KSS Pilot Ride - 80ish Miles - Sedan, KS

July 16, 2005 The Kansas Singletrack Society set out to test a new ride meant to follow in the footsteps of the old "Death Ride". This ride we were testing has no official name as of yet. The mapped out ride was for 91.8 miles with the option to do a 4 mile historic loop and the option to take a shortcut and get 79 miles total. There were 14 riders. I was the only female. We started out at 8:15 AM from "The Three Barns" in Sedan, Kansas. I stayed within the pack for about 18 miles. Then I decided to take my first, real break. I didn't see another rider until the halfway point in Cedar Vale around 1:30 PM when a few of us met up to run through a quick shower and grab a bite of peanut butter or two. Around 1:45 the riders who were at the park continued on with the ride. I finished icing down my borrowed camelbak (thank you Bobby!) and then took off as well. I could see one rider about a mile ahead of me and then he disappeared over the hill. I saw no other riders for the next 4 hours until I found Jerry on Road 16 around 5:30. I only saw him for a few minutes and then he was gone again as well. I'll write more details later... but to make a long story short for now, I completed the ride around 6:30 PM spending 7 hours, 10 minutes of actual ride time on the bike. My total miles were 75.5 miles. Three riders did not finish the ride, but gave it a very respectable try. I felt really good after my ride. I had some soreness from my saddle, which I adjusted about 5 times out on the road. Otherwise, I believe I could have opted for the longer route. Back at the barn, around 9:00 PM, I noticed my bike computer was dead, the back tire was completely flat, and there was icky, black grease running down the crank arm. It appeared that I finished just in time. Very few of these photos are of the ride. I ditched my camera at about 20 miles since there were no other riders around. If anyone who was there has any photos they'd like to contribute, just let me know and I will add them. :)
6:30 AM - Brian W.		What a great view to wake up to


Jim G.
			Terry P. arrives

		Bobby S. arrives	My faithful steed in the barn
From Bobby Smith: We had 14 cyclists. 13 left from Three Barns, and Chad showed up on Main Street of Sedan and joined us a few miles into the ride. John Anders, Jim Griffin , and Chad Sauvain did the full route of 91.08 miles. Mr Anders took a wrong turn and ended up with 95+. Congrats to all three. The rest of the "hammer heads", me included thought we better take the shortcut for a total mileage of 79 miles. One heck of the shortcut that was! Tons of climbing and the county had just applied limestone rock to the road that was bigger than golf balls and smaller than baseballs. Had we known that, we probably would have opted for the longer route, which we were told was smooth as a baby's behind. That "so-called" shortcut kicked everyone's butt! Three Barns was really neat and I'm sure surprising to most. Everyone disserves a pat on the back, whether they finished the ride or not because everyone gave it their all. Especially considering the temps were over 95 degrees. [According to my wife, Donna] My truck read the outdoor temps as 105 when moving.
Time for a briefing on the day's plans		Leaving our emergency numbers -Just in Case
	Lonnie C's Dad	Terry P's very own	8:00 AM Lining up, ready to go
Starting on pavement...			...then we hit the dirt

			Back at the ranch, 11 hours later...
Paula, the photos were great—as usual. I really appreciate the time you take to take them. As I am always the photographer on family trips, I know it is a bit of fun and a bit of a pain. I always think that I should offer to take some of you, since you are always on other side of the camera, but then it doesn’t occur to me until I see your pictures. Maybe some other folks who took pictures could share. Also, a big pat on the back for doing the whole ride. You were smart to pace yourself and listen to your body for feedback. I tried to do the same, and although my butt was definitely ready to get off the saddle, I really felt pretty good afterwards. I still shake my head in wonder in seeing how far you have come in the last year—amazing. Lonnie


Late afternoon shots of the barns

			Bobby S.
	From Dan Perry: Well let me start by saying this is no lame ride!! It has everthing for all levels of riders. Only two short sections of paved roads that most will look forward to. Plenty of things to look at if you want to take the time. Mostly good dirt/gravel roads. The low water crossings were dry this weekend but could be something to watch for in heavy rains. There are plenty of hills for those who like that kind of thing. I rode the last 9 real Death Rides that John Hobbs put on and have done The Leadville Race Across The Sky twice along with 1100 miles on the Great Divide Ride so I'm not new at riding my MT bike. When I say this is a ride not to be missed you can take that to the bank. The ride was pretty well organized by Bobby and Lonnie and their help. The things that did cause a problem have been discussed an I'm sure will be fixed. The accomodations at 3 Barns are great. I hope we can keep it at this location but it will take a lot of work to insure the folks there will want us back every time we want to do this ride. Thanks to all who road and especially to those who road with me and helped make it an almost EPIC ride. Thanks To: Bobby,Donna,Lonnie,and Ruth Dan Perry
Tim M. & Jerry B.			Map of the full route

72 images

paula's biking photos