If you haven’t been paying attention, it’s damn cold out!   No hill for a stepper though, and there were several of us that did find a way to get out on our bikes this past weekend.

Me?  I finally got a chance to take my new bike out for a ride as I volenteered to be a Ride Marshal along the Liberty Hospital 1/2 marathon and 5k.  It was somewhere in the low 20s when we started, but…  I’ve got some decent gear.  I actually felt aright while riding.  Its amazing when you can ride if your outfitted correctly.  The new bike rides pretty well.  I’m quite pleased and look forward to riding again soon.  Liberty is kind of a hilly place, btw, but a cool place to ride through.

Derek R, though, He’s the real champ.  He went out an participated in in the Rocheport Roubaix.  A gravel race.   49.95 miles in the cold, and climbed 3816 ft.   Well done sir!

Upcoming Rides

A reminder that our March BBBR is this upcoming Saturday.   Its supposed to be storming on Saturday, but it’s also going to be MUCH warmer by then too.  I’ll keep my eye on it and send out updates as we get closer.   If Saturday looks bad, perhaps we’ll move it to Sunday.   Get ready to ride though!

Tour De Bier Registration is up for May 19th!  Shoot for the 35 mile option.   Hopefully this year will have better weather and I’ll be able to remember the entire ride.

The 1st weekend of 2019 couldn’t have been nicer for cycling!  I know several people got out to ride various events.   Jeff and Megan Boos, Craig Miller, and I got out Saturday afternoon for a ride on the Indian Creek Trail.   That trail is still a little wet in places.   You’re gonna want those wider tires on the gravel for a bit.  My 28s made it through the sloppy gravel section, but I had to hop off 2 or 3 times throughout the day as my rear tire started digging into the mud.   BIKE WASH WEEK!  We tried to stop at Fuzzy’s Tacos on Wornall for a snack and beer afterwards, but be warned, they’re currently working through some Liquor License issues.  Fear Not!  We found beer elsewhere.

Here’s the route we took!

Elapsed Time	Moving Time	Distance	Average Speed	Max Speed	Elevation Gain	Calories Burned
01:18:31 hours	00:59:59 hours	11.52 mi.	11.52 mph	22.59 mph	280.18 ft.	355 kcal

Other News

You know what they say about couples that bike together…   They can go through a lot of chamois butter.   CONGRATULATIONS SCOTT AND BRYN!  Very happy for your engagement!

Upcoming Rides!

I’ve added several upcoming rides to our list.  Be sure to check out the details here

Of particular note, If you’ve interest in riding in the Dirty Kanza 200, 100, 50, or 25, (There’s something for everyone there!) you should register THIS WEEK!  They do a lottery entry system to handle the demand, and the deadline for the lottery is Jan 13th.  See this for more details

Also, RAGBRAI Registration is open.  Time to start thinking about whether or not you want to join us this year.  JOIN US!  You’ll love it.

Cheers!

So Sunday was interesting.   Derek Nelson, Derek Rowland, Lynne, Jeff W, and myself all met up at the First Watch in Fairway KS for breakfast, and then embarked on a decent ride (for most) on the KS side of the city.   MIA were Brandon Gillette (who wanted this ride organized), and Craig Miller, who had informed me on Saturday that he was planning on riding.   Both of you…

We had a good climb up to see Sauer Castle on the KCK side of the tracks, then we headed south into Merriam KS along Merriam  Ln.  We attempted to Cross over I35 at Antioch Rd, which is when Derek R had an unfortunate encounter with a sewer grate.  He took a pretty nasty spill, and ended up with a little road rash on his jaw and cheek.  THANKFULLY, that was the worse of his medical problems.  Gear wise, his helmet took a good wack, as did his bike.  He ended up with a bent front fork, which prevented him from being able to ride any further with us.   We hung out for a bit and waited for his friend to show up with a pick-up truck and give him a lift back to his car.  The rest of us continued on through Mission and Rowland park along a meandering route and we finally got to Gus’s World Famous Fried Chicken for some lunch and a couple beers.  Derek R even joined up with us again for the food.    You can follow our full route here:

Elapsed Time	Moving Time	Distance	Average Speed	Max Speed	Elevation Gain	Calories Burned
04:07:00 hours	01:46:28 hours	19.33 mi.	10.89 mph	31.32 mph	1,168.31 ft.	869 kcal

One man down due to an ill placed and aligned sewer drain, but luckily Derek was alright with nothing worse than a little face road rash. We finished up with some fantastic fried chicken at Gus’s famous fried chicken.

Upcoming Rides

Plenty of rides coming up.  Please be sure the let me know if you’re planning on riding these, so that I can be sure we all gather up and can ride together.

KC Criticla Mass – Oct 26th

This Friday is the monthy Critical Mass Ride.   Pust something scary on your bike and let’s go for an evening ride.   Dress Warm!

Tweed Ride – Nov 3rd

Get dressed up in your tweed finery and show up for this fun ride in vintage clothing.  See some neat old bikes and costumes.  It’s a short but pleasant ride along cliff drive.

Breakfast Bike Beer Ride – Nov 17th

Pushing back our Monthly ride to the 3rd weekend in November as I’ve got conflicts on the second weekend.   Come out and enjoy a good morning ride!

This past weekend was the October Breakfast, Bike, Beer Ride.   Derek Rowland, Megan, Jeff, and I all met up at McClain’s for a nice breakfast and a good discussion about Megan and Jeff’s upcoming wedding.  After breakfast, Derek and I took off for a nice 18 mile ride through Swope Park, up the new Connector Trail to to Plaza, and then back through the South Plaza Area and into Mission Hills before returning to Bier Station for Drinks.   Brandon G. tried to meet up with us, but he failed to tell me he was coming, and he failed to actually stop by the meeting location to see if we were there.  So we missed each other.  Lesson Learned!  Send Jared notice if you’re planning to join for a ride.   Then he’ll make sure the group doesn’t leave until you get there.

Unfortunately I wasn’t thinking about all the rain we got the week before when I was planning the route.   Both the Swope Park connector trail and the Brush Creek trails had been washed out in a couple places.  In some places, the layer of scum and mud was pretty thin and you didn’t notice it until your rear wheel started sliding all over the place.  We had to walk it a little bit to get through the muck, and luckily no-one fell or got hurt.  Once we got clear of the muck it was an a good ride.

Elapsed Time	Moving Time	Distance	Average Speed	Max Speed	Elevation Gain	Calories Burned
01:44:40 hours	01:38:51 hours	18.69 mi.	11.34 mph	24.61 mph	957.68 ft.	734 kcal

Upcoming Rides

Pre-Chiefs Sunday BBB Ride – Sunday Oct 21st

Don’t forget that Sunday we will getting out for a ride in the morning, and then Brandon Gillette is hosting us for the chiefs game afterwards.  We need to exercise out our frustrations with the Chiefs D before the game.  It’ll also be a good chance to sweat out the remaining alcohol from the rest of the weekend.  Follow the link above for details.  Please let me know if you’re planning on Riding so that Brandon has a good headcount.  Comment, Text Me, I don’t care.  JUST LET ME KNOW!

Critical Mass – Friday Oct 26th.

Next week Friday will be the Critical Mass Ride.   Always a good time to get out on a Friday evening, show off your bike lights and joke around with the rest of the Kansas City Cycling community.  Hope you can make it.  Let me know!

Also,

This week is Megan and Jeff’s Wedding.   Probably the reason that many of us are going to need Sunday’s ride to sweat out the Alcohol.   A Big Congrats to you both!  Cheers!

Hey Everybody!

Three days of riding for me last week!  I don’t know what the rest of you were doing, but the weather was pretty damn nice for riding.   Thursday was the Thirsty Thursday’s ride down at Velo Garage and Tap House.   Firday was Critical Mass, which James and I participated in, and then this past Saturday was also the Tour De BBQ.  Jeff B., Megan, Craig, and I, with the eventual addition of Jonathan Spitzer, got out, road bikes, and enjoyed some fine BBQ.   It started off pretty darn cold, and it had rained early that morning, but by the end of the ride, it was sunny and actually pretty warm.   Spitzer joined us at BB’s Lawnside BBQ and then we went rouge and took our own route up to Jack Stack’s in Martin City.

You can follow our whole route here:

Elapsed Time	Moving Time	Distance	Average Speed	Max Speed	Elevation Gain	Calories Burned
04:09:42 hours	03:01:24 hours	33.12 mi.	10.96 mph	29.08 mph	1,714.90 ft.	1,468 kcal

Upcoming Rides

Thirsty Thursdays at Velo Garage and Tap House

I’ll be riding again this week down at Velo.  Come join!  Dress a little warmer, as it’s going to be cool tonight.

Saturday Oct 13th is our Next BBBR.

Let me know if you’re planning to be there.

Sunday Oct 21st. Pre Chiefs Game BBBR

Brandon Gillette has offered to have us over to watch the Chiefs game at his place after we get a nice morning ride in.  We’ll start at the Fairway First Watch, head out for a 15-20 mile ride, and then end up at the Gillette’s for the game and beer.   Let me know if you’re planning to ride so that Brandon’s got a good headcount.   This is is also the weekend of Megan and Jeff’s wedding, so it’ll be a good way to sweat all that liquor out.

Now Pics!

The weather was absolutely perfect for riding this weekend, and so…   WE DID!  Sunday Jeff B., Megan, Lynne, Jeff W., Craig, Brandon G., newcomer Neal, and I met up for an impromptu BBB Ride.  We got a good (almost) 20 miles in and made it back to Bier Station West (Jeff B’s house) in time for the opening Kick-off of the Chiefs game.  We also helped them clean out their fridge and freezer of delicious Guac and Chips, Dumplings, Veggie Spring Rolls, and BBQ Pork.  We made a sizeable dent in their collection of beer that had been left behind at their place after a couple years of parties.  It was a nice way to start Sunday off.   Here’s our route and pics below.

Elapsed Time	Moving Time	Distance	Average Speed	Max Speed	Elevation Gain	Calories Burned
03:09:58 hours	01:45:30 hours	19.94 mi.	11.34 mph	29.53 mph	976.71 ft.	827 kcal

First Breakfast at McLains. Then Biking through the south land Then Beer and settling in to watch a chiefs game Great Ride with good people

Upcoming Rides

Thirsty Thursdays at Velo

There will be a contingent of us at Velo Garage again this Thursday, I’m sure.  Ride leaves at 6:30.  Bring your lights as it’s getting darker earlier now.  It’s a no-drop ride that’ll cover around 15 miles.   Then we’ll enjoy beer and laughs at Velo for a bit.

Critical Mass (Friday)

This upcoming Friday is Critical Mass.  The Weather has finally hit a point where it might not be humid AF.  Why not prep your legs for this weekend of riding.

Tour De BBQ (Saturday)

Don’t forget that this Saturday is the Tour De BBQ.  Team Bad Decisions is riding the 35 mile route with 3 different BBQ Stops.  Registration details can be found on the page linked to Above in the header.

Pics

We all posed for a nice group photo in the middle of the Chiefs game.  Most of us smiled nicely for the photo.  1 person couldn’t stop watching and cursing out the Chiefs Defense.  Can you guess who it was?

What the hell is going on here?  This weekend felt like Mid July, not Mid September.  We’re not supposed to have to deal with 90+ degree weather anymore.   Well, champs don’t let that stop them!   This past Thursday, Lynne, Jeff W., James, Tara, Robert, Bryn, and I all participated in the Thirsty Thursdays ride down at Velo Garage and Tap House.   We also somehow convinced Scott Timme to take a break from his PE exam studying to come and join us for a beer after the ride.  It’s one of the larger gatherings of TBD that we’ve had in a while.  We also invited Derek Rowland to join the site.  He just bought his bike this summer and has been riding as part of the Velo Garage Rides for a couple weeks now.  Welcome Derek!

This Sunday morning (before it got too hot), I went out for a solo ride, which is something I hadn’t done in a while.  I road the Indian Creek Trail some, and then came up Lee and some of the Leawood North Loop.   If you’re interested in my route, here’s what I did.

Elapsed Time	Moving Time	Distance	Average Speed	Max Speed	Elevation Gain	Calories Burned
02:35:38 hours	02:14:03 hours	27.50 mi.	12.31 mph	29.30 mph	1,145.01 ft.	1,082 kcal

Sometimes its nice to get out there on your own with just you and your thoughts.   Helps clear the mind and reset for the week.   I saw that Craig Miller also got out for a ride last night.  Putting up 14 miles in the heat.  Nicely done!

Upcoming Rides

Critical Mass:  Friday Sept 28th.

Warm up for the Tour de BBQ by getting a little ride in the night before.   Starts at Sunfresh in Westport around 6:30 pm.   Bring your own backpack and beer for the ride!

Tour De BBQ Saturday September 29th

Team Bad Decisions will be riding the 35 Mile (Long Stack).  Once again it’ll start and finish at the Prairie Fire district. Staging is at 8:00am and and the launch is at 8:30 am.  If you can, try to get there before hand ( 7:45ish? ) so that you don’t feel rushed, and maybe can enjoy a coffee or something before we take off.   Click the Link above for more details.

BBBR – October  Saturday the 13th

Our monthly Saturday Morning ride will be on October 13th.  As usual, we’ll start from McLain’s and end at Bier Station.

Thirsty Thursdays

Every Thursday we ride down at the Velo Garage and Taphouse.  Make plans to join us!   Ride starts at 6:30 pm.

How’d your weekend go?  Did you get a chance to spin your pedals?  Maybe wear down the rubber of your tires on some pavement?  Lynne, Jeff W., and I were able to find a little time yesterday to do a little riding.

We had a nice lazy morning start.  What was originally supposed to begin around somewhere between 10-11am, didn’t actually get rolling until closer to noon.  The nice thing is that instead of ending the ride with a beer at Bier Station, we started our ride with a beer at Bier Station.  Once we got out on the road, we headed east towards Swope Park.  There we were able to check out a couple of the art pieces that are on display as part of the Open Spaces exhibit.  The weather was gorgeous, and we got to check out a part of Swope park that I’d never been through before.  Now…  There was quite an unexpected hill that we had to climb to get to that part of the park, but it was the type of hill that really makes you feel like you accomplished something when you get to the top.  Per strava, part of the climb was over a 16% grade.   That’s a good climb.  AND…  We got to ride back down too, so that made it fun.

From there we road North out of Swope park on a new segment that will at some point become a part of the Blue River Trail.  Right now the segment begins just north of Swope Park near the Children’s Mercy Soccer Fields, and ends as it connects to the Brush Creek Trail east of the plaza.  This is the trial that Scott, Bryn, and I road on our 4th of July ride.  In the future it’ll be amazing.  Right now, it’s not very well maintained and there are twigs and obstacles to watch out for, but still, it’s a cool path and a good ride.  We ended up in the Plaza and stopped at Sahara Mediterranean food on 51 st. for some lunch before we called it a day.   Here’s our route if your interested.

Elapsed Time	Moving Time	Distance	Average Speed	Max Speed	Elevation Gain	Calories Burned
02:10:43 hours	01:43:13 hours	16.43 mi.	9.55 mph	25.72 mph	820.21 ft.	739 kcal

That new trail would have been part of the route for the Gran Brewdo…  Speaking of which.

Upcoming Rides

Gran Brewdo – Canceled!!

After repeated reminders about the event, and asking people to respond, I got absolutely NO responses of people being able to attend.  You poked my heart, people.  You poked my heart.

So, no longer a day filled with all day beer drinking and cycling, and no BBQ that evening.  Instead I’ll organize a regular BBBR this Saturday morning for anybody that wants to get out for a ride.

Tour De BBQ – Sept 29th

Remember to sign up for this one.  Looking at the Mid range distance.  Always a good ride.  Don’t forget to checkout Megan’s comment about how to get a discounted entry fee if you haven’t signed up yet.