From Augusta to El Dorado Lake: A 74-Mile Adventure on Two Wheels
Hello, fellow cycling enthusiasts! Today, I embarked on a journey that not only tested my stamina but also gave my camera a serious workout. Buckle up (or should I say, buckle your helmet) because this ride from Augusta, Kansas, out to El Dorado Lake and back was nothing short of legendary.
The Setup: A Perfect Day for a Ride
With an average temperature of 65° and a delightful breeze, the day was ripe for adventure. You know what they say: when life gives you a perfect cycling day, you ride it like you stole it! I hopped on my trusty steed and set off, ready to tackle a blend of paved, dirt, and gravel roads. Spoiler alert: there were more hills than I anticipated, but we’ll get to that.
The Route: Scenic Stops and Historical Monuments
My first stop? Wanda. Yes, it’s as charming as it sounds. After soaking in the small-town vibes, I looped around the west side of El Dorado. This leg of the journey took me to the remnants of Oil Hill, where the only thing left standing is a historic monument marking the Stapleton Number One discovery well. Not quite a bustling metropolis anymore, but hey, history!
Next up was a stretch of dirt and gravel roads. My bike may have been a little grumpy about the terrain, but I was in my element, snapping photos of the picturesque landscape. And trust me, I took a LOT of pictures. If you think I have too many shots of trees and roads, just wait until you see my gallery!
A Pit Stop at CC Bike Co.
After some sweat and a few choice words directed at those hills, I made my way into El Dorado and swung by a new local gem—CC Bike Co. Owned by the ever-friendly Aaron Cole, this bike store and repair shop is a must-stop for any cyclist in the area. Pro tip: Aaron offers free H2O to fellow cyclists. Yes, you read that right. Hydration and a friendly chat—what more could you ask for?
The Grand Finale: El Dorado Lake
Fueled by my CC Bike Co. pit stop, I headed towards the northwest corner of El Dorado Lake. And let me tell you, this part of the ride was like cycling through a postcard. I explored the coves and took photos as I meandered along the coastline.
Then came the pièce de résistance: riding across the top of the lake dam on a gravel road. Talk about a photo op! I stopped to appreciate the view and snapped even more pictures. At this point, I felt like a cycling influencer—just missing the thousands of followers!
The Road Home: Hills, Photos, and New Friends
As I made my way back home, I couldn’t help but chuckle at the phrase “Kansas is flat.” Whoever coined that surely never rode a bicycle down the roads toward Leon. I encountered more hills, paved sections, and of course, more gravel. My legs were burning, but my spirits were high.
All in all, this ride was a delightful mix of exploration, photography, and meeting new friends along the way. Plus, I’ve got a GPX file ready for any of you brave souls wanting to tackle this route.
So, if you’re ever in the Augusta area, don’t hesitate to try this 74-mile loop. Just remember to pack plenty of water, your camera, and maybe a few extra snacks (you’ll need them!).
Until next time, happy cycling, and don’t forget to check out the gallery for all the scenic shots from today’s escapade! 🚴♂️📸
