Arlington, Kansas

We decided last night that we would ride to Arlington, Kansas for breakfast. Carolyn's Restaurant is a small little place with the most incredible danish, cinnamon rolls, doughnuts and on and on and on! We were introduced to Carolyn's last year by the Hackler's and Cheshier's and have not had the opportunity to return.

The only problem with riding early in the morning are the deer. Today was no different. The small amount of fog and dew on the ground was so pretty, however, made it difficult to see if anything decided to jump out in front of us. Slowly we made our way, the ride was beautiful. The fields of sunflowers were so pretty with the sun coming up and their faces following. Amazing beauty! And so thankful, no deer, turkey, or dogs. Just us....

The ride took us through Cheney Wildlife Preserve onto Silver Lake Road. It was a fantastic journey. The dead tree in the photo really caught my eye with all of the green, this was the only thing dead. Just standing there, the next strong Kansas storm will take it down, no doubt.

We arrived in Arlington, Kansas only to see main street vacant. WHAT? IT'S CLOSED? NOW WHAT? No cinnamon rolls? No hot coffee? Bummer.....we pulled over to the Crazy Horse Bar to look at the map and get a new game plan together. The owner of the bar stepped out and told us to come on in and she would cook us some omelets, not wanting to hurt her feelings and let her know Carolyn's was on the top of our list we simply thanked her and told her we were just taking a break and making sure we were on the right track.

Back on the bike we rode toward South Hutchinson hoping to find something to eat - Village Inn was the winner, by this time we had passed the point of hunger. After breakfast we stopped in Cheney to see Terry and Jane and firm up our plans for our trip this week. I am so ready to take off and am looking forward to sharing stories and a lot of laughter.

Leaving the outskirts of Cheney back to Wichita, I realized I had taken very few pics during the trip. Mostly just taking it all in, thinking about life and work and everything in between. I just wanted to get my head clear and I did.

May your week be filled with unexpected pleasures and laughter. Looking forward to lots of riding this week.

Peace and love, Pam

Potwin, Kansas

It may seem that the only reason we ride is to eat, yes that is some of it, but not all of it. We (I) ride to clear my head, I only hear the road noise and the noise of the motorcycle. No phones, computers, no work, just thoughts taking over as I enjoy the scenery of the landscapes.

Sunday we rode to Potwin, Kansas. I can't tell you how to get there so you will just have to look it up on a map. We met Terry and Jane in Benton at 7:30 a.m. then off to Potwin. Beautiful morning! The sky had just a few clouds and with the sun coming up quickly it was spectacular. No pics, just memories in my head......

When we arrived in Potwin, we were not sure what the town would have to offer. A quaint Kansas town with very friendly folks. Vendors with food and some clothing and patches were in the park. Food? Yes, food! Breakfast burritos from the trailer, yummy! Homemade salsa, too hot for me but not for Jane and Luke, Terry opted for biscuits and gravy.

In the park there was an old merry-go-round that kids and adults both migrated to. According to the mayor, it was built in 1917 and then secured to the ground in 1956 and then updated again in the 90's. It was cool!

After walking around the park area, eating and chatting we decided to venture back to where the motorcycles were parked. On the main drag, a small bar called our names, other bikers too. Red beer, cool air and clean bathrooms, fantastic. After our beer we hit the road back towards Wichita, winding through the backroads around El Dorado, Augusta, onto Thunder Road.

Enjoy the pics, the heat is lousy but it is August in Kansas after all.

Peace and love, Pam

Cassody, Kansas

The town of Cassody is located in the amazing Flint Hills of Kansas. The population is approximately 150 people but on the first Sunday of each month (May to October) the bikers roll in and today was no different. They are reporting there were approximately 3,500 bikes in town today. Also present, every kind of food being sold by Boy Scouts, cheerleaders, football teams and a few locals serving from their front yard trying to make some extra money. Each group has their own agenda for raising money, trips to Europe, football general fund, cheerleaders needing uniforms and the Boy Scouts raising money to help pay for the trash pick up. There were also vendors selling patches and leathers. The streets were full of people and bikes. It was quite incredible to see.

Our day began at 7:30 a.m. to Benton where we met up with the Hackler's; from there off to Cassody. Lots of bikes on the road early this morning, we all had the same idea, start early and then get out of the heat. And so we did.....

Of course when we arrived and saw all of the food, we had to partake. There was a grill of magnificent size calling our names! They were making omelets and then putting them in tortilla shells. YUMMY! Fresh ingredients, made over the grill with fresh salsa. I have to admit, I am not one to eat from a vendor and a tent but this was really good.

We left out of Cassody around 11:00 a.m. and made it home before noon. It was a great ride and with all of the controversy surrounding the Cassody Bike rally, it was great to see everyone out in support of it. If it should go away because the locals are tired of it, I would understand. The bikes drive through the town while the church service is taking place; the town is a quite place and if you drove through on any other day, you might see a one car sitting at the gas station.

Check it out sometime; but if you go on the first Sunday of the month, you better be on a motorcycle!