Leavenworth to White Cloud and back

3/17/2012 Leavenworth to White Cloud DS Loop We began the day by meeting at Santa Fe Depot for some breakfast and, more importantly, some coffee. Chris F. and I showed up first and had time to wake up a little before everyone else arrived. Shortly after three more bikes arrived and we sat down for some breakfast.  Shortly after breakfast we buzzed up to Atchison and right on through. The town was teaming with St. Patty's Day happenings but we managed to squeak through despite the crowds.  After A short pavement stent in Atchison we then progressed to a rougher section and managed to warm up a bit. Enough so, that a pit stop was required so that clothing could be adjusted accordingly. After some water and a few minutes we departed again. The roads were dry for the most part except for a few sections. It was really just about perfect. The day was overcast and neither hot nor cold.  A quick fill up in Wathena and then we were off again. We were making great time and so we passed on the planned lunch stop in Wathena.  A few minutes were spent debating on the weather and making some predictions but then it was on to the last stretch up to White Cloud.  It didn't take long and we arrived in the ghost town that is White Cloud, KS. It was a bit creepy to roll into town and see a bunch of closed businesses and nothing really going on. I am not sure I really saw one person out in the whole town.  We stopped for a moment by the Missouri River to check out the flood damage and take a breather. It was a little shocking to see how high the water really got. This sink was in a bathroom near the water. It was submerged at some point it appeared.  A few more minutes were spent lounging about and then it was off to the nearby scenic overlook for some nice photos and a view of, allegedly, four states. We are pretty sure we could see three but the group was in agreement that there was no way we could see Iowa. Perhaps on an extremely clear day it would be possible. This was Nebraska as viewed from the overlook. It was a great day and a really nice ride. My favorite section by far was the bit up from Atchison to Wathena. It was a really fun section. I already have intentions of returning to that area just to run a few loops around that portion.

Bikes Ready, now about that weather...

My brother and I spent the evening prepping his motorcycle and my drz is ready to rock as well. Now it looks like there is a fair chance that it will rain tomorrow. It would make the ride more fun in some ways but it will take much longer to get all the way up to white cloud if it decides to rain tomorrow. The plan is still to meet down at the Santa Fe Depot at 8am and then we are off! So far there are four bikes confirmed but who knows how many will show.

KLR650 Tire Change

It took most of the evening. We finally got the new kenda k270 on. It was much easier with the new setup.





It has come to my attention that I gave no info on how we managed the tire change. A old wheel off a car, with a garden hose split and taped on the open side, helps a ton. The garden hose taped on the open side serves to protect the moto wheel or spokes. Having the car wheel allows the rotor or sprocket to sit protected while you man handle your tire onto the rim. I picked up a wheel for $10 at a local garage, just called and asked and was rewarded. I have the 12" motion pro tire irons (2) and a motion pro deal to clip onto the spokes and keep one section down while freeing up a hand. There are great youtube videos on tire changes that will help.

 I never bother with balancing and have never had any problems.

Don't let tire changing intimidate you. It is good practice for trail flats and will save you a ton of money for other farkles. It is a struggle the first few times but you get proficient quickly! Good luck!

A great link for general KLR questions and info :
KLR650 Motorcycle Maintenance
KLR650