Backroads Touring - October 9, 2010

October 9, 2010 .... a "Compass Ride" (riders coming in from all the points of the compass) down into the Chautaqua Hills. The ride coordinator and head honcho for this tour was Mike Bright, KLR650 owner from Chanute, KS.

Three separate groups rode-in from Chanute, Eureka and Douglass to the main rendezvous point in Howard, KS. The group numbered fifteen, and included: Becky Bright - KLR650 - Chanute, Mary Grabanski - XT225 - Augusta, Ron Briggs - TW200 - Mound City, Ken Meyer - KLR650 - Goddard, Kathy Woodson - KLR650 - Wichita, Alan Woodson KLR650 - Wichita, RD Woolsey - KLR650 - Derby, Steve Hoover - KLX250 - Louisburg, Ron Grundy - XR650L - Eureka, Denise Burkholder - KLR650 - Towanda, Barry Wood - KLR650 - Towanda, Britt Lolley - DR650 - Wichita, Randy Wade - KLR650 - Wichita, and Roger Baugh - KLX250 - Wichita.

Once the patrols had arrived in Howard, we took a lunch break at Toot's Cafe' and enjoyed some chat time amongst ourselves. Following lunch, we fueled and saddled-up, riding to the southeast along the Elk River Valley, destination: Elk Falls. One thing was certain, most of the day would be spent riding in a thick dust plume, and every square inch of bike and rider would be thoroughly coated within minutes.

We stopped for a while at the iron bridge at Elk Falls, then proceeded south through the Quivira Scout Ranch. Leaving QSR, we then proceeded on to Sedan, running through some very picturesque hill country. After fueling and dusting off in Sedan, we rode to the southwest, and onward to the near-ghost town of Elgin, KS. Stopping in Elgin, we rested a while, then pushed on through the dust to Cedar Vale. Refueling in Cedar Vale, the group split back into patrols for the rides back home.

We had a couple of separations and miscues today, but considering the low visibilty from the dust, understandable. No mechanical issues or mishaps, so it was a good ride. Most of us would end up riding between 250-275 miles, so it was a long day in the saddle .... but, an enjoyable one nonetheless! ... rb

Special thanks to to Mary Grabanski and Mike Bright for use of their photos ....

Ride Area Maps Download

Click on any thumbnail to open an album window. Clicking on the right edge of an image progresses to the next image. Clicking on the left returns to previous image. Album "close" box is found in lower right-hand corner, or by clicking outside of the enlarged image area.