Smackdab Summer Solstice Run –*Kansas to North Dakota!

[Tanshanomi]

This is not specifically a Spyder ride, but my wife and I will be making the run on our Spyders next summer.

 

[PrairieSpyder]

That would be fun, but not all in one day! Besides, I plan to be on my way to Chelan Washington for the North to Alaska ryde at that time.

 

[ARtraveler]

That would be fun, but not all in one day! Besides, I plan to be on my way to Chelan Washington for the North to Alaska ryde at that time.

You will be hitting the state when we have 100 % of daylight. It will get a bit "dusky" around 3:00 AM but will not get completely dark--then it will start getting lighter. Blindfolds, if you cannot sleep without darkness. :thumbup:

 

[Tanshanomi]

Just bumping this. It's three months from today, and it looks like two Spyders and 7-10 motorcycles so far. Would love to have a couple other three-wheelers join us.

 

[scottnkansas]

I'm from Lawrence Ks and I think this would be fun. Gonna try to get this on the calendar.


Scott

 

[Scoot2Mtns]

I'd do this ride

I grew up in Kansas and used to live in Colorado. If I still lived in either, this would be a fun ride. One of my "bucket list" rides is to follow the Oregon Trail from KC to Portland, OR. Maybe when I retire in a couple of years!

 

[Kansas Spyder]

I'm checking my work schedule so I can plan for leave. I think we're going to make it!

KS

 

[Tanshanomi]

PATCHES HAVE ARRIVED!

I just received a dozen finishers' patches for Smackdab participants. A big up to Lynn Lees here on Spyderlovers for doing the work. Thanks to having NO art setup fee and NO minimum quantity, they were the lowest price we were able to find for such a small run. And, as you can see, they turned out great!

 

[Kansas Spyder]

Ready or not....

Woo Hoo, the hours are flying fast before we head out on the adventure of the year! I'm getting my oil changed tomorrow and everything checked out. Our plan is to leave early in the morning Friday for Smith's Corner.Saturday will be a busy day for sure but then we'll rest on Sunday at Rugby. Maybe even a little ride up to Canada on Sunday. Monday head for home and stop about the 500 milemark. Tuesday, complete the ride home to outside KC.

Kansas Spyder

 

[4 MARIE]

I visit Lebanon frequently, and this sounds like a fun ride. I am going to try to make it. I feel it appropriate to
remind folks of the "Bambi Danger" around here , especially around dawn and dusk. Please be wary.

 

[jwulf74]

Just saw this one. Might have to add it to the list for next year. Looks like you might get wet in SD. Rain predicted for Sat. Hok on your way through Sioux Falls.

We did something similar on pedal bikes a few years ago...110 miles through the Black Hills and went North to South. That is an all day ride too through some beautiful areas. They did that one on the weekend of the Summer Solstice. But alas, they have ended it as there isn't anyone too coordinate it anymore.

 

[Tanshanomi]

Weather Forecast for Saturday, June 20th

Ride forecast as of 5PM, 6/17

Location.........Hi - Lo - Precip
Lebanon KS.......97 - 69 - 0%
Grand Island NE..91 - 66 - 10%
Aberdeen SD......87 - 59 - 20%
Rugby ND.........79 - 53 - 20%

 

[ARtraveler]

Hoping everyone has a great time. :yes::yes:

 

[Tanshanomi]

In summary, 15 people participated (14 bikes plus one co-rider). Four Spyders made the trip (2012, '13 & '14 RTs, one 2013 RS-S). Everybody arrived well before Sundown, but one rider headed further down the road before the 10PM dusk patch-and-picture ceremony, and 2 speedy riders were already asleep in their hotel room!
Weather was perfect up until about 8:30 PM, when a brief shower drenched the last 20-30 miles of the route, punishing the last few dawdlers as they rode into town (this included me!)

 

[Tanshanomi]

Start and finish photos

 

[Kansas Spyder]

Let's do it again,,,,

Wow, this was a great ride and we made new friends as well. Weather was great and you have to remember that rain is Mother Nature's way of saying you motorcycle gear needs a wash. Rugby was only about 40 miles south of the Canadian border so we strayed over into Canada for some for fun. Roads were a bit rough but the scenery made up for it. The International Peace Garden was great. They had a cactus exhibit that was awesome.

We made it home last night after riding about three hours in heavy rain. The Spyder handled great in the rain and our frog toggs kept us dry. Sue got a little damp from the spray kicked off the front tires but overall we stayed dry.

Our final mileage was about 2500 miles and we averaged 36 mpg riding two up.

Thanks to Tanshonomi for setting this up and we;re looking forward to the next ride!

 

[wanna be a spyder]

Sounds like a great ride :yes:

 

[Tanshanomi]

We made it home last night after riding about three hours in heavy rain. The Spyder handled great in the rain and our frog toggs kept us dry. Sue got a little damp from the spray kicked off the front tires but overall we stayed dry.

We got home yesterday afternoon. We came home through this from St. Joseph all the way home. It was like riding in a washing machine for 90 minutes. Fortunately, it was the only bad weather we had, and our own home was waiting at the end of it.

 

[Tanshanomi]

The Smackdab Run is set for June 18th. It now has a dedicated website, www.smackdab281.org, and a Facebook group. Please share this with any Midwestern riders/ryders who might be interested. It's a good time.

 

[Tanshanomi]

LOTS OF SMACKDAB NEWS:

1) FRIDAY NIGHT COOKOUT
The American Legion Riders in Smith Center have agreed to host a cookout dinner for Smackdab participants. More details are forthcoming, but they're committed to feeding you guys and giving you a place to congregate the night before the run.

2) NEW FOR 2016! Get your finisher’s patch for HALF PRICE!

A registration page has been added to the Smackdab Website. There is no cost to participate in the Smackdab ride, the only cost is for the finisher’s patch, should you choose to buy one. Also, you can still simply show up and ride. Registration will just help us let the folks in Smith Center and Rugby know how many riders will participate, and to contact riders directly if needed. To encourage you to pre-register, riders who submit their registration anytime before Memorial Day (May 30, 2016) will be eligible to get buy a finisher’s patch for just $5.00 — that's half the regular cost of $10. Patches cost us more over $10 each to have embroidered; the extra cost is being generously subsidized by the Smith County Chamber of Commerce.

You will not be flooded with spam e-mails, and we will not distribute your contact information or contact you for any other purpose.


3) VOLUNTEER RIDE COORDINATOR NEEDED
Since I have a family conflict and can't make the ride this year, I need to find a participant who's willing to play "Trail Boss" for the ride. This person will simply need to:

• Show up at the departure point by 5:30 AM,
• Sign riders in,
• Complete the ride by 9:45 PM,
• Hand out patch coupons (which I will provide) to finishers in Rugby at dusk. There is no need to collect funds. This year, finishers will use those finisher's coupons to pay for their patch by mail or online via PayPal, and I will mail a patch to them.

Anyone interested should e-mail [email protected] - thanks!

SMACKDAB GROUP ON FACEBOOK: www.facebook.com/groups/smackdab281
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