest place to eat at noon. We roll through Atchison about 10:00 a.m. If the legends are true, the greenhoot chase team will probably hit Atchison at noon.... after they repeatedly repair his bike! (LOL). Should be a spirited crowd. I'm just as content eating a snicker bar along the road (it's happened before). My vote would be a quick lunch stop, this route is long enough without the gourmet dinner. See ya Saturday morning.

[kchusky]

MacWildcat wrote;
My vote would be a quick lunch stop, this route is long enough without the gourmet dinner. See ya Saturday morning.

I'll vote for that.

Where is Troy?

[BadCompany]

Pre-ran river road today. It's in great condition for next saturday. It's been recently graded so most of the bad ruts are flattened. There were a few spots that were like running in sand but they were short. The only wet spot is the area below. It was about 25 yards long. I ran it from both directions. It's solid at the bottom so we won't lose a bike in there. I ran the deep side on the way back and it was only up to the pegs on the 250, still not terribly sloppy muddy so it's doable on milder tires.

[BigO]

I hope can make it east sometime and ride that route. It looks like a real challenge. If anyone is out farther west and can't make the Kansas Dakar I am trying to organize a ride and go west from Russell. Check out the ride section at http://www.backroadstouring.org/kansas

[nathanb]

Paolucci's is always great but I may be a bit bias. their # is 913-367-1241 and if there are many riders they would be happy to put you guys in a private room (if avalible). Also The Place in Wathena has food now. I here is isn't bad, or the airport in elwood has a nice little cafe. Standard food but it is cool watching the c130s take off and land while you eat. Or I have a picknick area on the river in DP county between Atchison and Wathena if hot dogs or sandwiches would be ok. I would need a couple of days notice. I plan on meeting up in atchison and riding Dp county gravel with you if I can keep up with you guys. I will be in contact with Greenhoot so let hin know what you want to do.

[troy]

Elwood? Cafe? C130s? Why don't I know about this?!