Friday 11/28/14 Ride

Fellow Riders,

• Winter is upon us though the Friday forecast is calling for ride able conditions so I am planning on riding.  It is the Friday after Thanksgiving so I expect a light turnout, therefore I think I’ll just ride over to Westminster for some lunch at Puerto Nuevo, roundabout way, of course.  If you would like to join me and think you can still swing your stuffing stuffed belly over a motorcycle, let’s plan to leave the Key Mart parking area about 10:30 AM this Friday.  Hope you can make it and have a Happy and Safe Thanksgiving Holiday.   Dan

• It was a sunny, but cold morning for the trio of diehard (or maybe crazy) motorcyclists to make the ride to Westminster for some fine Mexican cuisine.  Dan, Lesley, and I were the three willing to bundle up and plug in for the ride.  Ed, Mr. Cuisinart himself, stopped by the Key Mart parking lot in his VW while on his way to get some food together for the upcoming Hospice House lunch.  He was going to try to meet us at Puerto-Nuevo, but must have gotten sidetracked.  Dan took us on a very meandering route as we went to Westminster via Salem, and then west of Walhalla.  I'm sure they were glad to see us at Puerto - Nuevo, as there were only a couple other patrons inside.  The food was good as usual and we took our time before we returned to the cool air outside.  Dan took us on an interesting route back into Seneca, where we gassed up and headed for home to find some heat.  It was another great day on two wheels.   Steve

The three of us bundled up for the chilly ride today......

Friday 11/21/14 Ride

Fellow Riders,

• Friday looks like another day where the forecast is calling for lots of sun but not much heat, just a little.  No rain means OK to ride so those wishing to do so should meet at the Key Mart parking area about 10:30 AM and select a destination and ride leader at that time.  I wished I could join you but I will be playing “Grandpa” this weekend.  I hope it warms up and,  of course, ride safe.   Dan

• Another good turn out for the Friday riders today.  In Dan's absence, Bob suggested the Waterfall Grill at Cateechee Golf Course in Hartwell, GA.  Lesley stepped up to take the lead since she was the only one that knew how to get there, although several of us had been there before.  The group of eight, led by Lesley, consisted of me, Len, Rob, Steve G., Jim (Wing), Kevin (welcome back!!), and Bob.  The sun and blue skies made for a gorgeous ride around Lake Hartwell as we passed the dam before we got into town.  Although chaps and Harley shirts may not be the dress code for the Waterfall, they gladly seated eight paying customers and took our orders.  The vegetable soup, which had more than a few chili characteristics, was a great choice by Len and I.  Bob introduced us to the sous chef that had recently been the guest chef at the men's cooking club.  By the time we left, the temperature had climbed a few more degrees with the sun making its presence known.  Lesley took us back into Seneca on some classic Oconee county roads that were new to most of us.  The scents of the countryside were in full force as we passed more than a couple cattle farms. As some would say (that would be Bob), the route Lesley took us on was genius.  Truly, another great day on two wheels.     Steve

Trip Advisor - Waterfall Grille, Hartwell, GA

Friday 11/14/14 Ride

Fellow Riders,

• How many “seasons” do we have to go through before “unseasonably cold” becomes the “normal season”?  Anyway, in light of the unseasonably cold but dry conditions, I’m planning to stay a little closer to home and ride on over to Old Easley and have some lunch at the Starving Artist Café.  If you would like to join me let’s plan to leave the Key Mart parking area about 10:30 AM this Friday.    Dan

The Starving Artist Cafe and Art Gallery

• With the temps in the high 30's, it was a little surprising to see 10 riders in the Key Mart parking area this morning.  Dan had another fine route through Oconee and Pickens Counties to get the group to Easley.  Riding along with Dan were Lesley, Len, Steve G., Rob, Jim (wing), me, Russ, Ed, and Bob.  The view of the mountains while traveling Belle Shoals Road was very good, but I'm sure on a clear day it would be spectacular.  It felt like it was getting cooler the closer we got to Easley. It was confirmed there was at least a 4 degree drop in temperature, taking us down to 39 degrees.  Eagle Eye Ed (EEE) spotted something white on Russ's rear tire on the ride over.  It turned out to be the cords showing where the rubber was supposed to be.  It is now tire purchase time for Russ.  Our group descended on The Starving Artist, and as usual, proceeded to rearrange the tables so all ten of us were sitting together.  The server got us started with hot drinks right away and started taking food orders.  EEE, having spent the last hour looking at the rear tire on Russ's bike, was confused by the quiche special on the board.  He tried to order all nine ingredients, which represented four different quiches, in one quiche.  The server set him straight and took the rest of our orders.  They do a fine job with food at The Starving Artist.  Based on most of us still feeling a little cool, especially "Bright Orange Electric Gloves, but no batteries"  Bob, Dan took us on the most direct route home.  By the time we arrived home, the sun was shining, but still a bit cool. All in all though, it was another great day on two wheels.    Steve

This Link's for you Russ - Motorcycle Tires 101

I guess the confusion is understandable. Right???

Friday 11/07/14 Ride

Fellow Riders,

• Friday’s forecast is calling for sun but somewhat cool. Since I’m not as warm blooded as I used to be, I’m thinking it is time to start staying south of the mountains unless it seriously warms up.  So, this Friday I’m planning to find my way to Traveler’s Rest for some lunch at the Café at William’s Hardware.  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 at Williams Hardware

• It was another gorgeous fall day in South Carolina for the ride to Traveler's Rest.  Eight riders showed up to take advantage of the fantastic weather and a chance to ride with the group.  Bill was there to hand out the latest edition of US Rider News Magazine.  The group Dan led included Lesley, Len, Rob, Jim (Wing), me, Russ, and Bob.  We, of course, started our ride north so we could get to the destination west of us.  We cruised by the Salem Mall and then turned off to take advantage of the scenic county roads of Oconee, Pickens, and Greenville counties.  At one point, Lesley considered turning away from the rest of the group, but changed her mind and got back in position with the group.  Someone called it a "senior moment," but I can't remember what that means.  We passed some rather spectacular homes as we arrived on the west side of Traveler's Rest.  When we got into Williams Hardware, we were greeted by the owners.  They quickly gave us menus and a rundown of the specials, and just as quickly showed us to our usual spot in the basement. I still wonder if this is due to their great hospitality, or the desire to keep some leather-clad bikers out of sight of the other guests.  Either way, the food was great and nearly everyone had the ciabata/turkey/cranberry sandwich, with a side.  We took a very scenic and indirect route back toward home.  We did learn that when a sign says bridge out, they actually mean it.  Once again, it was another great day on two wheels.   Steve

Trip Advisor #1 in Travelers Rest - Cafe at Williams Hardware

Friday 10/31/14 Ride

Fellow Riders,

• I just have to get a ride in this Friday so I’m hoping to catch the fall colors by heading up to Sylva, NC for some lunch at Lulu’s On Main by way of the BRP.  If you would like to go let’s plan to leave the Key Mart parking area about 10:30 AM.  As you probably know, Friday is supposed to be cold, especially up on the Parkway, so dress accordingly.  Hope you can make it.   Dan

• Down to 5 riders this morning - Dan, Leslie, Russ, Ed, and Bob.  Slight change of plans.  Foliage better at lower altitudes so stayed below about 3600 ft vs going all the way up to the BRP.  Lunch at The Zookeepers in Cashiers. Bob and Ed had to check out the post lunch potential!   Russ

• It was Halloween!  Ed and I were Trick or Treating.    Bob
• God Bless You Bob,  

  I was treating you were tricking.   

  If only it were true!!!!    

  E
  
  
  Thanks for the update.  Looks like it was "ghoul" day for a ride.   Steve