Backroads Touring - May 14, 2011

May 14, 2011 .... The southern Flint Hills were calling, and eleven riders answered. Making the rendezvous point in Beaumont, KS this day: Henry Harvey - Moto Guzzi Quota - Douglass, Pedro Gimenez - DR-Z400 SM - Bel Aire, Denise Burkholder - KLR650 - Towanda, Barry Wood - KLR650 - Towanda, Don Feldt - KLR650 - Wichita, Britt Lolley - DR650 - Wichita, Greg Mitchell - KTM 950 - Emporia, Ken Clifford - KLX250 - Wichita, Kenneth Meyer - KLR650 - Goddard, Jim Foley - KTM 950 - Shawnee, and Roger Baugh - KLX250 - Wichita. We started the morning with breakfast at the historic 1879 Beaumont Hotel, along with a couple of light aircraft pilots who had taxied up Main Street and parked near the hotel. A brisk morning, with temperatures ten points above freezing, we rolled out into the Flint Hills, and through the expansive wind farm to the south of town.

Barely five miles out of town, one rider picked up a nail, our only mechanical delay of the day. The nail puncture caused minor damage, so the tube was pulled, patched, and we were once again on our way. From the moment the crippled bike stopped, each distanced rider adjusted .... slowing, then stopping and waiting after not seeing their trailing rider. Within a mile's distance from the downed bike, the ride leader became aware that the string was broken, regrouped the patrol, and patrol members assisted with the rider's repair.

Riding down through the Elk River Valley, we enjoyed the outlook at the Green Ranch, then continued south and east to eventually arrive in Howard, KS for refueling and lunch. Along they way, we were able to catch quick views of some of the local wildlife ... white tail deer, a lone coyote, and several wild turkeys.

Proceeding out of Howard, we visited the Polk Danels Lake close to Howard, then followed the Elk River to the southeast, arriving in Elk Falls. Taking a few minutes rest, we stopped for photos at the iron truss bridge near the falls, then turned westward towards towards Grenola. Rolling into Grenola, we were saddened to see an empty lot in the center of the tiny town. This spot was once held by the classic architecture of the Grenola 1901 bank building, victim to a fire that occurred in December of 2007. More history about Grenola can be found by clicking here. Leaving Grenola, we turned northward toward the Ferguson Ranch and the Grouse Creek region of Cowley County. We made a brief stop at an arched stone bridge spanning Grouse Creek, then started working our way back towards home.

We had enjoyed a cool, yet colorful and scenic ride today. The hills are emerging again from Spring fire burning with that unmistakable hue of emerald green, and it was pleasing to all eyes in attendance.

... rb

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