Weather
Keep in mind that this is an all weather ride. There have been a lot of disappointed people in the past who, after driving in torrential rains on the turnpike, turned around and went home. They figured if it was raining there, it had to be raining in Madison. It did rain, rained enough that we closed the northern half of the loop. Everybody did a short day in cool weather on dry roads. Remember, this is Kansas. The weather you have here is not necessarily the weather you have there. We strongly suggest that you arrive no later than Saturday evening for the "Flint Hills Death Ride" on Sunday. Sunday will be a long enough day without adding a drive in and a drive out. If you are planning a long drive back on Sunday evening, we would strongly urge you to bring along a designated driver. It just needs to be someone who will not fall asleep at the wheel when suffering from sheer exhaustion, and someone who has abstained from partaking of any alcoholic beverages, such as New Belgium Fat Tire Ale.
This is a very tough ride, you will be tired if you do it. If you do plan on arriving early and eating at the restaurant in Madison, don't, the only restaurant closed 30 June 2006. The good Chamber of Madison will be selling dinner and breakfast. Please note it on the registration form as courtesy for the folks to help plan food. Keep in mind that we are in fact out in the middle of nowhere. If 500 extra of you show up and expect to be able to eat at the restaurant or at the high school, we can't just go run somewhere and buy food! Fruit, water, and snacks will be provided for at least three rest stops. If you think that will be enough to get you through this ride, we may invoke the "Acts of Stupidity" clause. BRING SOMETHING TO EAT, you may need it. The reality of bonking takes on a whole new meaning when you are out in the middle of nowhere with miles to go.