Backroads Touring - August 18, 2012

August 18, 2012 .... The forecasted temperatures looked great and the radar indicated our route might just miss the rain. We did! Twelve riders headed out for a day in the Chautauqua and Flint Hills including: Brady Allensworth - Wichita, KS – XR650L, Roger Baugh - Wichita, KS - KLX250S, Thurman Brittingham - Rose Hill, KS - KLX250S, Denise Burkholder - Towanda, KS - KLR650, Ken Clifford - Wichita, KS - DR650, Don Feldt - Wichita, KS - KLR650, Henry Harvey - Wichita, KS - Moto Guzzi Quota, Werner Levy - Andover, KS - R1200GS, Jeff Morgan - Derby, KS - KLR650, Danny Remillard - Wichita, KS - KLR650, RD Woolsey - Derby, KS - KLR650, and Chris Owens - Garden Plain, KS - KLR650.

We started the ride from Rose Hill and headed southeast making our way to Cambridge, Cedar Vale, Elgin, and Sedan. We were surprised to see the lush green crops and hillsides in this area. Although most creeks were dry or severely low, somehow this area's landscape and crops have faired the heat and drought much better than south-central KS. Dalton road lived up to its reputation and provided beautiful scenery between Cedar Vale and Elgin. And yes, Elgin is still thriving and Ken still hopes to purchase someday. Before leaving Elgin we visited the steel bridge and gazed into Oklahoma.

We stopped for lunch and fuel in Sedan and then headed for the Quivira Boy Scout Ranch. As expected the Quivira Boy Scout Ranch delivered a beautiful picturesque landscape and brought back fond childhood memories of a fishing trip for the ride leader with his father and grandfather. Roger and a few others also recalled fond memories of fishing and camping at this location. Upon arrival we were treated to watching a huge snake cross the road at the bridge entrance and later spotted again stalking a field mouse along the lake edge. We then headed north to Elk Falls and enjoyed the very scenic Road 99 between Elk Falls and Howard.

Upon arrival at Howard, the ride leader's KLR had overheated, so we stopped for fuel and repairs. The pit crew diagnosed and hoped the issue was due to a blown fuse. A special thanks to Danny Remillard for his guidance as Danny had previously experienced this issue and was able to provide direction on the fuse location. Fortunately this was the only repair of the day. The group did not experience any flats or get-offs. Upon leaving Howard we headed for the scenic overlook at Green Ranch and then returned home.

Round trip mileage from our Rose Hill rendezvous was 195 miles; I logged 277 from my home. A special thanks to Thurman (wingman) and Roger (sweep) for helping me navigate the ride. This was the first time I had been on the backroads in this area and I appreciate the assistance and patience provided. It was a beautiful day in the Chautauqua and Flints Hills with a great group of riders! I look forward to our next ride.

...... Chris Owens

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