Two Wheelin’

SUN 6/22

It might seem that interest in mountain biking would be limited on the plains that Kansas Citians call home. But mountain biking has very little to do with mountains; it has everything to do with endurance and tight glutes. In a city of fat asses, the Earth Riders Mountain Bike Club is a refuge for the Spandex-worthy. Get in on one of the club’s biggest annual events this Sunday at Perry Reservoir at Lake Perry (take I-70 West to exit 204, then take U.S. Highway 24 to Kansas Highway 237 North — look for a semitrailer that has been used as a sign pointing you in the direction of “DJ’s Rock Creek Marina”). There, riders compete for cash and prizes at the Heartland Series cross-country mountain-bike races. Races exist for all levels, from kids to beginners to experts. There will be food and music all day as well as free beer after the races. The club also holds weekly events. For Thrashin’ Thursdays, meet at 6:30 p.m. at Pat Murphy’s (130th Street and Holmes) for a ride, followed by eating, drinking and socializing. On Saturday afternoons, help out with Wrench-a-Bike, when members help repair and adjust children’s bicycles. And every Sunday morning, members meet at various locations for the Super Duper Happy Fun Ride. Then there are Taco Tuesday and the Kill Creek Hump Day Ride. For information on club membership or events, see www.earthriders.org.— Sarah Smarsh

Whimpy

Hitting a few with E.W. Whimple.

DAILY(ISH)

The yellow-and-red house overlooking Golfland is where Whimpy lives. Whimpy is 89-year-old E.W. Whimple, former pro and owner of the driving range he opened in the 1950s. When Whimpy’s golf cart isn’t parked in front of his home, he’s working the counter, answering the phone or out collecting golf balls. Offering lessons and a rack of clubs for free use, Golfland Driving Range (95th Street and North Oak Trafficway) is open to the skilled and the inept. Sunday evenings are perfect for admiring the view, watching the sunset and maybe hitting a few. If you’re lucky and Whimpy isn’t busy, you too could learn the secret of “wringing out the towel.”

Call Whimpy at 816-436-0684 to see if he’s open.— Christopher Sebela