Today started somewhat overcast, but by the time I rode the 10 or so miles down to Spring Hill, Kansas, the sun was mostly out. The motorcycle shop is down on the corner in the old bank building.
They don’t sell motorcycles there, but just riding clothing and accessories. Most of their sales take place on the internet.
We were lined up on both sides of the street, I’m down on the end next to that dark van.
The cops were there and helped us organize the ride. They gave us an escort out of town like a funeral procession. Traffic was stopped at every intersection until we exited the city limits. I think they were kind of glad that we all left.
I never did get a complete count, but there were over thirty bikes, and I had the only scooter, so I was in a tough crowd. No one laughed, but I’m sure some wondered how I would be able to ride with them.
We rode to the South and out to Hillsdale Lake. The riders were quite organized and rode in a single file in every other tire track, but not abreast. There were about ten lengths between each bike, and we stretched out over a mile or more. The owner of the bike shop was at the rear making sure everyone was not lost.
We reached Paola, Kansas for our first stop at El Tapatio restaurant. It was still only 11:00 in the morning, but several ordered drinks. We sat in the air conditioning not realizing how hot it would become on this day. Everyone was fresh, so after about 30 minutes we were all packed up and on the road to the South for the longest run.
We traveled thru Osawatomie, but did not stop. When we had traveled about 10 miles, we were totally out in the country it kind of came over me that I was totally free of the city and its bonds. I can’t explain, but we as a group were totally without duties and responsibilities for those moments. The feeling was fleeting, as we entered a bunch of corners that the bikers refer to as the twisties.
Beyond the corners, we entered La Cygne. (La Seen) There we stopped at the Outpost Bar and Grill on the East side of town. This was our lunch stop, and everyone promptly ordered sandwiches. Stories were told and bikes were rebuilt in the minds of the riders. New tires were purchased, and mounted in these stories, and folks were having fun.
Since this was a dice run, at each stop we each rolled the three large dice and had our score recorded on our official score sheet. We started our first roll at the old bank, and the second roll was at the Mexican Restaurant. Now the third roll came at Outpost.
Remember how I was on a quest to order a Cheeseburger at all the restaurants in town, searching for a replacement for Fuddruckers? Well, I ordered a cheeseburger, and it was good, but will not replace Fudds! LOL.
All too soon, it was out to the bikes and head off into the country. It was now after 1:00 PM and the heat of the day was on us. I saw 97 on the dash of the bike, as we headed up the four lane US 69 highway.
This is just like an interstate, with controlled access interchanges, and the speed limit was 75. At times I recorded 80 on the speedo. About at that time a space opened up in front of me of half a mile, and I was determined to close it up. Opening the throttle wide, I zoomed ahead and closed the gap rapidly. I never looked at the speed.
I think that took the “Harley Guy” behind me for a surprise, as he was suddenly the fellow with the big space in front of him. He later commented that “boy that scooter sure holds its own out there on the highway.” Well,,,,,,yes it does! And thus the question was answered as to how that scooter would do in this biker rally.
We stopped at another watering hole in Lewisburg, Timbercreek Bar and Grill, and this time I was feeling the heat and sun. I kind of gulped down a glass of water, and then had another diet soda. Probably the last thing I really needed. Some folks were having Iced Tea, and I later realized that that would have been a better choice.
After another roll of the dice and everyone made it to the bathroom, we headed back to Spring Hill. Once back at the beginning, we went to the sister restaurant of El Tapatio. El Tapatio II.
Our last roll of the dice wasn’t very kind to me, as I only got a 7 out of the possible 18 points. Oh Well! They gave out the prizes, which were gift certificates to use in the motorcycle shop, and a booby prize of a drink coozy, for the lowest dice score. I was glad I didn’t win that, as everyone laughed and teased the recipient.
They then had an auction of prizes that were donated to the ride by various vendors. Nice stuff like helmets and jackets. I bid on a $100 dollar tail bag, but another gal would not be outbid. At least I kept her honest as she had to pay $70 for it when I dropped out.
All of this money goes to a charity for the high school scholarship fund. But since I didn’t actually win any bidding, all I had to pay was the entry fee, and all of my various bar tabs.
After riding back to the house for another 12 miles, I had 133 miles on the trip meter for the day. I met some really nice people, that some folks would call a “Motorcycle Gang.” And wonder when I can join the next ride. Boy that part on the 4 lane at 75 was hot hot hot!
Retired Rod
