Welcome aboard Chris. This is a good group of riders and we are all happy to help a newcomer get their feet on the ground. There are a few different rides coming up in September you might keep in mind. The Roads and Trails Rally in Burlington, KS on September 7 - 9. Then on September 21 - 23 there is the Flint Hills Stampede in Eureka, KS. Finally at the end of the month is the Adventure Palooza in Missouri. It is September 28 - 30. The west route begins in Lee's Summit, MO and ends in Mexico, MO.
Check your calendar and see what you can do and make your plans. These are always fun events.
God Bless,
Kingrider