Backroads Touring - July 7, 2007

July 7, 2007 - Finally .... a break in the weather, and it would stay dry awhile!

Two riders rendezvoused at the Gas Kan in Cassoday, KS ... Jeff Ecker - Canton - BMW R50/2, and Roger Baugh - Wichita - KLR650. Our route would take us on a large counterclockwise half-loop, incorporating Cassoday, the 777 Ranch, Teterville, Matfield Green, Cottonwood Falls, Elmdale, Cedar Point, and Florence.

After fueling, we rode into town to see a sad sight ... the Cassoday Cafe' closed and dark. With the owner being seriously ill and hospitalized ... and a fire following weeks afterwards, the future of the cafe' is in doubt. How many times has our group enjoyed a great meal and camaraderie at this location? Our hopes go to Diane's recovery ... and to the reopening of this gem of a dining and meeting establishment.

Jeff and I then proceeded on towards the 777 Ranch, turning east and to Road D. As usual, the wild mustang herds were visible at several points. We then rode to the overlook at Teter Rock, enjoying the view of several more mustang herds. From Teter Rock, we rode up to Texaco Hill, then followed Madison Road east to hook up to Little Cedar Creek Road ... and the way into Matfield Green.

At Matfield Green, we turned north up K-177 to Bazaar, then cut west to Den Creek and Buck Creek Roads ... leading us into Cottonwood Falls. Of course, Cottonwood Falls means lunch at the Emma Chase Cafe' ... and it was delicious, as always. We then rode over to the falls, as well as to the Millstream Motel that sits right next to the falls. The owner of the establishment showed us several rooms and the available stone cabin. We were impressed. If possible, will try to get the location as the site for the 2008 Stampede.

Leaving Cottonwood Falls, we rode west to Elmdale, then followed the Camp Wood Road along the Cottonwood River. Jumping on to US-50, we rode to Cedar Point to see the old mill. Leaving Cedar Point, we rode on to Florence, where we split off for our individual rides home.

Road conditions were excellent today. All the roads we rode in Butler, Greenwood, and Chase counties had been recently graded. Surfaces were loose and not yet packed ("marble riding") ... but at least we did not have to contend with deep, dry mud ruts ... so we had no compaints, whatsoever. All told, I racked up about 220 miles in the saddle today.

No problems or mishaps. Couldn't have asked for a better day of riding in the Flint Hills! ..... rb

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