SS1000 ideas originating in Kansas City

[dsmith41]

I am looking at doing my first SS1000 sometime during next year's riding season, originating in KC, and I am looking for ideas on a good route.  I have looked at google maps quite a bit and I have some ideas but I was wondering if anyone who has ridden a lot in that general area could give me some advise on a route.  I know even with Interstate, some are better than others as far as traffic, road construction, upkeep, etc.  I would like to do a loop style of ride instead of going somewhere and coming straight back the same way.  Scenery is a big plus and Interstate is not a necesity but obivously there would be some time stipulations on the ride so I can't flower sniff too much.  

I'll be riding a Shadow Aero 750, not exactly a sport tourer but ST.net is one of the best general touring forums I have found on the net.  

[dsmith41]

Nobody has done a SS1000 in the KC area?

[G]

if this helps plane it with the last 300 or so miles that your familiar with it makes the count down easier

[Rocket_Cowboy]

Ride to Dallas for lunch, turn around, and head back home. At least with the KS Turnpike you should make pretty good time. Riding west on I-70 should get you pretty good time as well. I've not done the stretch from Salina to KC, but west of Salina is easy sailing.

[jwhite518]

The main problem with basing a ride around KC is that there's NO FUCKING SCENERY within a 500 mile radius.

There, now that I've got that off my chest...

I am not personally familiar with the area, but I hear there is some really great riding around Hot Springs, AR, and the northwest part of the state. So if I were you I'd head due south from KC, get yourself into the twisties, and come out somewhere around Little Rock. Then take the slab to STL and back to KC. This way you've got the fun roads out of the way while you're fresh and you can coast on the slab when it's late and you're tired.  

[Rocket_Cowboy]

I am not personally familiar with the area, but I hear there is some really great riding around Hot Springs, AR, and the northwest part of the state. So if I were you I'd head due south from KC, get yourself into the twisties, and come out somewhere around Little Rock. Then take the slab to STL and back to KC. This way you've got the fun roads out of the way while you're fresh and you can coast on the slab when it's late and you're tired.  

I like that idea too ... although the ride from KC down to Springfield isn't all that exciting. Things would get better as you head south out of Springfield, and the whole run from SW Missouri/NW Arkansas to Hot Springs would be fantastic! Hell, you might even abandon the SS1K attempt just to hang out in the Ozarks. LR to STL to KC is an easy ride.

[jwhite518]

Dis be da Arkansas Twisty thread for you.

http://www.fjrforum.com/forum//index.php?showtopic=120866&hl=

[Rocket_Cowboy]

Dis be da Arkansas Twisty thread for you.

http://www.fjrforum.com/forum//index.php?showtopic=120866&hl=

Yup, those are all fantastic numbers listed there. I've never stayed at the hotel listed in the thread (I usually base out of Eureka Springs), but that route looks to be hitting the same roads I'd be hitting from ES.

[Jmac_bandit]

I'd just stitch together a route of smaller paved highways around Kansas.  They are more interesting than interstate, have the same high speed limits (65), very little traffic or LEO presence, significant passing opportunities.  Sure you have to slow down for the small towns they pass through, but it keeps you out of major cities and traffic jams there.  Just pick a non windy week day and cruise.  Hell depending on the bike you could even keep a good pace on the thousands of miles of dirt roads around.