THURSDAY, December 10th, Embassy Suites to Riverside : 9:00 AM Start

I am planning a ride to Riverside leaving Embassy Suites at 9 following this route.  The mileage to the Corner Cafe measures 21.33 miles and the total mileage is just under 40 miles.

I look forward to seeing you there.  The weather is forecast to be very good:

WEDNESDAY, December 2nd - Too cold for a group ride

I thought about leading a ride Wednesday, Dec. 2nd but the forecast is for mid to upper 30s with overcast skys and a brisk wind out of the NW.  I rode a little today and even found a few slick spots especially in shade where roads were wet and a little icy even though the temps were above freezing.

Here is what I might do.  I am thinking about doing some laps at the Wheeler (downtown) Airport.  3 laps is 11 miles. The flat is good practice for Cycle Zydeco.  I'm thinking about parking in the southmost lot and doing clockwise laps at about 10:00 AM.  If a few or more of you join in wse could find a place for lunch following the ride.  Call or text me if you want to make sure I haven't bailed.  My cell is 816-699-1498.

WEDNESDAY, November 25; Embassy Suites to NKC - 9:00 AM Start

Wednesday this week (Thursday being Thanksgiving) I am leading a ride from Embassy Suites to NKC, breakfast/brunch at First Watch.  This ride is almost 19 miles out and 14 back.  Here is the map.

The forecast is calling for warm enough conditions.  If the chance of rain in the early afternoon remains or advances we may have to alter the route.

Hope you can make it. Gooble Gooble.

THURSDAY, November 19: Embassy Suites to Platte City: 9:00 AM start

  Last week we had planned to ride to Platte City but wind and temperatures caused a change in plans.  We went to Happy Gillis instead.  We went down wind first to stay a little warmer and returned using the Line Creek Trail to block the wind.  It worked reasonable well.

  This week I plan to ride to Platte City and this time I mean it (maybe).  We will leave at 9:00 AM.  I have altered the route a little from last week's plan. Here is the route.  It's about 20 miles there and 18 back.  There are several hills both before and after breakfast at Roxanne's.  What do you say?

Thursday's forecast as of Tuesday 1:30 PM

THURSDAY, November 12: Embassy Suites to Platte City: 9:00 AM start

Below is the Garmin map for the route I propose for this week's ride to Platte City with a late breakfast or early lunch at Roxanne's.  It's approximately 19 miles each way. Looks like it will be cool, mid 40s to mid 50s, and windy, high teens, out of the WNW.

THURSDAY, November 5th

Even though the rain forecast earlier this week for Thursday morning has reduced chances of rain I still must bow out of leading a ride this week.  I intend to be back in the saddle next week on the 12th.  Until then,

Art

WEDNESDAY, October 28 : Mabee Center (Wm. Jewell campus) to Excelsior Springs : 9:30 Start

Riders,
   Due to a schedule conflict this weeks ride will be on Wednesday, October 28. This is the same ride we did on October 1st. My cell is 816-699-1498; you might put me in your contacts in case you are running a little late or get off course dutring the ride.  It looks like the start temperature will be in the low 50s and warm to the low 60s.  It also looks like the return will have a significant headwind.

• We ride from the Mabee Center on the east side of the Wm. Jewell campus.
• We start at 9:30 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

Map from I-35 & 152 to the Mabee Center parking lot

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

THURSDAY, October 22nd - Embassy Suites to Smithville - Start 8:30 AM

This should be a beautiful ride.  We leave Embassy Suites at 8:30 heading to Cook's Corner in Smithville for breakfast.  This maps as 16.6 miles out.  I have us travelling one area of road construction that may require a rerouting of the trip but I think we will be able to get by (at 108th and Platte Purchase).

The 25.5 mile return goes across the Smithville Lake dam and south on Mt. Olivet (becoming Sherman becoming Reinking Rd) to 96th before turning west back to the start.  The total ride distance is 42.1 miles.

Weather coinditions look favorable (sampled at 4:30 pm on 10-20-15)

THURSDAY, October 15th - Embassy Suites to Platte City - 8:30 Start

This week I am riding to Roxanne's Cafe in Platte City.  It's been a little while since we have been there (8-20-15).  The outbound route is 26.4 miles traveling up Interurban to Camden Pt then across I-29 to 371 back to Platte City.  The return is 18.3 miles using the Prairie Creek Greenway Trail on the south side of Platte City.  The entire route is then 44.7 miles.

START TIME 8:30 AM

The forecast for Thursday as of Tuesday noon.

THURSDAY Oct 8th - Embassy Suites to Dearborn : 8:30 AM Start -- AND -- SATURDAY. Oct 10th - Knuckleheads to Kate's Kitchen : 9:00 Start

PLEASE NOTE START TIMES

THURSDAY 8:30 AM START

  This week I am leading the ride to Dearborn for breakfast at the Dearborn Cafe.  I missed this stop last time when Craig led you there and I'm interested in seeing the place for the first time.  They quit serving breakfast at 10:30 so we need to be ready to go at 8:30 (or else have lunch). Below is a Garmin route of the simplest route there.  We could modify this if we feel spunky and the weather holds.  One possible thought is to add a 15 mile loop to Faucett.

SATURDAY 9:00 AM START

This Saturday, October 10th, I'm leading the regular Knuckleheads to Kate's Kitchen Ride.  This ride leaves the Knucklehead's parking lot at 9:00 AM for the approximately 20 mile ride to Kate's Kitchen for breakfast.  The return is aroung 13 miles and has an optional but encouraged stop at the Cinder Block brewery in NKC about 3 miles from the finish.  Knuckleheads will have their regular blues jam (no cover) playing beginning at around 1:00 PM.  

THURSDAY, Oct. 1 : Mabee Center (Wm Jewell Campus) to Excelsior Springs - 9:00 AM Start

Hey,
This week, Thursday, October 1, the ride is a little different.

• We ride from the Mabee Center on the east side of the Wm. Jewell campus.
• We start at 9:00 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

Map from I-35 & 152 to the Mabee Center parking lot

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 WEEKEND

Be aware (or BEWARE) of the upcoming KCMBC ride, Northland Nightmare on October 3rd.

THURSDAY, Sept. 24th : Embassy Suites to Liberty - 8:00 AM Start

This week we will return to Ginger Sue's original place on the square in Liberty, MO.  The route nearly reverses the trip we did in August.

As mapped the ride is about 19.5 out and another 19 back.  I hope you can make it.

Be aware (or BEWARE) of the upcoming KCMBC ride, Northland Nightmare on October 3rd.

THURSDAY, Sept. 17th: Embassy Suites to Riverside - 8:00 Start

This week I plan to ride to Riverside for breakfast at the Corner Cafe.  The route is 16.7 miles to Riverside and another 19.7 back to Embassy Suites.  We will probably follow this route.  It's a little different from anything I've done lately.  Variety is the soul of wit (sic).

WEDNESDAY, Sept 9th - Embassy Suites to Edgerton : 8:00 AM Start -- AND -- SATURDAY. Sept 12th - Knuckleheads to Kate's Kitchen : 8:30 Start

WEDNESDAY (not Thursday) 8:00 AM START

  This is one of those weeks where Thursday doesn't work for me so I will lead the ride on Wednesday morning heading to ride to Edgerton, MO.  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.   There are a few hills along the way.

SATURDAY 8:30 AM START

This Saturday, September 12th, I'm leading the regular Knuckleheads to Kate's Kitchen Ride.  This ride leaves the Knucklehead's parking lot at 8:30 AM for the approximately 20 mile ride to Kate's Kitchen for breakfast.  The return is aroung 12 miles and has an optional but encouraged stop at the Cinder Block brewery in NKC about 3 miles from the finish.  Knuckleheads will have their regular blues jam (no cover) playing beginning at around 1:00 PM.  

THURSDAY, Sept 3: Embassy Suites to NKC 8:00 start

FINALLY HERE IS THE SEPT 3rd ROUTE

I've mapped a route to the First Watch in NKC.  Here's the map.  It's 17.53 miles there and 18.33 miles back using some roads I seldom take around Lake Waukomis, Houston Lake, Briarcliff and finishing using 100th Street and Green Hills Road (checking out part of the Northland Nightmare).

Hope you can join me for this one.

THURSDAY, August 27: Embassy Suites to Edgerton -8:00 AM start

I am not able to lead this week but Craig Clark (Kickstand Man) will lead a ride to Edgerton. He plans a different route. The outbound route is 27 miles to Edgerton (Harmer's Cafe) up Interurban to Dearborn on the way. The return is probably 21 miles. If I am able to remotely add more details and a map I will but I'm not sure. Craig plans to send a Google Group message in advance of this ride. I hope you have a great day to bike and I will see you the following week.

THURSDAY, August 20th : Embassy Suites to Platte City (via Camden Point) - 8:00 AM Start

This week we will ride to Platte City following this route.  The outbound ride goes up Interurban to Camden Point then back on 371 a total of 26.5 miles to Roxanne's.  The return leaves Platte City on 4th St. to the Prairie Creek Greenway trail on the way approximately 17.5 mile back.

See you there.

THURSDAY, August 13th: Embassy Suites to Liberty - 8:00 AM Start

I'm planning a new destination for Thursday.  I'm heading toward the square in Liberty for breakfast at Ginger Sue's.  This is about a 42 mile route.  I will have checked this but haven't ridden part of this yet so the map may need a little alteration.  Here is what I have so far.

The Map My Ride map for this route is here.  Hope you can make it.

THURSDAY, August 6 : Embassy Suites to Smithville - 8:00 AM start --AND-- SATURDAY, August 8th : Knuckleheads to Kate's Kitchen - 8:30 AM start

THURSDAY 8:00 AM START

  We rode to Smithville about a month ago (July 2, I believe).  The route was well received in spite of the distance and hills.  This route is 17 + miles to the Dotson Family Cafe (formerly Lowman's) for breakfast and around 27 miles returning for 44+ miles total.

There are a few modifications due to road repairs/construction and the different destination (from the July trip).  Hope you can make it.

SATURDAY 8:30 AM START

This Saturday, August 8th, I'm leading the regular Knuckleheads to Kate's Kitchen Ride.  This ride leaves the Knucklehead's parking lot at 8:30 AM for the approximately 20 mile ride to Kate's Kitchen for breakfast.  The return is aroung 12 miles and has an optional but encouraged stop at the Cinder Block brewery in NKC about 3 miles from the finish.  Knuckleheads will have their regular blues jam (no cover) playing beginning at around 1:00 PM.  

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

I am planning to ride to Edgerton, MO this Thursday.  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.   There are a few hills along the way.

Here's a look at the forecast - It looks pretty nice.:

click to enlarge

I hope you can be there. 

THURSDAY, July 16 - Embassy Suites to River Market - 8:00 AM Start

I have a ride with a new destination for my rides, the City Diner at 3rd and Grand in the River Market area.  The route is 19.3 miles to breakfast and about 16.6 miles returning for a total of about 36 miles.

The route map is here.

Temps at 8 are in the upper 70's warming to the low 90's by the end of the ride.  See you there.

THURSDAY, July 9th - Embassy Suites to Liberty - 8:30 Start

  This week I plan to ride to the Corner Cafe in Liberty following this route (generally).

We will start at promptly at 8:30.  The forecast is for a cool start in the low to mid 60s warming to the low 70s with winds out of the southeast for a slight push home.  I hope to see you there.

THURSDAY, July 2: Embassy Suites to Smithville - 8:30 Start

You may recognize the following post as one we tried in late April but Cook's Corner didn't make their projected opening.  I thought we'd try again.

8:30 START

This week we will ride to Cook's Corner at it's new location in Smithville. Since I haven't riden this exact route before I have drawn a Map-My-Ride of the route.  I show a screen capture below and a link to the route is here:

Breakfast is about 17.5 miles out.  The return is some 22 miles.  Though this is a hilly ride it is one of the prettiest rides in the northland.

BRING CASH

Cook's Corner did not accept plastic in Dearborn.  I don't know if this policy haqs changed.

THURSDAY, June 25th - Sorry No ride this week

BIG BAM this week.  See you next week.

THURSDAY, June 18th - Embassy Suites to Platte City - 8:00 AM Start AND SATURDAY, June 20th - Knuckleheads to Kate's Kitchen - 8:30 AM Start

Thursday Ride

  This week I'm planning to ride to Platte City for breakfast at Roxanne's - START TIME 8:00 AM.  I will basically follow this route from last August and more recently, May 21st of this year:

This route goes north on Interurban to Camden Point then west across I-29 and back to Platte City on 371.  This is 26.5 miles to breakfast with a return of only 10 miles. The forecast is calling for significant chances of rain so refer bact to this page for updates

SATURDAY RIDE

KNUCKLEHEADS TO KATE'S KITCHEN - June 20th

  I'm leading the Knuckleheads ride again on Saturday.  Details can be found on this page.  Start time from Knuckleheads will be 8:30 AM.  

There may be some alterations to this route depending on the condition of the trail.

THURSDAY, June 10th : Embassy Suites to Parkville : 8:00 AM Start

(As of 7:15) Looking a little like rain. I'll be at the start at 8:00 to discuss if you show.

Here it goes:
  I've mapped out this route for Thursday's ride:

This route is 15.12 miles to breakfast at the French Bee in Parkville.  The return is about 25 miles for a total of 40.  There are a multitude of "alternate routes" which could make the total mileage as short as 30 miles.

The French Bee cannot handle a big crowd so if a langer number of riders show it would be easy to redirect this to the Riverside Corner Cafe or even return to the Crackerbarrel (about 24 miles to breakfast - directly across I-29 from Embassy Suites).  The northernmost loop could be ridden after breakfast for the 40 mile total (or not).

The latest forecast shows pretty good weather conditions with a increasing south wind.

THURSDAY, June 4th - CANCELLED

  The forecast for Thursday has been improving and it looks like we might be able to get a ride in.  My thought was to ride to the City Diner in the River Market (3rd and Grand).  If the forecast continues to improve that is what I'd like to try.
  I have another route I use when weather might occur during the ride.  I do a figure 8 that has a southern loop returning to the Cracker Barrel just across I-29 from the start for breakfast.  After breakfast there is a northern loop for additional mileage.
  I plan to make a decision Thursday morning.  I will amend this post if I am cancelling.  Check here in the morning if you are or call or text if you have questions.

We will see.

THURSDAY RIDE CANCELLED

As of 5:50 Thursday morning (6-4-15). there is thunder and rain in the northland.  Weather maps and forecasts indicate that it may clear and skip by to the north but what is close is pretty heavy and I read good chances of reformation before noon so to be on the safe side I am cancelling for today.  See you next time.

WEDNESDAY (not Thurs) May 27: Liberty Mabee Center to Excelsior Springs

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

• It's on Wednesday (5-27-15)
• We ride from the Mabee Center on the east side of the Wm. Jewell campus.
• We start at 9:30 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, May 21st: Embassy Suites to Platte City: 8:30 Start

  This week I'm planning to ride to Platte City for breakfast at Roxanne's.  I will basically follow this route from last August:

This route goes north on Interurban to Camden Point then west across I-29 and back to Platte City on 371.  This is 26.5 miles to breakfast with a return of only 10 miles.  It might be a lunch ride by the time we get to Roxanne's.
  The weather channel site has temps at the start in the high 40s warming to maybe 60 by the time we finish.  Winds are to be light, single digits out of the north.

Thursday, May 14th - No Ride - High percentage chance of rain.

Maybe Next Week

Tour de Bier on Sunday

THURSDAY, May 7th - Embassy Suites to Riverside - Start time 8:30 AM

  I have been busy with my role in the Jack and Coke Ride and thought rain might cancel the Thursday morning ride this week BUT it looks like we might be able to go.  I haven't designed an exact route yet but I plan to head south toward NKC then west to Riverside for breakfast at the Corner Cafe.  The route back will probably utilize the Line Creek trail.

(added later)

  This is my rough draft for the ride.  I may try to add some return miles.  This route is 16.8 out and only about 11 back.

See you there.

Art

THURSDAY, April 30 : Embassy Suites to Smithville : 8:30 AM Start

This week we will ride to Cook's Corner at it's new location in Smithville.  This Thursday is to be their opening day.  If their opening is delayed we can revert to what was Lowman's (now Warrior's Cafe after the Smithville HS mascot and soon changing to Dotson's Cafe) but is now under new management.  Since I haven't riden this exact route before I have drawn a Map-My-Ride of the route.  I show a screen capture below and a link to the route is here:

Breakfast is about 17.5 miles out.  The return is some 22 miles.  Though this is a hilly ride it is one of the prettiest rides in the northland.

BRING CASH

Cook's Corner did not accept plastic in Dearborn.  I don't know if this policy haqs changed.

THURSDAY, April 23rd: Embassy Suites to Liberty - 8:30 AM Start

Friends,
  I'm ready to resume Northland rides after a trip to Louisiana for Cycle Zydeco.  This week I plan to ride to the Corner Cafe in Liberty following this route (generally).

We will start at promptly (?) at 8:30.  The forecast is for a cool start in the mid 40s warming to around 60 with winds out of the southeast for a slight push home.  I hope to see you there.

WEDNESDAY, April 1st Embassy Suites to Milwaukee Deli at 9th and Baltimore - 9:30 start

 The forecast shows a pretty good chance of rain on Thursday morning and I have an 8:00 AM dental check-up on Wednesday.

  I'll lead a ride on Wednesday, April 1st (no kidding), leaving Embassy Suites at 9:30 AM for the Milwaukee Deli at 9th and Baltimore.  The map below shows my tentative planned route.  Weather.com calls for winds to pick up out of the south so we should get a good push home.

THURSDAY, March 26th - Embassy Suites to Platte City - 9:00 AM Start AND SATURDAY, March 28th - Knuckleheads to Kate's Kitchen - 9:00 AM Start

Thursday Ride

  This week I plan to travel to Platte City, breakfast at Roxanne's.  We will leave Embassy Suites at 9:00 AM.  This is about a 36 mile route (total) that circles KCI.  This map from last April shows the route I plan:

If this map is unreadable try this link.


SATURDAY RIDE

KNUCKLEHEADS TO KATE'S KITCHEN - March 28th

  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.  

WEDNESDAY, March 11th - Embassy Suites to Dearborn

  It's been a while.  Glad to come out of hibernation. I will be unable to lead a regular Thursday ride this week (by the way - next Thursday is out fo rme as well).  This week I will be able to substitute a Wendnesday ride.  The weather forecast looks great.  Low is above 40, high is 70 and a single digit south wind.

  I plan to lead the ride to Dearborn with breakfast at Cook's Corner (no credit cards accepted).  Starting time is 9:00 AM.  Hope to see you. The ride is approximately 40 flat miles total roughly following this map:

THURSDAY & SATURDAY, January 15th and 17th: Embassy Suites to Milwaukee Deli & Knuckleheads to Kates Kitchen

THURSDAY RIDE

I'll lead a ride on Thursday, Jan. 15th, leaving Embassy Suites at 10:00 AM for the Milwaukee Deli at 9th and Baltimore.  The map below shows my tentative planned route.

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.

THURSDAY, January 8th

 First - Happy New Year!

Second - Happy Birthday Elvis.

And third - Gnome sayin'?