THURSDAY, December 20th - Embassy Suites to Riverside OR Platte City - 9:00AM Start

Well it is supposed to be windy and cool.  Only 1 degree different between 9 & 10 so let's go at 9:

Two options: 

OPTION 1 - Riverside 10.2 miles there, 11.5 back mostly on trail to shelter us from wind but heading North and West so into wind when not sheltered.

OPTION 2 - Platte City - 12 miles each way.  Into the wind on the way there and tail wind returning.

 

We can decide at the start.  I do plan to do the Christmas Lights ride Thursday night.  See link in right column below.

THURSDAY, December 13th - Embassy Suites Loop - 9 AM Start

The temperatures and conditions look possible for a ride this Thursday.  Since the temps areforecast to be 37 degrees all morning I thought we might as well start 9 AM and ride the entire ride without a breakfast stop.  After the 27 mile route we could do breakfast/lunch at the Cracker Barrel.

If we decide not to ride we could do breakfast anyway.

Here is the route I have in mind:

ON A SAD NOTE

Some of you knew Krysia Gornicki who led many a ride from Embassy Suites (where I learned many of the routes I use for Thursday rides) and was a frequent volunteer for club rides.  She was often the first one to sign-up for the Jack & Coke Ride.  Krysia lost her battle with cancer on December 3rd.  Here is a link to her obituary  Services are slated for January at a date yet to be set.

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UPCOMING FUN RIDES
Annual Santa and Christmas Lights Ride

Thursday December 20 - gather @ 6:15, Ride leaves at 6:30 
Where: the parking lot behind HOOPERS in Brookside. We will ride through the Plaza dressed in Holiday finery on Bikes decorated with lights, following Santa with his sled blasting Christmas music. We will make a stop in Loose Park for refreshments and then proceed on to the amazingly decorated neighborhoods near Brookside. 
The more the Merrier!  There will be lots of Santas, some reindeer, some elves, perhaps a Grinch and assorted other costumes.  Lit up bikes are cool as well.  This is a great time.  I hope to see you all there.

&

Anual Presidents' Ride

Route

January 1, 2019

River Market 1PM

No Ride Thursday, December 6th - Annual Santa & Christmas Lights Ride 12-20-18

I'm still here.  The weather has been bad for riding (except for today, Wednesday - why can't it be like this on Thursdays?).  Tomorrow, 12-6-18 doesn't look good again.  I'm hoping for the following Thursday.  I'm still about 150 miles away from 5000 so I hope to get a few good days this month.  It would be nice if a couple of them would be Thursdays.

I hope you all had a great Thanksgiving and are looking forward to the rest of the holiday season.  I want to alert you to a very fun ride coming up.  I'll mention it below this week but you can find it at the top of the list in the right column below:

Annual Santa and Christmas Lights Ride

Thursday December 20 - gather @ 6:15, Ride leaves at 6:30 
Where: the parking lot behind HOOPERS in Brookside. We will ride through the Plaza dressed in Holiday finery on Bikes decorated with lights, following Santa with his sled blasting Christmas music. We will make a stop in Loose Park for refreshments and then proceed on to the amazingly decorated neighborhoods near Brookside. 
The more the Merrier!

There will be lots of Santas, some reindeer, some elves, perhaps a Grinch and assorted other costumes.  Lit up bikes are cool as well.  This is a great time.  I hope to see you all there.

Merry Christmas and hope to see you all soon,
Art

THURSDAY, November 15th - Embassy Suites to Platte City - 10:00 AM Start

OK - Here we go!

The forecast is cold enough in the morning I thought we'd start at 10 AM for a ride to Platte City, lunch at Roxanne's.  The route I've mapped is about 16 miles each way for 32 total.

Though we will have a cool start, sunshine is promised so be there.

CRANKSGIVING on Saturday, November 17th (Pre-registration required)

You might also be aware that Cranksgiving is scheduled for Saturday.  Cranksgiving is a fun event with a large turnout so you might want to consider this.  The purpose is to ride to groceries to buy food to donate to St. Peter’s Social Services Food Pantry OR to make a donation to the cause OR both.  You can participate in one of several competition categories or just ride for fun.

YOU MUST PRE-REGISTER

St Peter's Parish Web Site for Cranksgiving

BikeWalkKC Cranksgiving Site

Facebook Site

The forecast is not great but the post ride is always fun.

THURSDAY, November 8th - TOO COLD

It is close but a little below my typical low end and no sunshine is forecast so I will not be leading a ride Thursday.  Let's hope next Thursday is better.

THURSDAY, November 1st - Embassy Suites to Edgerton - 8:30 Start

It has been since early June since we went to Edgerton via this route -breakfast at Harmer's.  I plan on doing that again this week.  It is a little over 19 hilly miles each way.

No Credit Cards at Harmer's

It looks like a cool start but warming to near 60 by the time we return.  The wind is mild out of the North.

FYI - 2 ADDITIONAL THINGS

(each banner below links to additional info)

THING 1

The Line Creek Loudmouth shared this post on Facebook concerning planned changes to the Line Creek Trail and surrounding areas.  You might consider this meeting.

SAVE THE DATE - WE NEED 30 PEOPLE!

Thanks to the turnout from our group at the last City Plan Commission Meeting on Oct. 16, the Park Hill School District did NOT get the Special Use Permit (needed in order to build the LEAD Center and 3rd high school in the Line Creek Forest). 

However, they did get a CONTINUANCE. 

This means they can keep their application for a Special Use Permit on the docket for approval at the next meeting: Nov. 6 (yes, election day).

We've said all along we want to partner with them. So if they decide to listen (really listen) to their community and adapt their plan, which includes making a permanent conservation pledge for part of the forest, then we want to give them that chance.

If that does not happen, we need AT LEAST 30 of our supporters to join us at the November 6th meeting (not speak, unless you would like), but stand up and represent our effort.

All are welcome! And there is no minimum time or number for public comments if you choose to speak.

If the Special Use Permit is approved at this meeting, the permit will be sent for Zoning approval, and then the school will be able to continue their development plans. Currently these plans do not include ANY conservation plan for ANY part of their forest acreage.

THING 2

You're invited to join us at our new office open house!

Thursday, November 8

Any time between 4:00-7:00 p.m.

The Wonder Shops+Flats at 30th & Troost

BikeWalkKC is located on the first floor of the Wonder building; our entrance is on the 30th Street (south) side of the building. Our street address is 1106 E. 30th Street, Suite G, Kansas City, MO 64109.

Formerly the home of the historic Wonder Bread factory, the Wonder building will eventually include a host of locally owned shops, restaurants, and apartments. We are excited to join the thriving community of residents, businesses, and partners along the Troost corridor and we look forward to welcoming you on November 8!

CANCELLING -THURSDAY, October 25 - Embassy Suites to Liberty - 8:30 AM Start

I'm CANCELLING the ride for 10-25.  Forecast is not good.

BUT

I'll show up at 8:15 to catch anyone who shows.

BREAKFAST could still happen if you want.

I put together this route for this Thursday.  Part of the outbound route is on Pleasant Valley Road which I have not ridden since it as been improved.  I have seen that some of our riders have been on this road and I am hearing that is much improved from years ago.

Breakfast will be at the Corner Cafe.  The planned route measures 17.8 miles there (according to Map My Ride) and the return is 16.9 miles for a total of 34.7 miles.

Looking a little cloudy and cool Thursday.

KNUCKLEHEADS to KATE'S KITCHEN - Saturday, Oct 20th - at 8:30 AM AND THURSDAY, Oct 18 - Embassy Suites to Banksia - 8:30 AM Start

NOW RESCHEDULED FOR OCT 20TH

On SATURDAY, October 20th, I will lead another of  the (appoximately) monthly rides to Kate's Kitchen from Knuckleheads.  The idea here is to ride to brunch from Knuckleheads leaving at 8:30AM 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 12.5 miles to Kate's while the return to Knuckleheads is approximately 20 miles of mostly downhill and flat, a good half of which is on a beautiful trail.
  I am also considering an alteration to the traditional route: At about the 25.5 mile mark we may ride on 169 south to and possibly across the Buck O'Neil (Broadway) Bridge*.  This could mean a refueling stop at Strange Days Brewery in the River Market area before working our way back to Knuckleheads.

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* I have crossed the Buck O'Neil Bridge several times during its repairs when the south-bound lanes have been closed.  When last I checked the status of the repairs have rendered the bridge impassable to bike traffic - Still I think we can ride Hwy 169 from Hwy 9 to the Charles B. Wheeler Downtown Airport and ride over to the Heart of America Bridge through Harlem, MO.  There is a risk of being delayed by a train here.  WHO KNOWS - maybe the Buck O'Neil repairs may be to the point where we could cross.

THURSDAY, Oct 18th

EMBASSY SUITES to BANKSIA (9th & Baltimore)

This Thursday I will lead the ride to Banksia following this route.

It looks like Thursday will be partially cloudy.  Temps at the start will be in the low 40s but the forecast high for the day is predicted to approach 60.  Rain chances are low to moderate and the wind is to be single digit out of the south.

SUNDAY (CANCELLED), October 14th- Knuckleheads to Kate's Kitchen AND Thurs, Oct. 11th - Embassy Suites to Dearborn - 8:30 AM Start

SUNDAY October 20th
NOW RESCHEDULED FOR OCT 20TH

On SATURDAY, October 20th, I will lead another of  the (appoximately) monthly rides to Kate's Kitchen from Knuckleheads.  The idea here is to ride to brunch from Knuckleheads leaving at 8:30AM 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 12.5 miles to Kate's while the return to Knuckleheads is approximately 20 miles of mostly downhill and flat, a good half of which is on a beautiful trail.
  I am also considering an alteration to the traditional route: At about the 25.5 mile mark we may ride on 169 south to and possibly across the Buck O'Neil (Broadway) Bridge (Probably not across this bridge).  This could mean a refueling stop at Strange Days Brewery in the River Market area before working our way back to Knuckleheads.

It does look like the temperatures are dipping considerably.  I plan to ride as long as it's dry.  I'll update with a forecast probably Friday.
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THURSDAY October 11th

Notice the start time is moved to 8:30 AM

I was thinking of a different destination but a MO-DOT map shows flooding on my planned route (to Edgerton) so I have chosen Dearborn as the destination along this route.  Distances are 21.4 miles there and 19.6 miles back for 41 miles total:

It does look like a cool start though the forecast does call for sunshine.  I plan on keeping the 8:30 start time for a while probably changing to 9:00 AM in November or December.

THURSDAY. Oct. 4th - Embassy Suites to Smithville - 8:00 AM Start

A last minute check of the weather forecast shows improved chances of getting a ride in.  I was ready to start posting a modified figure 8 route when I checked my weather app.  I decided to change to an earlier thought for a destination - the Family Traditions Cafe in Smithville.  This route is 18.64 miles there and 12.9 returning (with a climb up 144th to Robinhood that is a challenge for me).  The outbound route has a 0.25 mile segment on Highway 92 where we will need to be particularly alert.

THURSDAY, Sept 27 - Embassy Suites to Liberty - 8:00 AM Start

I have planned this route for our next ride.  The mileage there is about 17.9 miles and the return trip is 19.9 miles for 37.8 total.  Breakfast is at Ginger Sue's just off of the square in dowtown Liberty.

THURSDAY, Sept 20 - Embassy Suites to Happy Gillis - 8:00 AM Start

This week we ride to Happy Gillis in the Columbus Park area just across the HOA bridge.  The route I have chosen is 22 miles there and about 19 miles back for a little over 41 miles total.  There is a pretty significant wind from the SSW and warm temps forecast.  I have put in two pretty good climbs on the return trip in order to avoid duplicating recent routes.  I'm not sure how happy I will be about that when the time comes.

THURSDAY, September 13 - Embassy Suites to Spokes or Banksia - 8:00 AM Start

Though there have been some minor complications following cataract surgery I think I will be able to ride Thursday.

 We will ride from Embassy Suites to either Spokes (12th and Washington) or Banksia (9th and Baltimore).  Here is the route:

About 20 miles to Spokes, maybe another half mile to Banksia.

Approximately 18+ returning.  Total distance is ~38,5 miles.

THURSDAY, September 6th - Probable Rain

The chances for rain are pretty high in the morning. 

I am not planning to lead a ride this Thursday.  If this changes significantly I will post an email in the morning about an 8:00 AM ride.  Otherwise consider the ride off and we will try again next week.

THURSDAY, August 23rd - Embassy Suites SHOW & GO - 8:00 AM Start

I had my second cataract surgery (right eye this time) Tuesday so I will be unable to lead again this week.  Bob will take over for the Show & Go - route to be determined.  Do expect hills again.  Bob loves them thar hills.

Last time I was able to lead the week following surgery.  I expect that to be the case again this time.  I may see you at the start this week but I definitely hope to see you an the road on the 30th.

The forecast has improved.  It looks like this will be a go but the start will be a little cool!

WEDNESDAY, August 22nd - Biscari Bros to Excelsior Springs - 9:00 AM Start & maybe THURSDAY too

I’M CANCELLING THE THURSDAY RIDE
It looks like it may be dry at 8 but rain will arrive before we could get a full ride in. We will try again next week.

The Thursday forecast is looking kind of soggy.  I am recovered enough from the first round of cataract surgery to ride Wednesday and the conditions are great for this lunch ride so:

WEDNESDAY August 22nd

LIBERTY to EX SPRINGS

• We ride from Biscari Brothers' Bicycles, 852 State Route 291, Liberty, MO 64068
• We start at 9:00 AM.
• We ride to Excelsior Springs.
• We "do" lunch at the Wabash BBQ (menu) there.

  The route is approximately 40 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 Liberty.

As of 1 pm Tuesday 7-17-18

Check email and this blog Wednesday morning to see if ride is cancelled or modified.

DIRECTIONS TO WEDNESDAY START

From I-35 to Biscari Brothers (all turns at traffic lights):

• Exit I-35 on 152 / Kansas Ave and head East about 0.7 miles
• Turn right on 291 heading South about 0.6 miles.
• Turn right on Withers Rd (N Liberty Dr) heading South to the next light
• Turn left into parking area.  Biscari Bros is on your right as you enter the lot.

Biscari Brothers Bicycle
Map from I-35

Last 2 turns from 291 to Withers to Parking Lot

I will update later if this can work.  Right now the forecast calls for rain.  I'm considering a ride from Biscari Bros to Ex Springs, Lunch at the Wabash BBQ leaving at 9

THURSDAY, August 23rd: 8:00 AM START

I'll leave this on the books BUT the weather forecast is dismal (as of Tuesday afternoon):  I will update this later.

THURSDAY, August 16 - Embassy Suites SHOW & GO - 8:00 AM Start

  Congratulations to Boob for his second Tour of Utah Queen Stage  ride last Saturday.  He rode nearly 75 miles with 8000+ feet of climb; IMPRESSIVE.

I'm having cataract surgery (left eye) Tuesday and it's Kathy's birthday on the 16th so I will be unable to lead this week.  Bob will take over as he has done before.  He promises less climbing than on the Tour of Utah but I would expect a fair amount.  

I'm scheduled for right eye surgery on August 28th.  I will likely be out again on the 30th.  Im not sure about the 23rd or September 6th.  There is an additional component to the procedure which may delay what usually is a short recovery.  I'll be there if I can but you will be in good hands with Bob at the helm.  Thanks again Bob.

THURSDAY, June 9th - Embassy Suites to Platte City - 8:00 AM Start

It's been since mid-June since we rode to Platte City.  This week I plan to go there again following this route (breakfast at Rixanne's). The outbound mileage is 15.2 miles; the return - 17.4 miles; 32.6 miles for the round-trip.

The weather looks pretty good though it gets warm Thursday.

There is a Handlebar Happy Hour at the Stockyard Brewery Thursday evening, 6-8 PM.  This is a Bike Walk KC event. Kathy West and Mark Scrivner are leading rides there from Velo Garage (I think this starts at 6:15 PM - Check FaceBook).

SUNDAY, August 5th - 4 Bridges from NKC to NKC - 8:00 AM Start

  This idea came up during the ride Saturday morning.  I have planned a route for Sunday that crosses the Fairfax Bridge, the Chouteau Bridge, The Buck O'Neil Bridge and finally the Heart of America Bridge back to NKC.  There is parking at the Southwest corner of 18th and Swift in NKC.  The plan is to do this 33 mile ride without a food stop starting at 8AM.  I suggest eating something before arriving and then eating and/or drinking lunch after.  Several places are open about the time we return.

  One interesting segement: I plan to do is ride 169  south from Highway 9 to and across the Buck O'Neil Bridge if this is possible.  I did this last week.  Car traffic is all but gone on 169 and crossing the bridge might be possible so long as repairs are not being done.  We'll have to see.