Merry Christmas and Happy New Year (KCMBC President's Ride)

The next 2 Thursdays are holidays and I am not planning a Northland ride on Christmas Day nor on New Years Day.

I hope you all have a wonderful holiday season and I'll have Thursday morning rides in the new year as weather allows.

I have seen evidence of the KCMBC President's ride on January 1st at 1:00 PM leaving from Shawnee Mission Park.  This is mentioned on the KCMBC home page but the "map" link and "Facebook" link are not up-t0-date as I write this.

The route has now been added, approximately 22 miles.  High temps are forecast at 29 degrees (as of Christmas day).  Cold but could be done.

THURSDAY, December 11th - Embassy Suites to Edgerton - 9:00 AM start

  I plan to lead the ride to Dearborn with breakfast at Cook's Corner (no credit cards accepted).  The ride is approximately 40 flat miles total roughly following this map:

The start is at 9:00 AM and weather is forecast (as of 12:30 Wednesday) is below:

THURSDAY, November 27th - HAPPY THANKSGIVING

No ride on Thanksgiving.  I hope you all enjoy the holiday.  I'm thankful for you cycling friendship and hope to see you on a Northland ride soon. Maybe next week on Wednesday (subbing on Thursday, December 4th).

Oops.  Wednesday is going to be out as well.  I'm subbing that day, too. Maybe December 11th.

THURSDAY, November 20 - Line Creek Trail to Magnolia Cafe - 9:45 start.

Because of the cooler temps I have planned a later and shorter ride this week.

NOTE THE CHANGE IN START LOCATION AND TIME

We will start at the trail access of the Line Creek Trail.  Parking is on the south side of Gower near Waukomis Dr.  From I-29 exit at the NW 64th Street / MO 45 Exit (exit 5) and drive east 1.2 miles.  64th St becomes Gower along the way.  The parking area for trail access is less than 100 yds west of the traffic light at Waukomis.

This route is mapped on Map My Ride here and is around 27 miles total with lunch at the Magnolia Cafe (2932 Cherry) at approximately half way. The cafe opens at 11:00 so start time for the ride will be at 9:45.  Temperatures are forecast at around 32 at the start warming to 40 during the ride.  Winds are light (single digit) with sunshine.

See you there.

THURSDAY, November 13th - Surely you jest.

Maybe not this cold and windy but . . .

THURSDAY, November 6th - Embassy Suites to Platte City : 8:30 Start

This week I plan to ride to Platte City for breakfast at Roxanne's.  I'm having a little trouble mapping right now so here is a description:

OUT
Embassy Suites to Skyview
North to 128th
West past Interurban to Winan
North to 132
West past Mexico City Ave (becoming Roanridge) to Bethel
North to HH
West (becoming Main) to Marshall
Southeast to Roxanne's

RETURN
Back Marshall to 4th
South on 4th (becomes N) to Prairie Creek Greenway
East to Running Horse
South to 120th
East to Brightwell
South to 104thYOU
East to Hampton Rd
South to Barry Rd
East to Childress
North to Tiffany Springs Rd
East to Congress
North to Embassy Suites

A Map My Ride map is here.  The distance is around 33 miles with breakfast very close to half way.  There is a forecast of wind from the NW in the teens and temps rising from the mid 40s to the mid 50s during the ride but sunny.

YOU MIGHT CATCH THIS AS WELL
Wednesday, Nov. 5th I am riding from the Starbucks on Barry Rd near I-29 to the Milwaukee Deli at 9th and Baltimore meeting up with Dan Tiemeier leading a grtoup from the South.  I will leave at 9:30 AM to meet them at 11:00 - 11:15 for lunch.

ALSO
I will be subbing next Thursday, Nov. 13th so I may move the ride that week to Wednesday.  More later

THURSDAY, Oct. 30 : Embassy Suites to Dearborn - 8:30 Start

  I plan to lead the ride to Dearborn with breakfast at Cook's Corner (no credit cards accepted).  The ride is approximately 40 flat miles total roughly following this map:

The start is at 8:30 AM and weather is forecast to get into the 60s with a tail wind on our return.  Hope to see you.

WEDNESDAY, October 22nd - Mabee Center (Wm Jewell) in Liberty to Excelsior Springs - 10:00 AM start

Hey,
Several differences for this week's ride.  Hope your neural pathways can adjust (right, Doug?):

• It's on Wednesday (10-22-14)
• We ride from the Mabee Center on the east side of the Wm. Jewell campus.
• We start at 10:00 AM.
• We ride to Excelsior Springs.
• We "do" lunch at the Wabash BBQ (menu) there.

  The route is approximately 37 miles total, 23 and a fraction out.  The outbound route goes through Missouri City on 210 and Old 210 before turning north on N into Ex. Springs.  The return is on H all the way back to the Mabee Center.

If using GPS, here is the address for the Mabee Center
924 State Highway H
Liberty, MO, 64068

From I-35:

• Exit I-35 on 152 / Kansas Ave and head East
• Continue straight through the 291 intersection (staying on Kansas)
• Road narrows as you continue east toward the town square.
• Around the square (Main St. will work) go 1 block south (right) to Mill St.
• Turn east (left) and continue to the Mabee Center - on left. 3 miles total from I-35

  This should be a beautiful ride and I hope to see you there.  Sorry for the late announcement.

THURSDAY, October 16th - Embassy Suites to Platte City - 8:30 START

ALSO BELOW

KNUCKLEHEADS TO KATE'S KITCHEN - OCT 18th

CYCLE ZYDECO - April 8-12 (April 6-13 including travel)

Thursday Ride:

  This week I plan to travel to Platte City, breakfast at Roxanne's.  We will leave Embassy Suites at 8:30 AM.  This is about a 36 mile route (total) that circles KCI intentionally riding through some wooded areas that should be beautiful this time of year.  This map from last April shows the route I plan:

If this map is unreadable try this link.

KNUCKLEHEADS TO KATE'S KITCHEN - OCT 18th

  I'm leading the Knuckleheads ride again on Saturday.  Details can be found on this page.  Start time from Knuckleheads will be 9:00 AM.

CYCLE ZYDECO - April 8-12 (April 6-13 including travel)

  Cycle Zydeco is starting to send out information about the 2015 ride.  Info is incomplete and no action is necessary yet.  I mention this so you can consider the dates and ask questions if you think you might want to join the fun. A group from KC (last year about 30 riders) will caravan down in two days, leaving Tuesday, April 7th, 2015.  We arrive in Lafayette Wednesday for the kick-off party.  The 4 day ride begins Thursday the 9th.  On Sunday the 12th following that day's ride we have a post ride party in Lafayette and then return all the way to KC on Monday, April 13th.

  I created a blog to broadcast info for last year's ride.  This is the link - DATES will AND DETAILS are likely to change but you can get a feel for up to what we are.

WEDNESDAY, October 8th - Embassy Suites to Smithville - 8:00 AM Start

The forecast for Thursday is calling for a good chance of rain again.  Let's ride on Wednesday.  This ride to Smithville was cancelled a couple weeks ago due to rain so we will try that again.  It is 16.8 miles out and 43.2 total with some moderate to hilly runs BUT BEAUTIFUL!

What do you think?  See ya?

THURSDAY, October 2nd - Looks like rain

Because of the rain forecast for Thursday I am not going to schedule a ride this week.  

THURSDAY, Sept. 25th - Embassy Suites to First Watch NKC - 8:00 Start

  OK - Here is the plan.  I'm leading the ride to the newly re-opened First Watch in NKC this week leaving Embassy Suites at 8:00 AM.  I was thinking there are some routes I haven't used since the opening of many of the magnificent trails in the Northland.  You will see that this route uses a small segment of the Line Creek trail but also uses parallel and interesting segments which I haven't ridden in a little time.  I hope you will be able to join me.  The ride is about 38.5 miles total with the breakfast stop around 16.75 miles in.  Try this link if the map below doesn't display correctly.

THURSDAY, September 18th: Embassy Suites to Smithville - 8:00 AM start

ATTENTION - Due to a fire at Lowman's our route will need to change.  If I have time I'll revise this post BUT I do plan to ride somewhere.  I hear reopening will be soon.  We will try the route below at some later date. (Thanks for the update, Dawn).


As of Tuesday evening the forecast for Thursday is iffy but I have mapped out this ride to Smithville.  It is 16.8 miles out and 43.2 total with some moderate to hilly runs BUT BEAUTIFUL!

What do you think?  See ya?

THURSDAY, Sept. 11th : Embassy Suites to Dearborn 8:00 AM Start - - - AND - - - SATURDAY, Sept. 13th Knuckleheads to Kate's Kitchen 8:30 Start

Here's the dillio,
  I plan to lead a ride Thursday from Embassy Suites to Dearborn leaving at 8:00 AM.  Again - this is the flattest Northland ride I have.  As of 9-5 weather.com shows a high in the upper 60s with a 14 mph tail-wind on the return.  Here is an old map of the ride.  I will follow something like this:

Breakfast will be at Cook's Corner.  Remember that they do mot accept plastic so bring cash.

ALSO

KNUCKLEHEADS to KATE'S KITCHEN

On Saturday, September 13th, I will lead another ride from Knuckleheads to Kate's Kitchen.  We will leave Knuckleheads at 8:30 for the 20 mile ride to Kate's for brunch.  The 13 mile return to Knuckleheads has an optional stop at the Cinder Block brewery in NKC.  There will be a blues jam at Knuckleheadswhen we get back.  The forecast (as of 9-5) is for highs in the mid 60s and a 7 mph wind fron the ENE.

What do you say?  Let's went.

THURSDAY, September 4th: Embassy Suites to Happy Gillis (probably) - 8:00 AM Start

I'm planning to ride to cross the river to Happy Gillis using a route similar to this one from 2013:

If the group is too large for Happy Gillis to handle there are other options in the vicinity.  Hope to see you there.

THURSDAY, August 28th - Embassy Suites to Liberty - 8:00 AM Start

This week we ride to Liberty; breakfast at the Corner Cafe.  We will follow this route:

I hope to see you there.

THURSDAY, August 21st: Embassy Suites to Platte City via Camden Point - 8:00 AM start

This week I will lead a ride to Platte City going North on Interurban to Camden Point.  Then west to 371 and back to Platte City.  Here is the map from this ride we did in January:

This ride is almost 25 miles to Roxanne's Cafe in Platte City but only about 10 miles returning to Embassy Suites.  Make sure you have water and I'll see you at 8:00.

THURSDAY, Aug. 14th - Embassy Suites to Dearborn - 8:00 AM start

The Next Knuckleheads to Kate's Kitchen Ride:

This Saturday, August 16th

New Start Time- 8:30

see below

THURSDAY'S RIDE 8-14-14

This week we will ride to Dearborn; always a favorite and the flattest ride in the Northland.  Below is the Garmin map from a previous ride.  Click "View Details" in the lower-right corner for an expanded look at the route.

This is about a 40 mile ride round trip with breakfast at Cook's Corner at the half-way point.  I hope to see you there.

KNUCKLEHEADS to KATES 8-16-14

  The monthly Knuckleheads to Kate's Kitchen (80th and N. Oak) will be on August 16.  I will follow the same route as usual.  We will cross the Chouteau bridge on the way to Kate's and the Heart of America bridge on the return.  See this map for details.  I intend to follow the Line Creek Trail beyond our previous exit point.  This will take us North of Barry Road and will eliminate hills on Coventry, 76th St. and Platte Purchase Road.

  The start time will be moved to 8:30 AM for a 20 mile ride to Kate's for brunch.  The return is about 13 miles back (with a probable stop at the Cinder Block) to Knuckleheads where their weekly blues jam (no cover) begins around 1:00 PM.

IMELDA MAY at KNUCKLEHEADS on Sunday 8-17-14

 Check her out.

THURSDAY, August 7th - Rain out.

  Due to the chance of rain I am canceling the Thursday ride this week.  Though this might be premature I have some things I could be doing so I won't try to out-guess the weather.  I hope to see you next week.

  There are some tentative plans to have the next Knuckleheads to Kate;s Kitchen ride on the 16th or 23rd of August.  Right now I am leaning toward the 16th.  A decision will be made soon.  Stay tuned.

  Imelda May is coming to Knuckleheads on Aug.. 17th.  Check her out.

WEDNESDAY, July 30 - Embassy Suites to Edgerton - 8:00 AM start

I am planning to ride to Edgerton again this week.  I am unable to ride Thursday so I'm scheduling this for Wednesday.  The route is a beautiful (approx.) 40 miler - 20 miles out to Harmer's and 20 back pretty much along the same route with only minor variations.  I hope you can be there.  The weather promises to be great.

THURSDAY, July 17 - Embassy Suites to Smithville - 8:00 AM start

This week we will ride to Smithville from Embassy Suites leaving at 8:00 AM.  This ride clocks in at 41 miles and breakfast (at Lowman's) is only 13 miles out so the return trip is a little farther than my usual rides.

The route uses roads I haven't been on in some time.  There are some hills but the high temperature is forecast to be 75.  See you there.

WEDNESDAY (Not Thurs) July 9: Embassy Suites to Platte City - 8:00 AM Start

Please nothe this ride is on WEDNESDAY this week.  Due to a family situation I will be unable to lead the ride on Thursday.

I plan to lead the ride to Roxanne's in Platte City circling KCI in the process.  This is a beautiful route and there are a few hills.  About 36 miles total; 19 out and 17 back.

Click on "View Details" for an expanded map with elevation info.

KNUCKLEHEADS to KATE'S KITCHEN

Just a reminder that the Knuckleheads ride this month is this coming Saturday, July 12th.  Info can be found using the link at the right.  I have also added a banner at the bottom right for this ride.

THURSDAY, July 3rd - Embassy Suites to Dearborn - 8:00 AM start

This week we will ride to Dearborn; always a favorite and the flattest ride in the Northland:  Ron's group is planning to venture North for this ride so we should have a larger group of riders this time.  Below is the Garmin map from a previous ride.  Click "View Details" in the lower-right corner for an expanded look at the route.

This is about a 40 mile ride round trip with breakfast at Cook's Corner at the half-way point.  I hope to see you there.  Happy 4th.









The next Knuckleheads to Kate's Kitchen ride has now been scheduled for July 12th.

Click the "RIFF RAFF IDES RIDES" square in the right column for details.

THURSDAY, June 28th - Embassy Suites to Liberty - 8:00 AM Start

After several rain-outs I will try ride to Liberty one more time.  We will leave Embassy Suitres at 8:00 AM this Thursday, June 26th

Here is the map of our route; breakfast at the Corner Cafe on Flintlock and 152.

As before, rain chances are moderate.  If there is a significant chance of rain I may switch to a figure 8 route that stays closer to the start.

THURSDAY, June 19th : Embassy Suites to Happy Gillis - 8:00 AM start

For this week's ride I have planned a ride to Happy Gillis, just across the Heart of America Bridge.  The weather forecast I just checked on weather.com had the promise of dry conditions for the morning with chances of rain increasing in the early afternoon so I am calling for:

8:00 AM START

The distance is about 38 miles, 19 each direction.  Here is the route.  We will use the Line Creek Trail including the east/west sections along 152 on the outbound route.  This ride will resemble the Knuckleheads ride from last Saturday (but reversed).  It should be a nice ride.

FRIDAY June 13 - Liberty to Ex Spring & SATURDAY June 14th - Knuckleheads to Kate's Kitchen

OK - Rain, Rain stay away!

FRIDAY RIDE

  On Friday, June 13th I plan to leave the Mabee Center (William Jewell campus) at 9:30 AM for a ride to lunch in Ex Springs.  This turns out to be 26 miles to lunch via 210 through Missouri City then north on N (with a detour that adds 2.3 miles included in the 26) into Excelsior by the Elms Hotel to the Wabash BBQ.

The return is 13 miles back to Liberty along Hwy H.  Here is a Map My Ride map of the route.

Liberty to Ex Springs

SATURDAY RIDE

  Saturday I will lead the monthly (approximately) ride from Knuckleheads to Kate's Kitchen (Menu).  This leaves Knuckleheads at 9:00 AM for brunch at Kate's Kitchen at 80th and North Oak.  This time we will ride the Line Creek Trail from Vivion Road in Riverside to it's northern most point at Barry Road.  This will eliminate the largest hills of past rides though the out-bound distance is now 20 miles.  The return remains 13 miles and will include an optional stop at the Cinder Block (micro brewery - 2nd stop on Tour de Bier) in NKC.  A live blues jam awaits us on our return to Knuckleheads.

JUNE 12th: Embassy Suites to Liberty 8:30 AM Start & JUNE 14th: Knuckleheads to Kate's Kitchen 9:00 AM start

LOOKS LIKE THURSDAY, JUNE 12TH IS RAINED OUT
DON'T FORGET THE KNUCKLEHEADS RIDE SATURDAY

KNUCKLEHEADS RIDE - SATURDAY, JUNE 14TH

As of Tuesday at 2:20 the rain chances on weather.com for Saturday are forecast at 10% though I have seen higher percentages forecast on local TV.  I plan to lead the ride to Kate's Kitchen from Knuckleheads leaving at 9:00 AM.  I hope to use the newly opened trail segment from 68th street to Barry Road eliminating the hills on Coventry.  If there has been recent rain before this ride the new section trail is likely to be muddy in which case we may ride the old route.  We return (via the Cinder Block) to Knuckleheads at around 1:30 to listen to some blues (no cover).
  

RevolveKC FUNDRAISER

June 13th is the date for the RevolveKC fundraiser (suggested $20 donation).  See this link.

HANDLEBAR HAPPY HOUR

I understand Doug Polson (D3) is working on a Handlebar Happy Hour in conjunction with the Salty Iguana ride on Thursday evening, June 27th.  More later.

THURSDAY & SATURDAY, June 5th & 7th to Liberty AND Knuckleheads - RAIN OUT

RAIN OUT for the June 7th Knuckleheads Ride

  Plans are to try both rides again next week.  The ride to Liberty will be rescheduled for Thursday, June 12th and I'll try the Knuckleheads ride on Saturday, June 14th.  Happy riding until then.

Original Plan - Rained Out

I plan to ride to Liberty this Thursday; breakfast at the Corner Cafe on Flintlock and 152.  Below is the map:

Rain chances are moderate.  If there is a significant chance of rain I may switch to a figure 8 route that stays closer to the start.

KNUCKLEHEADS RIDE - SATURDAY, JUNE 7TH

The weather forecast for Saturday is not looking great (as of Wed. morning) but I haven't ruled out the ride.  If there has been recent rain before this ride the new section trail is likely to be muddy in which case we may ride the old route (i.e. hills).  Stay tuned.

RevolveKC FUNDRAISER

June 13th is the date for the RevolveKC fundraiser (suggested $20 donation).  See this link.

HANDLEBAR HAPPY HOUR

I understand Doug Polson (D3) is working on a Handlebar Happy Hour in conjunction with the Salty Iguana ride on Thursday evening, June 27th.  More later.

THURSDAY, May 29: Embassy Suites to Edgerton, MO START AT 8:30 AM

  By request I am leading this week's ride from Embassy Suites to Edgerton, MO - breakfast at Harmers.  The ride is an up and back ride approximately 20 miles each way with several hills, a few are particularly good climbs.  

Please note the start time change to 8:30 AM.

IN ADDITION

 

Also note  I am planning another Saturday ride from Knuckleheads to Kate's Kitchen on June 7th (graphic above is a link to more info).  I will be using the extension of the trail we have ridden on previous rides.  Though this will increase the distance slightly the use of this trail will eliminate the hills for which I receive the most complaints.  The paving of this trail extension was completed only last week.  It is beautiful and I think you will enjoy this new route.

  One other thing.  Revolve KC is having a fund raiser on Friday, June 13th.  Above is a clickable banner as is the one in the "Upcoming Rides and other stuff" column at the bottom right of this blog for more information.

THURSDAY, May 15th - Embassy Suites to Smithville - 9:00 am start

I thought we would go to Smithville this week via this route:

The latest forecast shows cool but dry.  Temperatures range from the low 50's at 9 AM to near 60 by the early afternoon. dry.  This is another pretty Northland ride.  We should have a tailwind on the return.  Hope you can be there.

I would have sent this sooner but my email program had a temporary crash.

THURSDAY, April 10th: Embassy Suites to Platte City

I plan to lead a ride from Embassy Suites on Thursday.  I will check wind forecasts and edit this post to include the route as soon as I get a chance.  I still plan on a 9:00 AM start.  The temperatures are forecast to be near 80 for a high, lows in the mid to upper 40s (probably the 50s when we start).  More soon.

Updated 10:22 PM

OK - How about a ride to Platte City following the route below.  Breakfast at Roxanne's.  There may be some modification on the outbound route.  9:00 AM start.  I hope to see you there.

SATURDAY, October 26th, 2019: Knuckleheads to Kate's Kitchen: 9:00 AM start

TBA I will lead another ride to Kate's Kitchen from Knuckleheads.  The idea here is to ride to brunch from Knuckleheads leaving at 9:00AM for Kate's Kitchen at 80th and North Oak. Kate's has been great about seating our group promptly upon arrival, serving us quickly and presenting us with a selection of great items from their menu.

  The route is about 12 miles to Kate's while the return to Knuckleheads is approximately 21 miles of mostly downhill and flat, a good half of which is on a beautiful trail.  Two changes to the route have been made recently.  The "OUT" route now crosses Vivion and Antioch Roads at lights and the "BACK" route crosses the Fairfax Bridge (instead of the HOA) avoiding riding on 9 HWY from Riverside to NKC.  

  There could be a refueling stop at a micro-bewry in the River Market (Strange Days) or West Bottoms (Stockyards) before working our way back to Knuckleheads and their no-cover blues jam.

The older route and map can be found via these links.

Thursday, March 20th- Embassy Suites to Dearborn - 9:00 AM start

I have received requests for a flatter ride this week so how about this ride to Dearborn; always a favorite:

This is about a 40 mile ride round trip with breakfast at Cook's Corner at the half-way point.  I hope to see you there.


Looking ahead:

SATURDAY, April 12 : KNUCKLEHEADS RIDE

I am also announcing the monthly ride from Knuckleheads to Kate's Kitchen(80th and N. Oak) on April 12th.  See this map for details.  This ride begins at 9:00 AM for a 16+ mile ride to Kate's for brunch.  The return is about 13 miles back to Knuckleheads where their weekly blues jam (no cover) begins around 1:00 PM.

THURSDAY, March 13, Embassy to Parkville: 9:00 AM Start

Hey,

  I am coming out of hibernation to lead a ride Thursday (3-13).  I am having trouble maping my intentions using an updated Google Maps partially because I haven't decided on a breakfast/brunch/lunch destination.  Temperatures (according to weather.com) are forecast to be about 40 degrees at 9 AM warming to 60 with winds of about 12 to 14 mph out of the SW turning to WSW.  Because of this my thought is to head to Parkville to Frank's or Roxanne's.  I intend to use the Line Creek trail for some of this and perhaps go as far west as Union Chapel road.

  Here is a ride I did a couple days ago.  I'm considering something like this - perhaps reversing my direction.  Hope you can make it.

MONDAY, January 20: Embassy Suites to Platte City

Hey,
  This week the weather does not look promising for Thursday and I am scheduled to substitute Wednesday and Thursday anyway so I thought I'd offer a ride to Platte City on Monday (MLK day).  We will be leaving Embassy Suites at 9:00 (37 degrees according to weather.com) and head toward Platte City and Roxanne's.  This is a 25 mile trip outbound so you should probably have something to eat before we go.  Roxannes does serve breakfast as late as we will arrive or lunch is an option.  Their deserts were great - ask anyone of the 4 who went last Thursday.  Check out last week's blog for pics Dan, Jano and Bill enjoying blackberry cobbler, peanutbutter chocolate pie, and pecan pie respectively.
  The return can be as short as 10.7 miles (as mapped).  There might be longer options but 35 miles is probably a good distance this time of year.  Here is the Google map.

Hope to see you there.

THURSDAY, January 16th: Embassy Suites to Platte City : 11:00 AM Start

Hello riders:
  The THURSDAY MORNING NORTHLAND BIKE RIDE is coming out of hibernation.  I plan to lead a ride to Platte City for lunch at Roxanne's.  Please note the start time for this ride: 11:00 AM.  I don't plan to make a practice of this but for this week I will delay the start.

The Google Map of this ride is here.  The outbound route (blue) is 18+ miles while the return (red) is 17+ miles.  Hope to see you there.

Dan working on Blackberry Cobler ala Mode

Jano w/ Chocolate Peanutbutter Pie

Bill and Pecan Pie ala Mode

Bill rode today (to Platte City!) on his new Fixie.

The brave souls that joined me on a cool and windy ride to Platte City.