Backroads Touring -October 20, 2012

October 20, 2012 .... and the Fall weather couldn't have been more conducive to get out and ride the Flint Hills!

Eight riders gathered at Susie's Chili Parlor in El Dorado for a pre-ride breakfast. Making up the patrol included: Larry Ostrom - Concordia - KLR650, Mike Keithley - Wichita - KTM 990, Henry Harvey - Douglass - Moto Guzzi Quota, Damon Schimming - Wichita - BMW R1000 GS/PD, Dale Ellerbe - Belle Plaine - DR350, Steve Starkel - Bel Aire - Husky TE-630, Danny Coffey - Andover - BMW G650GS, and Roger Baugh - Wichita - KLX250S.

After a most enjoyable breakfast, the group rode up to El Dorado Lake and turned east towards Ivanpah. We had a couple of "slowdowns" with local deer and a cattle herd along the way, but eventually made our way through to some highly picturesque stretches of open range riding and sweeping little used country roads.

From Ivanpah, we turned south to ride to Reece, then rode further to the southwest to refuel in Leon before working our way back to the Wichita area.

The plan was to cover as much area as possible, and at an enjoyable pace. This ride, we had a few mechanical delays in the form of a leaking fuel petcock repair, uncooperative low tire, an additional severe tire puncture, and a malfunctional flip-up helmet. Tossing-in a couple of low speed "get-offs", there were plenty of opportunities to add-in some social "gab time" while we made adjustments to the ride schedule!

It was another great ride, and with a great group of riders ....

...... Roger Baugh

Route Maps Download ... PDF format, (568 kb)

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