Ride Reports ....

Scenic Ride .... Ride Leader: Roger Baugh

The start of a Stampede scenic patrol! Members of our group included; Brent Lloyd and Dayna Heineken riding two-up on a Buell Ulysses from Topeka and Meriden, KS, Calvin Rutledge - Waverly, KS - KLR650, Ronnie Robinson - Columbia, MS - KLX450R, Bruce Leach - Wichita, KS - WR250, Jim Guignon - Fairway, KS - TW200, Kathy Hughes - TW200 - Burlington, KS - Robert Hughes - Burlington, KS - DRZ-400, Lawrence Kraft and Lisa Shubert - Blue Springs, MO - KLR650, and Roger Baugh - Wichita, KS - KLX250S.

The morning started out with a refreshingly cool temperature. We rode west out of the Eureka City Lake area, and became acclimated to the freshly graded gravel roads. The colors were simply fantastic this morning .... azure blue sky, and emerald green grasslands dotted with orange colored butterfly milkweed and white tickseed wildflowers.

We arrived at the Greenwood County 'River Road' that followed the Fall River valley south to Eureka. We turned north towards Teterville, and rode at a leisurely pace to the highlands of the valley. Our next stop was Teter Rock, and viewing of the numerous wild mustangs herds that stretched out as far as the eye could see. Mustangs weren't the only large critters we were to encounter today, as herds of yearling steers greeted us frequently on open range. The real "stampede" was played out in front of our group time and time again every time we approached a herd!

Learning that one of the planned route roads might be a little difficult for novices to contend with, I decided to bypass the challenge and took the group straight west to the town of Cassoday to refuel. Leaving Cassoday, we rode a backroads route to Matfield Green, and lunch at the local cafe' there. The way in to Matfield from the west is impressive, open range riding and very scenic.

Following a relaxed lunch and long conversations, we prepared to resume our ride, but discovered a puncture on one of the bikes. How convenient ... shade, a washroom, and a tubeless tire! A quick plug job, and we were mobile again in short order.

Riding east out of Matfield Green, we rode to the Elco area, enjoying long stretches of open range riding and numerous stream crossings. We then turned south, then west to the Kenbro area to hook-up with Madison Road, and entered open range once again. From Madison Road, we jumped south on to a two track road that led us to the ghost town of Thrall. Along the way, another flat on a KLR ... but a heavy injection of Slime kept our downtime to a minimum.

At that point, we were almost close enough to smell the barbecue, and proceeded on to Eureka Lake and base camp in good order.

All told, we accumulated about 120 miles of riding. Two flats, no get-offs. We ran the route at around 35 mph, to match our least experienced riders' comfort levels .... and that afforded everyone ample opportunity to enjoy the beautiful scenery that surrounded us the entire day. One side benefit .... I refueled afterwards, and was shocked to see I had completed our 'slow, yet so scenic ride' with at least 78 mpg consumption on the KLX250!

It doesn't get much better than this!

... Roger

Advanced Ride .... Ride Leader: Jesse Smith

Leading a ride at the Stampede is always enjoyable. This year turned out to be an excellent day with a great group of riders. Making up our Advanced group this year were: Ron Deaver (950 Adventure), Jim Edington (KLR650), Nolan Fisher (DRZ400S), Bob Gonzalez (KLR650), Randy Moller (XR650R), Jerry Semler (KTM640), Steve Shearer (XR650L), Roger Stith (KLR650), Jerry Valdez (XT600) and myself, Jesse Smith (DR650).

We left camp and headed south to the Mossy Ford river crossing. After crossing the river, we headed in a northern direction towards the town of Hamilton. Things were going smooth until we were getting ready to leave from a short break and Jerry spotted a flat tire. After a couple attempts to patch the tire, we opted for a new tube instead so we could get moving again. Conversation drifted from Moab to Colorado to anywhere else the group had ridden as we worked on the tire.

We finally made it to Hamilton around 1 pm or so and had a late lunch. They do have good cheeseburgers there! We left and headed through a couple oil field roads only to have our second flat. Glad it wasn't hot because it would have been nasty since we were in the direct sun with no shade in sight on this one. Not 5 miles later, we had our third flat of the day. We could not tell if the patch did not hold from before or it it was a new puncture, but we put a new tube in and were off and running again.

We got gas in Madison around 4pm and had a long way to go back to camp. The group wanted to run the rest of the route so we took off at ludicrous speed!! I was planning on running through another oil field but when we got to the road, they had a chain across the entrance so we had to cut about 10-15 miles off the route.

We went down Texaco Hill over to Teeter Rock for a quick break and to listen to the peace and quite! We strolled down the 777 Ranch Road to find a few more minimum maintenance roads on the way back to the Lake.

We did 105 miles up to Madison between 9:30 am and 4:00 pm, then rolled on 68 more miles in the next 2 hours back to camp. In total, 173 miles were ridden on a gorgeous day. Glad I could make the ride and be part of another Stampede. Hope to see all of you again sometime soon.

.... Smitty

Scenic Ride .... Ride Leader: Britt Lolley

Our group included, Thurman Brittingham, Rose Hill KS - KLX250, Dan Smith - Lincoln NE - DR650, Chris Owens, Garden Plain, KS - KLX250, Dennis Murray - Owasso OK - DRZ400, Ken Clifford - Wichita, KS - KLX250, and myself, Britt Lolley, Wichita, KS - DR650.

We left Eureka to the southeast on some tree lined and open roads to Fall River Dam. Where we encountered mechanical trouble with one of the bikes, after several repair attempts two riders were forced to head back to town. The rest of us then headed northeast on twisty, mostly tree lined roads to Yates center for gas and snacks. Then southwest to Lake Fagen, (Woodson County Lake). Then west to Toronto and northwest on great curvy roads past Quincy and back to Eureka Lake.

It was approximately 120 miles of scenic riding. Really sorry everyone didnt get to complete the ride, but we will make up for it on the next one. Supper was excellent and the ice cream is worth the price of admission. Cant wait for the next ride!

.... Britt

Scenic Ride .... Ride Leader: Randy Wade

I'm from from Eureka KS, and rode a KLR650. This was my first Stampede and I was extremely nervous about leading 10 riders 170 miles without getting anyone lost or hurt! Those feelings soon departed as we gathered together and I could see the experience level the riders had… My wingman, Micah Kough from Abilene KS on his TW200, Jim Gach from Kansas City MO on his XT225, Eddy Halter from Platte City, MO on his KTM EXC450, my best friend and wife Glenda Wade from Eureka, KS on her DR200, Marco Serra from Kansas City MO on his BMW 1200GS, Gino Serra from Kansas City, MO on his BMW F800GS, Mike Benzel from Macksville, KS on his DR650, Kelly Benzel from Macksville KS on her TW200, Peter Blanton from Greensburg, KS on his XT350, and eating everyone’s dust was my faithful sweep, Jeff Kough from Abilene KS on his XR650.

Our route started South West past the Eureka Country Club to a point South of 54 Hwy then East to our first river crossing, Mossy Forde. We then wound our way West to Sleepy Hollow rd. but opted to bypass due to muddy conditions. After a photo shoot at the 3 arch bridge we found our way to Lila’s Café in Piedmont where the daily special always comes with homemade pie! Our Gas stop was P&J’s in Howard Ks. Our next stop was Beaumont at the Fly in Motel, then North and East to Reece, KS.

One of the BMW’s had a headlight burn out so Gino and Marco Serra took advantage of the daylight along with HWY 54 and departed to a much faster route back to Kansas City. The rest of the patrol opted for a late supper and wanted to continue on through 777 and to Teter Rock. On the way back to camp we lost a chain on one of the TW200’s (your secret is safe with me Micah). Some quick work and we were off to camp. Along the trail we encountered lizards, deer, wild horses, cattle, jack rabbits, turtles, a snake, and a buffalo! To top it off, there was plenty of BBQ, smoked chicken, and ICE CREAM left for the hungry patrol. WOOHOO! I had a great time preparing for this event and an even better time riding it!!!!!! I want to thank all the riders for making this ride a success and I hope we can keep in touch so we can do it again someday!

. ... Randy

Intermediate Ride .... Ride Leader: Bob Morgan

Before we even started motors for the ride there was some drama. My sweep rider Todd Carlgren was ready to enjoy a day of riding in the Flint Hills, then return home and get ready for the birth of his second child in July. Only thing was, his new baby had a different idea. Early Saturday morning Todd knocked on my door to let me know his wife was in labor, and that he was heading home. I am happy to report Todd's wife is doing fine, and their doctor convinced the baby to give it a few more weeks.

When the smoke all cleared in the selection process, 6 followers gave me the nod. I had a 100 mile loop up North past Teter Rock planed for the morning with Lunch back in Eureka. The morning loop went off without a hitch until we rolled back into town and one rider was on a flat rear tire. The Rider made the decision to call it a day and return to camp to get his trailer. Once that was all taken care of the group had time to navigate a loop down South through Beaumont then back East for a while before heading North for home.

I was fortunate to have a great group of experienced riders! They kept my pace, and followed the golden rule to the letter. Thank You All for a great day!! Participants were Todd Carlgren - DR 350 (in spirit), David Miller - 450X (did a great job as my wing man all day. Love the yellow helmet, so easy to see in my mirrors!!!) Keith Harris - WR250, Douglas Weyant - Beta Alp, Christopher Farren - KTM 450 (our flat tire), Garret Green - a motorcycle (different than what his sheet says I think and I don't remember), and my volunteer sweep rider, Bob Landdeck - DR650. Thanks for stepping up Bob!!

Thanks again to my group, and for all the hard work by Roger and many others to pull this event together.

.... Bob

Scenic Ride .... Ride Leader: Phil Denk

Absolutely perfect. A great group of riders, a beautiful day and plenty of options for our loop.

Members of our group: Phil Denk - KCMO - KLR 650 (Trail Boss), Ryan Fischer - Williamsburg, KS - DR 650, Cliff Crites - Junction City, KS - BMW 1200 GS, Tom Young, Westphalia, KS - BMW X-Country, Dave Mize -Derby, KS - Honda XR650L, Steve Pientka - Abilene, KS - KLR 650, Larry Ostrom - Concordia, KS - KLR 650, Bob Halk - KCMO - WR 250 R, and Larry Weber - Westphalia, KS - BMW X-Country (Sweep Rider).

We took off north out of Eureka City Lake and headed west on the section roads to Ivanpah Road. Then north on Sallyards Road and east on Twsp road 57 through the 777 Ranch. As traffic looked a bit heavy at Teter Rock we went north over Texeco Hill and west on 50 Road to arrive at Matfield Green where we decided to have an early lunch.

Larry Ostrom took us on a short loop after lunch to check out his companies handiwork...a standpipe water tower which also provided a great view of the surrounding country.(thanks Big O) We did a short pavement blast north on 177 to Bazaar and then west on 20 Road to Coyne Creek Road (my favorite). We met up with Noel's group and did a bit of splashing around (thanks, Larry). Our next stop was the bridge at Clements and then north to Elmdale where we checked out the school building that is being restored by a local group as a community center. My buddy Ryan was taken a bit back by walking in on one of the residents but our visit was welcomed and we were offered hospitality.

On east to Cottonwood Falls where Pioneer Days was going on. Had to wait for a horse drawn wagon carrying visitors to clear our path. After a break at the local Casey's for gas and refreshments we headed south on Spring Creek Road to Den Creek Road and once again to Bazaar.

South and east on Sharpes Creek Road we encountered many of the local residents (cattle) and, unfortunately, at the wash area just before I-35 my buddy Cliff experienced a slight problem (Cliff, hate to see such a beautiful bike go down but truly glad you handled it so well!). At the south end of Shapes Creek Road we went east and north to check out Stonehenge and then south to Kenbro.

We caught up with Roger's group who had just finished repairing a flat so we took a break to let his group get going. We enjoyed the scenery and studied the jackpumps for awhile but dinner was calling so we took off south to Teterville Road and west to the "rock" then back east through Thrall and south back to camp.

I want to thank all the guys in my group. I knew at the outset that I was leading some experienced riders, so I set a rapid pace to promote a good separation and you all responded perfectly. I'd especially like to thank my wingman Ryan. A devoted family man who despite the fact that he doesn't get to ride much, puts alot of heart into it. Also, a big kudos to my sweep rider, Larry. A truly experienced rider who always looks like he's having a great time despite the conditions.

I expect to see you guys next year!

.... Phil

Scenic Ride .... Ride Leader: Mike Bright

I had the privilege of leading a great group of riders on a scenic ride of the Flint Hills on Saturday. The weather was just spectacular for us. The rain the night before was enough to knock the dust down but not enough to cause any mud “issues”. After gathering our group, we had a brief discussion about rider protocol and being alert to the rider behind you so we don’t lose anyone. We wanted to bring everyone back intact! Moreover, we did.

Our ride group consisted of myself from Petrolia, KS on a 2006 KLR 650; my wife Becky Bright on a 2001 KLR 650; Randy Cornelius of La Cygne, KS on a 1992 KLR 650; Gary Lashier of Paola, KS on a 2007 Honda XR 650; Jim Edwards of Lake Waukomis, MO on a 2000 Suzuki DRZ 400; Ralph Mayer of Kansas City, MO on an 2010 Yamaha TW 200; Don Stanislaus of Chanute, KS on a Yamaha XT 250; Larry Stanislaus of Chanute, KS on a 1999 Honda XR 650; and riding sweep for us was Rod Keen of Clay Center, KS on a 1985 Honda XL 350.

We left the campground and headed south for a couple of miles before turning west into the Flint Hills. We continued west to Salyard Road and turned north. This took us through the 777 Ranch and we had a glimpse of the wild horses. After moving through the ranch, we headed northwest into Cassoday for a rest/fuel stop. From Cassoday we headed due east to the Teter Rock overlook. The view was as good as it gets. There were several herds of horses roaming the hills and plenty of photo opportunities. Larry had a camera mounted on his bike and so he set the timer and then ran back to the group for the big shot. There may be a picture of Larry in action somewhere in my photographs.

At this point, we are ready for some more technical riding. Nothing difficult just minimum maintenance roads that requires one to pay attention. We went north to Texaco Hill and then back west a bit before heading north to the old microwave tower. Then through what I think, are some of the most beautiful parts of the Flint Hills headed east along Road 20. From there we worked our way into Olpe, KS for lunch at the Chicken House. The food was good and the conversation very good. After lunch, we topped off the fuel tanks and headed out. We went east out of Olpe for a few miles and then started a southerly trek through some of the eastern portions of the Flint Hills. This area is not as rugged as the portions west of K-99 so the riding was easier and more relaxed. We stopped for a visit in a shaded area near a creek and ended the day by riding back into camp at about 4:30 PM.

We rode about 135 miles for the day. We had no accidents and no mechanical issues. We made new friends and had a great day of riding. To all my riding partners – let’s do it again soon.

God's Blessings ... Mike

Scenic Ride .... Ride Leader: RD Woolsey

Our 'Scenic Ride' was riden by Denise Burkholder, ride photo shooter-Towanda, KS - KLR650, Barry Wood - Towanda,KS - KLR650, Mike Kirn -Webster Groves,MO - KLR650, Ken Henton - Pine Lawn, MO - KLR650, Tony Koenen - Union, MO - KLR650, Jeff Gilliland, riding sweep - Wichita,KS -BMW 650X, and rookie leader RD Woolsey - Derby, KS - KLR650.

We left the lake for Eureka to started our NW trek side-lining the W branch of Fall River. Stopped to see the 1800's Church & cemetary. Then N past Lapland, paused to see Teter Rock looking up from a distant SE point, then on up the hill to see it up close along with two other ride groups already there.

On to the NE on a mm road to Texaco Hill then on past Kenbro and E to Madison to fill ourselves and the bikes with fuel. They were having their 'town party', but we left for better sights. East bound and down on new, curvy pavement to Lamont. South on dirt again past Hilltop, on to Virgil, a town with alot of 'use to have' but still kickin'. West again, and again on curvy pavement to Hamilton to stop at their 'old fashioned drug store'. No drugs, but sodies and milkshakes, and rest!

Back to dirt and W then N to Burkett, W again then S through Thrall. Finally S and to the lake. No takers on the second loop of this scenic ride so we called it a good day while it still was. This whole group was Great to ride with. Thanks Denise for taking pictures. And Jeff,thanks for being willing to 'sweep' up the messes of which there were none. Thanks to you all, it was a blessing to lead a ride for the 2011 BTK-Stampede!!

All take care .... RD

Advanced Ride .... Ride Leader: Ron Grundy

Seven of us, including Glen Krause - Husky TE610, Steve Tyner - DRZ400, Steve Hoover - KLX250, Greg Mitchell - KTM 950, Jerry Lind -H usky TE610, Steve Casper - KLX250, and myself, Ron Grundy - XR650L. Steve Casper was selected for my sweep rider since Myron Brown's KLX650 had been stolen!

We headed east for an advanced ride. We crossed 99 highway near the twin bridges south of Hamilton, and less than 20 miles into the ride I discovered I had the 1st flat rear tire of the day. With a trusty Enduro Star Trail Stand and a new tube from Glen we were on our way in about 30 minutes. We then rode some minimum maintenance roads accross Rocky Ford and Mossy Ford to Climax.

We gassed up at Tripco near Severy and zig-zagged our way to Beaumont for lunch at the Hotel. Then, we crossed Hwy. 400, heading through Reece and gassing up again at a friends house near Sugarloaf. While passing through the 777 Ranch, Steve Casper had the 2nd flat of the day. Another new tube and it was on to Teter Rock. It was nearing Barbecue time so we rode back to Phillip's Cabin and called it a day.

It was a great day of backroad riding with a great bunch of guys! I was showing 164 miles when I arrived home.

...... Ron

Intermediate Ride .... Ride Leader: Steve Starkel

After the rider’s meeting, my sweep rider Wil Locke and I found 9 riders ready to head out with us on an Intermediate/Advanced ride for a total group size of 11 riders. The group consisted of myself Steve Starkel-’03 TE610E, Ty Wood-’07 640 ADV, Jim Corman- KLX 351 “Super Duper Sherpa”, Jim Krone –’05 XR650L, Rob Hammerlund- ’03 F650GS Dakar, Mick Harrison- ’08 KLR 650, Tom Trieschmann- ’08 KLR650, Jim Radcliff- ’05 F650GS Dakar, Steve Quinn-F800GS, John Ladd-’07 F650GS, and Wil Locke- ’02 640 ADV.

We headed south out of camp and took the first gravel road headed west. After working our way a few miles west we headed north on the first minimum maintenance road of the day, the goal being to hit as many min maintenance roads as possible and link them up with the most scenic and fun roads along the way. After spending about ten minutes coaxing a small herd of cattle and one steer with a large set of horns into a chute at the end of a road, we continued heading in a general northerly direction. I topped a hill and noticed a line of cars, a big line of cars maybe 30 or so, parked on the side of the road. As we passed I noticed the lead car had a KSU logo on it and we could then see at least 100 people off the road, scouring the ground in a large washed out gully of a place called Sinclair Lake according to google maps. We stopped to take a quick picture and decided they must be hunting fossils. Heading on North we stopped at the ghost town of Thrall for a quick break in the shade before heading on into the open range areas of southern Chase county.

Riding the twisting high open range roads is always a memorable experience, the scenery is like no other. After trading positions with Bob Morgan’s group several times, imagine that.....we had almost identical routes, what’s the chance of that? lol We passed his group at a water crossing for the last time of the day. Continuing on to the “secret loop” (to throw him off our trail) a BMW Dakar 650 proceeded to pick up a large hook shaped piece of steel in the rear tire, after some wrestling with the 17 inch D606 we got back on the trail. Let’s just say it’s never the compressor not working when you go to air up the tire and it doesn’t take air..... #&@%!

Back on the open range past a few brave mountain bikers, each on their own, and over Texaco hill back to our next stop at Teeter Rock, where we discovered we had another flat, this time a KLR 650 decided to pick up a small nail in the rear tire. With such a small hole it was decided a patch would work fine and after a quick repair job we headed down Road D. On Road D I zigged when I should have zagged around a water hole and found a hidden oil tank battery pipeline in the tall grass, I was riding parallel to the hidden pipe and when I decided to cross back onto the road I found myself quickly planted on the ground. After picking myself up and dusting off we headed on down 777 ranch road to the south.

After the two flats and about 107 miles we decided it was best to swing into Eureka and get gas and a quick bite at the Casey’s on north main and head back to the southern loop. We left Eureka about 3 p.m. and took the highway back to Reece to pick up the route down Spring Creek road and on to Beaumont. A quick jaunt through the wind farm and left on Crisco road found us at a road that Bob, Larry and I discovered on Friday’s ride called Settlers road. It's a 4 miles stretch of overgrown, tree lined road with a few mud holes and hills thrown in for good measure and one old spooky abandoned house in a grove of trees. If the erosion on the road continues it could become more of a challenge in the future. After that we headed through Piedmont, our original lunch destination, we left town up the big hill on Courtney road. Down into the valley to the west of Piedmont I grabbed my clutch for the last time on this ride as I felt the cable snap. After discovering there was no cable sticking out of the housing that I could grab with my vice grips I continued on with the ride.

After an adventurous no clutch uphill start we followed Agard road north to Sleepy Hollow Road, avoiding the four wheeled horsemen in one of the creeks and few mudholes we headed north to get back to camp for dinner, I had to make a few creative choices to avoid stops on the way but we got back to camp about 5:30. After a tough morning with flat tires we added about a 88 mile loop in 2.5 hours in the afternoon for a total of around 195 miles on a beautiful Saturday in the Flint Hills!

My group was great to ride with, and I’d like to thank them for coming along, all the volunteers for their hard work and the City of Eureka for its hospitality! Looking forward to next year, already thinking of a few new twists to add to the route!

.... Steve

Intermediate Ride .... Ride Leader: Tim Emerson

Gob's Intermediate Patrol consisted of Ride Leader, Tim Emerson - '09 F800GS - Kansas City, MO, Wing-man, Alex Trofimoff - '03 DL1000 - Overland Park, KS, Jerry Jenson - '04 DRZ400 - Bettendorf, IA, Wes Rutledge - '89 KLR650 - Waverly, KS, John Holmes - '08 KLR650 - Omaha, NE, Bill Kimmell - '09 KLR650 - Lee's Summit, MO, Jim Letellier - '02 KTM640 - Kansas City, KS, and Sweep, Charlie Richardson - Suzuki DRZ400 - Stillwell, KS.

We started the day in Eureka traveling southwest toward Beaumont entering from the west on the old railroad track bed, then south through windmill farm, and then east off the edge of the earth into Piedmont. Then we mud-bogged through Sleepy Hollow Road and then headed north back to Eureka for the best turn of the day into gas station with a blonde pumping gas into a red sports car.

After a breather and quick patrol meeting, the crew opted to skip lunch, grab a snack and fuel and head north. We went north through Thrall, the beginning of the south fork of the Verdigris River to Texaco Hill and Tetterville. After a brief discussion with Phil Denk at Tetterville we opted to head south through 777 ranch where we encountered hundreds of wild mustangs. Then in a moment of weakness and fatigue I decided to head home the way a crow flies...east over the hills and through the woods to where no man should go!

Roughly 227 miles later, realized how grateful I was to have seven outstanding riders trust me to lead them for a great day. Also, I am very appreciative to have the confidence of knowing Charlie Richardson was there to sweep it all up in the event of disaster, which we averted. Finally a special a thank you to the recovery team, Mike Moore and Sam Hufman.

Whatever happens on the patrol, stays on the patrol.

... Gob

Intermediate Ride .... Ride Leader: Noel Heyer

Our ride had five very talented riders and myself with a combined total of over 200 years of riding experience under our belts. Our riders were; William Schroeder of Kansas City MO on a KLX 400, Gary Russell of Drexel MO on a KLR 650, Bradford Wine of Fontana KS on a DRZ 400, Thomas Robben of Topeka KS on a KLR 650, Dwight Werner of Sidney NE on a XR 650L, and myself Noel Heyer of Wichita KS on a KLR 650.

We left Eureka and headed west and managed to weave our way to Teter rock, where the Wild Mustangs were very close when we arrived. Due to limited fuel range on some bikes, we decided to head to Cassoday for an "insurance" fuel stop and restroom break (remember 200 years experience, our bladders are a little older).

From Cassoday, we zigzagged thru the beautiful rolling hills and over the Turnpike several times till we managed to make it to Coin Creek Minimum Maintenance road were we had lots of fun in the river crossing (pics to follow as soon as I learn how to load them) then to Clements Bridge. After a short discussion lunch was the next thing we decided on so Emma Chase Cafe in Cottonwood Falls became our lunch stop.

With our stomachs and fuel tanks full we left Cottonwood and managed to fill the day with more minimum Maintenance roads, We found "Stonehenge" in Kansas and weaved our way thru Texaco Hill and back to Eureka Lake.

We logged right at 200 miles for the day with no incidents (unless you count the broken tie-downs on a crate while "Playing" in a creek courtesy of Bradford. What a great weekend! Thanks to all who participated good to see old friends from years gone by and meet new ones. Starting to plan for next year already.

... Noel

Scenic Ride .... Ride Leader: John Hein

As a rookie Stampede ride leader I was fortunate to have a great group of experienced riders join me and sweep Mary for a wonderful day and 175 miles of fantastic flint hills scenery. Following me for the day were Wing-man Quinton Dodds – Manhattan, KS - ’98 KLX300, Duane Spieker – Shawnee, KS – ’08 XT250, Ron Russell – Shawnee, KS – ’08 KLR650, Gary Plemons – Claremore, OK – ’07 DL1000, Pedro Gimenez – Bel Aire, KS – ’08 DR-Z400SM, Bob Poste – Olathe, KS – ’08 KLR650, Torrie Heptig – Topeka, KS – ’08 XT250, Larry Heptig – Topeka, KS – ’02 DRZ400, Teri Frailey – Shawnee, KS - ’08 WR250R, Jim Foley – Shawnee, KS – ’00 DR650, Sweep Rider Mary Grabanski – Augusta, KS – ’06 XT225.

We started our ride heading west through the ghost town of Ivanpah (in case any of you missed it) and then north on Salyard road through the 777 ranch land and along the west branch of the Fall River. From there we cut over a couple miles on Road 57 to the fun little two-track D Road. We had a minor get-off on a rocky uphill section so I guess it wasn’t fun for everyone on this day. No serious harm was done to rider or bike so we went on to Teter Rock to enjoy the views in all directions.

From Teter Rock and Teterville, we headed north through more open range. We took another rest stop at Texaco Hill to enjoy the view and get an up close look at a working pump jack. Pushing on north we picked up Sharpes Creek road. One of the highlights of the ride for me was seeing a big buck pronghorn antelope silhouetted against the blue sky on top of a hill just north of the turnpike. We followed Sharpes Creek all the way to the town of Bazaar where we took a scenic piece of K-177 in to Cottonwood Falls for lunch at Emma C’s and some fuel.

The afternoon started out following creeks – Spring Creek road out of Cottonwood Falls across Buck Creek to Den Creek road and then along Rock Creek road to Coyne Creek road. We took another break after crossing Coyne Creek to enjoy the shade and scenery. Next stop was the double stone arch bridge over the Cottonwood River south of Clements. From there we crossed US-50 for a little more high grassland riding over to Cedar Point. Along the way we came across three jackrabbits - a rare sight for me these days. They didn’t run fast; apparently their relatives in Reno County hadn’t warned them about me.

We took a break for pictures of the old Drinkwater & Schriver Flour Mill in Cedar Point and then agreed it was time to make some time. We made every turn of Cedar Creek road to the ghost town of Wonsevu and then made a fast run to Cassoday. From Cassoday it was a quick pavement run on Flint Hills road to 20th road for a little more scenery before heading back to the lake. Before we made it to my next planned scenic rest stop, one of our riders decided to take an early break under a cottonwood tree with his front tire in a barbed wire fence. Again, no harm to bike or rider and a little teamwork had us back on the road in a few minutes. We stopped for one more beautiful Flint Hills view and then ran back to camp to get ready for the feast.

My thanks to everyone in the group for following the ride safety rules and making this day like just another great ride in the hills with friends. I hope we can do it again next year.

.... John