Distance: 28.5 miles
Elevation:  1112 ft.
Road: Mixed Surface: Gravel and Pavement
Points of Interest: Downtown Weston, O’Malley’s Pub, Mt. Bethel Rd

Route: https://www.strava.com/routes/3178145407597527532

This ride offers up a challenging beginning but a fun finish as you can explore the town of Weston to the Northwest of Kansas City.   Our group was able to gather and park in the city lots surrounding Weston City Hall at the very end of Main St.  The route warms you up as you ride along Bluff Road to the northwest. Get ready though, because after you cross Hwy 45, you’ll soon be tackling Mt. Bethel Rd.  It hits you quick with a challenging climb.  Must be the Mt part of Mt. Bethel road. My Garmin told me >15% incline.   After the climb you’ll continue riding through some rolling hills that will keep your heart pumping.  Eventually you’ll turn to the west, down a fun descent, and end up in the river bottoms.   Down here, the route is more of a guide than a true plan, as flooding and constantly changing road conditions make navigating an adventure.  We had fun though.  Watch out for sandy sections where your front wheel can dig in and encourage you to go over the front handlebars.   It stays flat to the end, and you do ride for a couple miles on the shoulder of Hwy 45, but the shoulder is wide and we felt safe. At the end, you can gather at O’Malley’s Pub for drinks, snacks, and the telling of tales.  Tons of other great shops to explore in Weston as well.