Friday 12/27/13 Ride

Fellow Riders,

• Sue and I survived Christmas with the grandkids and are home to catch our breath before they descend on us again Friday afternoon.  Therefore, in order to go out and play (ride my scooter) I have to do another breakfast ride so I can be back in time.  I will have to keep it short and it will be cold again.  If you are around this Friday and want some breakfast, let’s plan to leave the Key Mart parking area about 9 AM and make our way over to the Village Baker and Café in Pendleton for some breakfast.   Dan

• It was a very cold, mid-30's, morning to head out for breakfast.  Even with the cold weather, the sun was enough to bring out six riders - Dan, Gadget, Dave, me, Ed, and Bob.  We made our way through Central and then the rolling countryside on our way to Pendleton.  Dan kept to the low speed roads so the windchill was tolerable.  The Village Baker once again was a great choice for breakfast.  Our server is one we've had before and she did a great job getting us our coffee pretty quick.  The choices were mainly the skillet and an order of French Toast.  The ride back took us along Lake Hartwell as we took Shiloh Road to our gas stop at Ingles.  It was another great day on two wheels.   Steve

Trip Advisor - The Village Baker Bakery and Cafe

Friday 12/20/13 Ride

Fellow Riders,

• Friday looks like it might be a good day for riding so I’m thinking of scooting on over to Lavonia, GA for some lunch at the 211 Main Street Restaurant.  We’ve tried this place before but couldn’t get in because it’s so popular, so I thought I’d try again but leave a little earlier, just 1/2 hour, to see if that would help.  If not, I’m sure there are other places in Lavonia we can try.  If you’re up for it, let’s plan to leave the Key Mart parking area about 10 AM and hope for a good ride and lunch.   Dan

211 Main Street Restaurant & Bakery

Bob's Words to live by....

• The earlier start and lots of hope proved to be the right combination for a baker's dozen to head to the Bakery.  The temperature was not too bad, although, it would have been nice for the sun to poke through the clouds a little as we made our way to Lavonia via Toccoa. Riders following Dan's lead were  Gadget, Lesley, Corey, Jim (Harley), Len, Mark, Jim (Wing), Rob, Russ, me, Kevin (the Italian bike king), and Bob.  It was another interesting ride through the countryside as we made our way into Georgia, passing a favorite, The Gumlog BBQ and Fish Lodge, along the way.  The 211 was worth another attempt.  The food and service was great.  Fortunately, Sue got us a reservation and they were ready for our large group.  Bob was most impressed with the desserts the servers brought around to the tables.  A few riders peeled off as we made our way back home through Seneca.  It was another great day on two wheels.   Steve

Bob - Before

Bob - After

Friday 12/13/13 Ride

Fellow Riders,

• Since Sue and I are headed for Atlanta this weekend, the only way I can sneak in a ride is to go to breakfast and get back early, so I thought I would ride down to Seneca and have some breakfast at Betty’s Hungry House Café.  Because I plan to go early it will be ridiculously cold, so I promise to take a fairly straight route to Betty’s and back.  Plus, I need to get home early so I won’t be missed.  If you wish to join me let’s plan to leave the Key Mart parking area about 9:00 AM this Friday.  Hope to see you then.    Dan

Stone Mountain in Background

Trip Advisor - Betty's Hungry House Cafe

• Ridiculously cold it was.  However, for die-hard bikers (or, aka RUB's), the fact that the temperature was in the 30's was no reason to not go on a ride to the home of the big biscuit.  Most were surprised to see 10 insane dedicated riders arrive at Key Mart.  Dan demonstrated that he is more than capable to lead the riders on a very direct route when that is what is needed.  Following Dan on the under 30 minute ride to Betty's were Gadget, Lesley, Len, Mark, me, Russ, Kevin (the golf course in New Hampshire has been safely put away for the winter), Bob, and Ed.  Bill was already at Betty's and greeted us with the latest U. S. Rider News.  Our server was great and I'm sure she appreciated Ed jumping up to assist her in delivering the food.  If he only recognized syrup when he sees it. Instead of heading home, I decided to follow Len and we rode another hour through some of Oconee's best non-mountain roads.  As Dan said, we are all hoping for 70 degrees next Friday.  It was another great day on two wheels.  Steve

Friday 12/6/13 Ride

Fellow Riders,

• Friday’s weather forecast is calling for a 60% chance of rain so I am not planning a ride at this time.  If you still wish to ride you should meet at the Key Mart parking area about 10:30 AM and pick a destination and ride leader at that time.  I hope it doesn’t really rain.  Ride safe.   Dan

• Turns out there were four hardy souls that took advantage of the lack of rain and endured the wet roads, venturing to an old favorite in Pendleton - The Village Bakery.  Given that my bike has not been properly cleaned for several weeks, I should have made the trip with Dan, Leslie, Rob, and Bob.  Of course, for Bob, he considered the ride just another bike wash.   Steve

Bob's Favorite Bike Wash......

Friday 11/29/13 Ride

Fellow Riders,

• Even though it’s forecast to be cold, Friday is supposed to be sunny so I think I will plan for a short ride and make my way over to Easley and eat some lunch at the Starving Artist Café.  For those who are still around for the holiday weekend and want to do a little ride after Thanksgiving Day (Black Friday), let’s plan to leave the Key Mart parking area about 10:30 AM.   Dan

BikeBandit.com

Starving Artist Cafe - Easley

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Friday 11/22/13 Ride

Fellow Riders,  (Deja Vu)

• Here we go again, I hope.  Since I got spooked by the weather last Friday, I plan to make another attempt to ride on over to Greer, SC and have some lunch at Café Riveras’, after which I hope to stop at Cherokee Cycles and ogle the new Indian motorcycles.  If you would like to join me, let’s plan to leave the Key Mart parking area about 10:30 AM.  Hope you can make it.  Dan

                
Cafe Rivera

• I hope those that wanted a ride got to go.  As we drove north toward DC, we did encounter some rain and wet roads along the way.  Our day ended with significant downpours and was not a lot of fun, even in a cage.  Oh well, there's always next week.   Steve
  
  

Friday 11/15/13 Ride

Fellow Riders,

• If it doesn’t rain I plan to ride on over to Greer, SC for some lunch at the Café Riveras’.  After lunch I thought I would make a quick stop by Cherokee Cycles to check out the new Indian Motorcycles then head on  home.  They are both near downtown Greer.  If you would like to join me, let’s plan to leave the Key Mart parking area about 10:30 AM Friday.  Hope you can make it.   Dan

Cafe Rivera

• Update - Because the forecast is calling for a 50% chance of rain this mid afternoon, I don’t wish to chance a ride to Greer, so I’m going to abort that idea and just do a local ride, probably make my way to Pickens for some lunch at Micheal’s so we can get home early.  Sorry for the change (not enough to risk the rain), still planning to leave the Key Mart by 10:30 AM.
  Hope you can still make it.  Dan

Michaels - PIckens

• Well, I was exploring the Carlsbad Caverns in New Mexico, and rain was not an issue on Friday. With my son, we made the 2600 mile trip from LA to Keowee Key with some cool stops along the way.  Now I have to find out if the ride occurred... hmmmm.

Friday 11/8/13 Ride

Fellow Riders,

• ......  Hmmmmm...... Didn't get the email.... Did get a call fortunately....

• This Friday let’s head on over to Grits and Groceries, south of Belton.  Since G & G is usually busy and we have to wait to get seated, I thought leaving a little earlier might help some, only 1/2 hour.  It will be cold, so dress accordingly.  If you want to go, let’s plan to leave the Key Mart parking area about 10 AM, Friday.  Hope to see you there.     Dan

Grits & Groceries

• The continuing disaster with the Affordable Care Act website has apparently had an impact on some email distribution lists as well.  Fortunately, Len made an inquiry after not receiving an email. Dan was surprised to learn not everyone got the email about the ride.  Ever the great leader, Dan made a few calls and resent the email and we had a total of seven - Dan, Lesley, Len, me, Russ, Bob, and Murray - make the ride to Grits & Groceries.  (No word if another group  met at the usual time of  10:30)  After riding through the rolling and sometimes flat countryside of Oconee, Pickens, and Anderson Counties, a few of us had no idea how we got to G&G.  It was definitely worth the ride because we had some great food.  Heidi greeted us and said that coming to the Belton area from Louisiana, she wasn't used to seeing people on motorcycles wear chaps and pants.  I could tell she was relieved to see we were all wearing both.  The service was awesome and whether it was stuffed French Toast, or some good ole BBQ, the food was fabulous as well.  It was another great day on two wheels.   Steve

Map courtesy of Allstate GoodRide App.

Trip Advisor - Grits & Groceries

You can't go wrong when there is a goat farm across the street from the restaurant...

Friday 11/01/13 Ride

Fellow Riders,

• Friday’s weather forecast calls for rain, mostly overnight, diminishing throughout the day, therefore I am not planning a ride at this time.  Those still wishing to ride should meet at the Key Mart parking area about 10:30 am and select a destination and ride leader at that time.  Ride safe and stay dry if you can.   Dan

• Well, the forecast held, and it is way too soggy to head out on the road on two wheels.  There is always hope for next week.  Not another great day on two wheels.   Steve

Friday 10/25/13 Ride

Fellow Riders,

• Friday’s forecast calls for sunny but COLD!  I haven’t quite gotten used to that yet so I’m thinking I might just ride down to Anderson, SC and have some lunch at McGee’s Irish Pub.  If you would like to join me let’s plan to leave the Key Mart parking area about 10:30 AM.  Hope to see you then.   Dan

McGees Irish Pub

• Cold weather definitely arrived in SC today.  The skies were clear and blue, but the air was very cool, especially when you add a 50 mph wind chill.  Dan led a group of seven out of the Key Mart parking area as we headed west for a trip southeast to Anderson.  Along with Dan, the group included Jim (Wing), me, Rob, Mark, Bob, and Lesley.  The Oconee County roads took us through the rolling farmland as we made our way into Anderson County.  In Fairplay, it seemed fair to make a brief stop to try and shake off some of the cold.  The electric gloves I was wearing quickly became my best friends as we made this chilly ride.  McGees looked like they had not yet opened, but Dan checked it out and in we went.  The restaurant had no problem seating us since we made up 7 of the 9 customers.  Thanks to B.O.B. (Bank of Bob), I was able to eat and pay for my lunch while my wallet rested in warm comfort at home.  The temps did rise while we had lunch and the ride home was more comfortable in the shining sun.  It was another great day on two wheels.    Steve

Two classics, the Irish scarecrow and the Celtic Cross
Trip Advisor - McGees Irish Pub

Friday 10/18/13 Ride

Fellow Riders,

• Sorry for the early notice since I will be out of town this coming week and this is the only computer which contains the group email addresses.  Those wishing to ride should plan to meet and leave from the Key Mart parking area about 10:30 AM, at which time you may chose a destination and ride leader.  I hope the weather is good for you and ride safe.   Dan

Steve says he can lead the group to, wherever!!

• It was a six-pack that pulled out of the Key Mart parking lot this morning under overcast skies.  Jacket liners were welcome on the ride as the sun refused to shine very much.  Leslie suggested a ride up to the Landrum/Tryon/Saluda corridor, and since she was going to lead, Mark, me, Russ, Bob, and Ed all agreed.  We decided to head for a restaurant no one could remember the name of, and knew we were there when we arrived at Southside Smokehouse Grille.  We sauntered in and were seated in the nearly vacant restaurant.  This caused a little concern, but when asked if we "scared away people," she said it was still early.  More folks did come in and we waited for what seemed a little too long to get our food.  The wait was worth it and there were no complaints about the food.  Ed and Bob took the express route back and Leslie led the rest of us back via the Greenville Watershed.  It was a very nice ride and another great day on two wheels.    Steve

Trip Advisor - Southside Smokehouse Grille Landrum

Friday 10/11/13 Ride

Fellow Riders,

• Friday weather should be fine so I’m planning to head up to Kostas Family Restaurant in Dillsboro, NC.  If that sounds OK with you, let’s plan to leave the Key Mart parking area about 10:30 AM Friday morning.  Hope you can make it.   Dan

Kostas Family Restaurant - Dillsboro, NC

Trip Advisor - Kostas Family Restaurant

• Once again the weather was fabulous as nine bikes left the Key Mart parking area for a ride north.  The riders following Dan's lead were Leslie, me, Jim (Goldwing), Dave (BMW), Bill, Russ, Ed, and Len.  Fortunately, I had a liner in my trunk because we ventured up to the Blue Ridge Parkway for a spectacular ride.  Making our way to the Highway 215 entrance, we headed west and made a stop at the highest point on the Parkway for the awesome view.  The fall colors were just starting to show and will probably be more prevalent in another week or two.  It was definitely a lot cooler than when we left Key Mart.  We made our way down from this point to Kostas and enjoyed lunch on the porch.  The gyro's and soup were very popular and the service and food were good as usual, including having our drinks delivered by the father of the owner.  The ride back took us along the Tuckasegee River where the trout fishermen were out in force.  It was another great day on two wheels.    Steve

Photo by Russ

Photo by Russ

Friday 10/4/13 Ride

Fellow Riders,

• Friday’s weather looks like it is still going to be very mild in the mountains, so I’m planning to ride on up to Franklin, NC and have some lunch at a place called Stamey’s Café.  If you would like to join me, let’s plan to leave the Key Mart parking area about 10:30 AM.  Dan

Trip Advisor - Stamey's Cafe

• It was a gang of four today that departed Key Mart for Franklin, NC.  The riders were Dan, Denny, me, and Bob.  With another nearly perfect weather day, there were surprisingly few riders.  We made our way through Walhalla and ultimately to 76 to get into Georgia.  In Clayton we turned on to Bob's favorite highway 441 for the trek on up to Franklin.  Stameys Cafe, a former gas station, was fairly well disguised and we made a u-turn to get back to the restaurant.  It was actually good we had only a few riders - there was not a lot of seating.  The service was very friendly and they serve breakfast all day so that's what we went for.  This was truly a local flavor little restaurant.  The ride back from Franklin followed highway 64 - one of the most scenic sections of highway in the region - to Cashiers. It was another great day on two wheels.  Steve 

Note the lack of signage, and the restrooms were outside.
 Recall it used to be a gas station.

Remember, "What happens in Franklin, stays in Franklin."

Friday 9/27/13 Ride

Fellow Riders,

• Friday’s weather forecast sounds pretty good so I am planning to ride over to Cleveland, GA for some lunch.  There are a couple of places there, the Creekside Deli, and if that’s not open we can try the Sunflower Café.  It will take a couple of hours to get there, so if you’re up for it, let’s plan to leave the Key Mart parking area about 10:30 AM.  Hope to see you then.   Dan

Trip Advisor - Creekside Deli Cleveland GA

Trip Advisor - Sunflower Restaurant Cleveland GA

• It was basically perfect weather for the ride today - perfect temperature and blue sky.  Dan led seven riders to Creekside Deli in Cleveland.  The other riders were Leslie, Jim H., Len, Rob, me, Bob, Ed.  We learned that Oconee County means it when they put up a sign that the road is closed.  You can always learn something on these rides.  The food was good at Creekside, although a little slow with the service.  The weather stayed fabulous for the ride back home.  It was another great day on two wheels.   Steve

Friday 9/20/13 Ride

Fellow Riders,

• Sorry for the early notice.  I will not be available to lead a ride this Friday.  Those wishing to ride, weather permitting, should meet at the Key Mart parking area and select a destination and ride leader at that time.  Ride Safe.       Dan

This guy has offered to lead.
Says he knows a cool little town in California.......

• Today's small group was made up of Leslie, who led us up the mountain to Highlands, me, Russ, and Bob.  It was a fabulous day to make a trip up to the higher elevations.  We worked our way over to 28, then onto War Woman as we took the long route to our destination.  We were looking for Wild Thyme, only to find it is now an Asian Fusion restaurant called Ghangri. Being hungry, we decided to have a go with the new restaurant and it was a good decision.  We were seated outside and enjoyed good food and good service.  After lunch, Leslie needed to get back down the mountain a little sooner than the rest of us and Bob recommended he, Russ, and I stop by Colonel Mustards to sample some of the dozens of offerings in the store.  There were jellies, salsa's, mustards, and some very hot nuts to try, and we did try many items.  It was quite a place and I'm sure I'll be back there.  We also found that Wild Thyme is now located adjacent to Kilwins and the Colonel Mustard shop.  Amazingly, Bob was able to pass Sweet Treats and Kilwins without wandering in for an ice cream.  The previous night's gelato must have been enough for the time being.  A great day on two wheels.    Steve

Ghangri Asian Fusion

Trip Advisor - Ghangri

Photo by Greg P.

Friday 9/13/13 Ride

Fellow Riders,

• If the rain stays away Friday, I would like to try the Hubba Hubba BBQ in Flat Rock, NC.  If you want to join me, let’s plan to leave the Key Mart parking area about 10:30 AM.  Hope to see you then.    Dan

Hubba Hubba Smokehouse
Trip Advisor - Hubba Hubba Smokehouse

• It was a gorgeous and dry day for the ride to Flat Rock today. Dan, leading Leslie, Gadget, Len, Jon, Rob, me, Bob, and Murray, managed to take most of us on roads we've not been on before.  Just as something looks familiar, we make a turn and I'm lost again.  We skirted Pickens and traveled on another of the many " Insert Direction River Roads" as we made our way north.  The almost two hour ride landed us on the south side of Flat Rock and we descended the gravelly entrance to Hubba Hubba.  The crowds were out on this Friday and we found that getting our food ordered could be as slow as cookin' up the BBQ.  The meal was good and it was pleasant sitting outside.  The ride home took us on another River Road and past Caesars Head.  After a few weeks away, Dan obviously hasn't lost his touch for finding the roads less traveled.  Another great day on two wheels.    Steve