Backroads Touring - August 11, 2007

August 11, 2007 ... Cassoday, KS. The forecast called for near one-hundred degree temperatures. We got lucky. It stayed well below that all day until after we had finished our ride. Today's riders .... Jim Krone - Wichita - XR650L, and Roger Baugh - Wichita - KLR650.

We started out riding to the southeast of Cassoday towards the 777 Ranch, then turned east to connect to Road D. Jim had never visited the Teterville area, so we rode out to Teter Rock to look at the mustang herds.

After a short rest at Teter Rock, we then turned east and south to visit the ghost town of Thrall. Working our way north, we hooked into Madison Road, then traveled east and north to wind our way up to Elco and "Stonehenge".

We had encountered maybe two vehicles that morning ... the third encounter was far more heart-pounding. Riding north out of Thrall, the road had narrowed to a lane and a half, no shoulder, and slit ditches. Coming up on a blind hill, I had moved to the right of the lane, and my speed was maybe 40-45 mph. Just as I crested the hill, I met a dualie pickup truck coming from the opposite direction, and in the middle of the narrow road. He was running at a comparable speed. We had maybe one hundred feet of reaction distance, 1-2 seconds at most, considering our 80-90 mph closing speed. We were both alert, swerved, and missed one another by less than a foot. Guess who would have won had we both not reacted in time? A good reminder ... on blind hills and curves, always expect the unexpected!

We stopped at "Stonehenge" for a photo or two, then turned east towards Sharpes Creek Road, then north to Bazaar. Crossing K-177, we then rode to Den Creek Road, then north to follow Buck Creek into Cottonwood Falls. Lunch was enjoyed at the Emma Chase Cafe'. The iced teas were much appreciated, considering that the heat was just starting to climb prior to our arrival.

Following lunch, we rode south across the ranging hills to arrive in Matfield Green. I needed to get back to Wichita, so chose a pavement route ... Jim chose to go home via the dirt roads.

It was a superb day to ride. Much was seen and enjoyed, and no breakdowns or issues beyond the one close call, which won't be forgotten anytime soon! ... rb

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