Well, we are in the throes of another election of board members.  I am pleased about the folks who stepped up and I know that Oz will be in good hands for another year.  At this time of the year we are all enjoying the beauty of a Kansas fall season, which is pretty much my favorite.  Sometimes spring is too wet and windy, summer is too hot (for sure this year!), and winters can be pretty cold, as we saw earlier this year.  So, in many ways, this is the cream of the year for bicycling.  I keep on riding and loving it.  By now I am well trained, although I have to tune up a bit for those longer rides.  I have done four big organized rides in other states this year, and recommend you consider that sort of thing if your schedule will allow it.  Do you crave one more spectacular ride this year?  How about the beauty many observed on the Walnut Valley Metric?  A few years ago I went back out there in late October, parked at the Liberty Township building, and took off on my mountain bike.  I rode over to Dexter, where I caught a quick bite, including pie, at a restaurant I hope is still open.  Then I rode south along that paved route for about 8 miles, and went onto the dirt roads there, rode the top of a ridge north for a ways, then dropped down along a creek and followed it, eventually getting back to my car.  It was the best that fall has to offer.  There were pheasants flying around, every imaginable color of leaves, and just the amazing peaceful quiet of rural Kansas.  Whether if this appeals to you, or you want something else, I encourage you to take advantage of the great conditioning of all those miles this year, and go for another bit of bicycling.  And don’t forget we still need to hydrate even though it is not still 100 degrees (I hope).  As a final note, be sure to weigh in on the Wichita Master Bike Plan.  Check it out and see if it offers what you want for the future.

    Keep on trekkin!