Friday 12/30/16 Ride

Fellow Riders,

• I survived Christmas with the kids and I am planning to celebrate by riding my Harley.  Friday’s forecast is calling for a major cool off but I think I can tolerate a ride to the Smokin Pig near Pendleton, SC.  If you would like to join me, maybe because your family has disowned you or some other reason, let’s plan to leave the Key Mart parking area about 10:30 AM this Friday.  See you then.    Dan

The Smokin' Pig BBQ

• It was a cool crisp morning for a ride to Pendleton for some BBQ.  There were six riders waiting for Dan when he pulled up in the Key Mart parking lot.  The riders included Len, David D., Rob, Steve G., me, and Kevin.  Dan proceeded to tell us we may have a dilemma.  Super shopper Sue had noticed The Smoking Pig looked close on Thursday. So Dan, the Peyton Manning of the Friday Riders, was ready to call an audible and execute his back up plan. As we arrived at TSMP, it was indeed closed, so we headed out for the back up location, the Sunny Side Cafe in Clemson.  To our surprise, it too was closed.  They must employ a lot of students that were back home for the Christmas break.  Not to fear, plan C was implemented and we struck out for Central and Sidetracked Cafe & Catering.  Apparently, they too take this week off and the place was closed.  An eagle eye spotted Pancho's Mexican Restaurant on the other side of the tracks, and we knew we would not go hungry. The place was nearly empty, and we had no trouble getting a table for the seven of us.  As is typical, by the time the food came out, there was some confusion on who ordered what, and only Steve G. was surprised that what he thought he ordered looked a lot different than what he got.  Nonetheless, it was eaten.  After lunch, Kevin gave a few of the riders a look at the progress on his truck project, and a couple of us went directly home. I'm glad the only dilemma was that I got to ride around a little longer until we had lunch.  It was another great day on two wheels.    Steve

Photo of Kevin's truck from Apr 2016.

Happy New Year 2017!!

Friday 12/23/16 Ride

Fellow Riders,

• If your still in town this Friday and you want to ride,  join me for a little cruise to Williams Hardware Café in Travelers Rest.  Let’s plan to leave the Key Mart parking area about 10:30 AM.  Hope you can make it.    BTW, I must apologize to some of our riders for last weeks decision to change our destination.  My faux pas resulted in me being admonished several times.  At least once by some riders who intended to meet us for lunch and once by my spouse because I said one thing and did something else.  Not the first time so apparently I am a slow learner.    Dan

Café at Williams Hardware

... I knew I should have admitted my GPS wasn't working...

• It was another fine day to take a ride for the five riders, including Dan, that met at Key Mart.  Along with Dan were Len, Rob, me, and Kevin.  Having learned his lesson last week, Dan did stick to the plan to go to Williams Hardware.  Once again, his route had all of us unsure where we were most of the way.  He even had Len confused, especially when he made a quick left turn at one point.  The sisters at Williams had a table ready for us, thanks again to Sue.  Sandwiches and soups are always good and we enjoyed the very leisure lunch.  After lunch, Kevin and Rob headed out on their own, and the three of us had a nice ride back to Keowee Key.  It was another great day on two wheels.    Steve

Merry Christmas to all the riders!!!

Friday 12/16/16 Ride

Fellow Riders,

• It seems that Fridays are destined to be the coldest day of the week and this Friday promises to be no different, frigid  .  If it’s not raining I’m planning to ride, just not too far in these temperatures.  I’m thinking Dienners Kitchen in Seneca will be far enough for me.  If you would like to join me and thumb your nose at Mother Nature, let’s plan to leave the Key Mart parking area about 10:30 AM.  Hook up your cords and lets ride.     Dan

Trip Advisor - Dienners Kitchen

(click on hot link below)

Wires? WIRES?? We don't need no stinking' wires!!

Friday 12/09/16 Ride

Fellow Riders,

• It seems that the “powers that be” are determined that we should ride in the cold no mater which way we go, north or south.  I shall not be discouraged since the forecasters often make it sound worse than it is (I’m hoping).  I,m planning to ride Friday, just not sure how far since I’ve gotten somewhat wimpy in my old age.  Worst case (coldest) we can just go to the Pendleton Bakery café.  Best case (warmest) we can go to the Pompous Pig in Anderson.  Or something in the middle might be the Smokin' Pig on 76.  Will make that decision Friday morning when we see how cold it really is.  So, plug in your giblet warmers and meet me at the Key Mart parking area about 10:30 AM this Friday.  Hope to see you there.    Dan

• And the winner is, Village Bakery Café in Pendleton. Dan said he was thinking the closer venue for lunch, and there were no objections from the other six riders.  There were even suggestions that Sisters might be an option.  The other riders, Len, Rob, Bill, me, Ed, and OG Bob, were bundled up, but did not mind staying closer to home.  By the time we got to Pendleton, the thought of some hot coffee was quite appealing.  The food is always good at the Bakery, but usually, the service is slow.  Our server, "TV", got our coffee and took our orders, but we did wait awhile to get our food.  OG Bob did find the sample cookie basket and shared it with our table which sweetened the lunch a bit.  The ride home was good and direct by Dan's standard.  The temperature had risen and the sun was shining brightly, but getting home early was just fine.  It was another great day on two wheels.   Steve

The Village Bakery Café

Friday 12/01/16 Ride

Fellow Riders,

• It seems we may be blessed with another sunny day this Friday, although not super warm in the mountains.  I’m hoping we can get at least one more day of mountain riding before the roads get icy so I’m planning to slide on up to Highlands, NC for some lunch at The Sports Page there on Main St.  If you would like to join me let’s plan to leave the Key Mart parking area about 10:30 AM this Friday.  Hope you can make it.    Dan

Trip Advisor - Sports Page Sandwich Shop

• A sunny, crisp morning greeted the 8 riders, including Dan, that came for trip up to Highlands.  Along with Dan were Len, me, Steve G., Russ, Pat, Bill (latest edition of Full Throttle Magazine), and wired for warmth OG Bob (see photo below).  Siri said it was only about 35 degrees in Highlands when we were leaving, so everyone put on their heat for the ride up the mountain.  As often happens at the beginning of the cold season, a few batteries weren't working and there was a blown fuse, but we all survived the December air.  Dan cut the route a little short because it was a tad cooler than expected. Maybe we former northerners just take longer to adapt to the cold these days.  Plenty of seats were available at the restaurant and we placed our orders at the counter and grabbed a couple booths.  Sports Page has some very good sandwiches and the chili was popular for some reason today.  After a relaxing lunch, we made our way to the very curvy Hwy 28 for a fun  ride home.  With the sun shining brightly, the trip down the mountain saw increasing temperatures and it was around 60 degrees by the time we stopped for fuel.  This may be the last trip up the mountain for a while, so it was good Dan made this our trip for the day.  It was another great and cool day to be on two wheels.   Steve

Ready for Christmas at the Sports Page Sandwich Shop

Good thing he's not looking to be "Biker Cool"

Friday 11/25/16 Ride

Fellow Riders,

• For those of us recovering at home from the Thanksgiving Day festivities, a little motorcycle ride should be just what the doctor ordered.  Therefore I plan to forego Black Friday and chug on up to The Zookeeper Bistro in Cashiers, NC for some (hopefully) smoke free lunch.  If you care to join me let’s plan to leave the Key Mart parking area about 10:30 AM.  Hope to see you there.    Dan

The Zookeeper BistroTrip Advisor - The Zookeeper Bistro

• It was a cool fall day in the Upstate and great for a ride to Zookeepers.  Six riders joined Dan for the cool route he had to get us to Cashiers.  Along with Dan were Len, me, Steve G., Kevin, Bill, and Ed.  The route took us north on Hwy 281 and it was a fantastic road with lots of curves, trees, and some great views of the valleys.  There were still some nice colors on our way back south on Hwy 107 toward Cashiers and we did not run through any smoke.  Sue had called and a table was awaiting our arrival.  The Zookeeper Bistro makes some great sandwiches, and on this slightly cool day, it was great to have a bowl of their split pea soup as well.  The ride home was more direct and it was getting warmer by the time we stopped to gas up at the Marathon Station at Little River Road and Hwy 11.  Not sure how many more trips we'll be making up into the mountains, but today it was definitely another great day on two wheels.     Steve

Clint told me he had planned to join us, but he had scheduled
 an interview with another chair.....

Friday 11/18/16 Ride

Fellow Riders,

• This Friday I am hoping to ride up to the Cupboard Café near Dillard, GA for some lunch before a wildfire burns the place down.  If you would like to join me, and we don’t get smoked out, let’s plan to leave the Key Mart parking area about 10:30 am this Friday.  Hope you can make it.     Dan

The Cupboard Cafe

Trip Advisor - The Cupboard Café

• It was great summer/fall day in the Upstate.  Twelve riders came out to take advantage of another perfect day for a ride.  Along with Dan were Gadget, Len, David, Gary, me, Pat, Bill, Kevin, Ken, OG Bob, and Ed.  Dan picked another great route and avoided the smoke as we made our way toward Dillard by way of Clayton.  I got a little nervous when I saw Dan turning at the hospital sign, but it turns out it was a spectacular road that wound around the mountain.  The road was full of curves, colors, and some wide open valleys.  I'm glad people seeking curvy roads head for the Dragon and leave this kind of road for us.  When we arrived at The Cupboard Café, as expected, Sue had called and some tables were ready for us.  It seems to happen a lot, but the tables were in a room just for us. The server took our drink and food orders and we got our food fairly quick.  My recollection is that they have been slow on previous visits, but not this time.  Breakfast choices were popular as well as some Mexican options. You can see from the photo below, an un-named rider went all out for a burrito that exceeded his expectations, but he was undaunted.  The ride home was a more direct route and we did see a lot of colors.  I'm not sure how many more days like this we'll be seeing, but it was fun to have another great day on two wheels.    Steve

I've blurred this rider to protect his identity , but you can see the plate loaded with the burrito before....

And here is the same plate after.....

Friday 11/11/16 Ride

Fellow Riders,

• This Friday I plan to find my way to the Sapphire Mountain Brewing Company for some lunch.  They are located at the Sapphire National Golf Shop in Sapphire, NC.  If you would like to join me let’s plan to leave the Key Mart parking area about 10:30 AM this Friday.  Hope you can join me.    Dan

Sapphire Mountain Brewing Company

Trip Advisor - Sapphire Mountain Brewing Company

• Seven riders came to the Key Mart parking area for a smokin' ride up to Sapphire Mountain Brewing Company for lunch.  Those joining Dan included Len, David, Rob, Steve G., me, and OG Bob.  It looked like it was going to be a cool ride to start out, so THE ORANGE GLOVES made their first appearance of the cool season.  Thanks to the many wildfires burning in the mountains, especially Pinnacle Mountain at Table Rock, we were riding in pretty smokey air as we explored some of the back roads around Salem.  It was enough smoke that some were considering heading back home, but as we moved higher into the mountain, we found cleaner and cooler air.  Thanks again to Sue, our table was waiting at the restaurant.  Drink and food orders were taken promptly, but little did we know we were about to be involved in The Case of the Missing Cheeseburger Patty.  Dan was surprised to see two cheeseburger patties on his sandwich and removed one to suit his taste.  Soon we realized David was not being served his meal while everyone else was munching on theirs.  When David asked the server about his order, he was told the cook knew he cooked two burgers, but couldn't find one of them.  Guess who had it?  She apologized and it seemed to take way too long to get David another burger, but after all of the rest of us were finished eating, he got his sandwich.  The ride home was a more direct route and we hit the smoke again as we got close to Salem.  Although smokey, it was another great day on two wheels.   Steve

Great grandfather of the two patty hamburger.......

Friday 11/04/16 Ride

Fellow Riders,

• Mother Nature continues to favor motorcycle riding so I continue to feel obligated to oblige.  This Friday I plan to ride on up to the Flat Rock Wood Room in Flat Rock, NC for some lunch.  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

Flat Rock Wood Room

Trip Advisor - Flat Rock Wood Room

One of my favorites, but I can't go...

Friday 10/28/16 Ride

Fellow Riders,

• Last Friday we went westerly so this Friday I’m thinking easterly would be nice and maybe see some colors.  My plan is to chug on up to Tryon, NC for some lunch at Huckleberry’s.  The route will be familiar to regular riders but I doubt we’ve been to this restaurant.  Hope it works out.  If you would like to join me let’s plan to leave the Key Mart parking area about 10:30 AM this Friday.  Hope you can make it.    Dan

Huckleberry's Restaurant and Bakery

Trip Advisor - Huckleberry's Restaurant and Bakery

• Another fabulous fall day in the upstate.  So fine, 11 riders arrived for a ride to Tryon to "try on" a restaurant we had not yet visited.  Along with Dan were Gadget, David, Len, Gary, Rob, John, me, Bill, Cory, and Ed.  Dan was able to take us on a number of familiar Oconee and Pickens County roads as we headed north toward Tryon.  Someone, maybe David, thought we might have set a record for the number of times we crossed Hwy 11.  We arrived at Huckleberry's, and thanks to concierge Sue, a table, in the back, of course, was set up for 12 of us.  The reason for 12, was Pete met us at the restaurant.  However, John opted to turn back, so we actually wound up with an empty chair at the table for the 12.  The service was a little slow, it seemed there was only one server, but Gadget got her on track by taking our drink and food orders at the same time.  It still took a while to get our meals, but the food was quite tasty.  They do have an interesting menu that included everything from quiche to a "pear and candied bacon flatbread."  For the ride back, some of us needed to take the express route, while the rest got to ride some more through the mountains.  It was absolutely another great day on two wheels.    Steve

Interesting chandlier

Huckleberry's Rocks!!!!

Friday 10/21/16 Ride

Fellow Riders,

• Friday is predicted to be much cooler, probably closer to normal, so I thought I would take a familiar route to the Attic Restaurant in Clarkesville, GA for some lunch and avoid the possibility of rain or wet roads to the north.  If you would like to join me let’s plan to leave the Key Mart parking area about 10:30 AM this Friday.  Hope you can join me.    Dan

Trip Advisor - The Attic

• It was a gang of eight that came to ride today.  The riders that turned out to ride along with Dan included Gadget, Len, Rob, John, Gary (1st time rider and new to Keowee Key - Welcome!!), me and Ed.  Although Bill did a great job as sweep last week, it was good to have Ed in his usual spot watching our backs. The weather was clear and in the high sixties as we made our way to Clarkesville, GA.  The gusty winds were putting a lot of leaves in the road, especially on Unity Church Road as we wound our way through Oconee County and into Georgia. When we arrived at The Attic, they were able to seat us and our server Monique promptly got our drinks and took our meal orders.  They were getting quite busy, but it didn't take long to get our food.  The wraps and reubens were a big hit today.  Dan took us on a more direct route back home.  It actually seemed a little cooler on the return ride and the wind was still providing some stiff gusts to keep us on our toes.  Overall, it was another great day on two wheels.    Steve

Friday 10/14/16 Ride

Fellow Riders,

• Due to this being a special weekend, and guests coming in Friday afternoon, the only way I could finagle a ride was to promise I would keep it as short as possible.  So this Friday I am planning to head mostly straight up to the Zookeeper Bistro in Cashiers, NC for some lunch.  I plan to head straight up 130/281/64 to get there and come back 107/130.  That should be only an hour to get there and 45 minutes back.  A small ride is better than no ride.   If you can join me let’s leave the Key Mart parking area about 10:30 AM.  Hope you can join me.  Dan

Trip Advisor - The Zookeeper Bistro

• Seven riders were ready for the trip to Cashiers today.  Although Dan was on a tight schedule, it was still going to be a great ride.  Along with Dan were Gadget, Len, Cory, me, Pat, and Bill.  I wasn't sure we could do an appropriate ride without OG Bob or Ed in the sweep position, but not to worry, Bill did a fine job.  We did see OG Bob heading back to KK, probably returning from a trip to the Salem Mall.  The fall weather was great as we followed Dan's route up 130/281/64.  Traffic was a little heavy and a large gravel truck was doing his best to maintain speed, but eventually, pulled over and let us by.  With the colors starting to pop, traffic was fairly heavy all the way into Cashiers.  Sue made the call ahead, and the table for seven was waiting for us.  We got our drinks fairly quick, but the food seemed to take a while to make it out of the kitchen.  It was worth the wait as they do a good job with their sandwiches.  After the leisurely lunch it was time to head back, but Gadget and I wanted to do a little more riding on this fine fall day.  We headed north on 107 and turned off on Pine Creek Road. Eventually turning into Walnut Creek Road, this was a great road with lots of curves and a few twisties.  It was a nice ride over to Hwy 64.  On 64 we encountered more traffic as lots of folks were out to take in the changing colors.  The sun was hiding and it was actually a cooler ride on the way home than when we started out.  It was definitely another great day on two wheels.   Steve 

Lake Glenville

Friday 10/07/16 Ride

Fellow Riders,

• Dan is away this week so I thought I'd lead a ride this Friday.  However, based on the latest forecast, rain chances are around 50% at 11 am Friday.  Hurricane Matthew was able to chase OG Bob out of Hilton Head, and is now threatening to sling rain and winds into the upstate.  Lesley probably had to leave HH as well.  So, things are not shaping up for a good ride this week.  If things change significantly, we can meet up at 10:30, on Friday, but it doesn't seem likely.  Oh well, there's always next week.....

Hurricane Matthew

• Well it was a little too misty for me today, and only one rider thought it was a good day for a ride/wash.  Yep, OG Bob rode around Oconee County for an hour or so.  He must have gotten enough water by riding in and out of the mist.    Steve

This "mist" is a little too much for me.........

Friday 09/30/16 Ride

Fellow Riders,

• Friday is forecast to be much cooler but still pretty nice so I think we should ride up into the mountains while we can.  I’m hoping to ride up to Kostas Family Restaurant in Dillsboro, NC for some lunch.  hope you can join me.   Dan

Trip Advisor - Kostas Family Restaurant

• This was a fabulous fall day for a ride through the mountains to Dillsboro. A total of nine riders, including Dan, came for the Friday ride today.  The other riders included Len, David D., Russ, me, Pat, Bill (he distributed the latest edition of Full Throttle Magazine, with two articles he wrote, today), Ed, and of course OG Bob.  Just as we were about to depart, Rob did a "touch and go" as he and Diana were heading out in their four-wheeler.  He wished us well and to have a good ride as he taxied on down the parking lot.  Dan came up with an exceptional route today that would get us to our lunch destination.  When we came into Highlands, Dan invoked the Motorcycle road rules and we all made a left turn in from a right turn only lane.  Fortunately, Highlands finest was already busy and didn't bother us (see photo below).  When some of us were delayed by traffic, the lead folks pulled into a gas station so we could catch up.  That's where we left David.  He waved us on as he got off his bike.  I assume he was either checking on Deshaun Watson's status for the game tomorrow, or he come up with a perfect play  and had to call Dabo so he could use it against the Cardinals. OG Bob thinks he just wanted to go to Colonel Mustards and Kilwins. Any way, go Tigers!! After passing through Highlands, and leaving David, we took the incredibly awesome Hwy 64 west and then cut-off on Ellijay Road (??) to cross the mountains.  It was another perfect motorcycle road. The route was spectacular, but it did take a while to get to Kostas.  Another 5 minutes, and we probably would have had to order from the dinner menu.  Thanks to Sue, they had a table waiting for us, even though we were about an hour later than expected.  Their gyro's are great, and they were even kind enough to whip up a meat loaf sandwich for Dan and Len.  The ride home was more direct and and very comfortable after a fine lunch.  It was a little cool riding up and back, so on the ride back we saw THE ORANGE GLOVES for the first time in a few months. Just like the changing of the leaves, when the OG's come out, fall is here and winter is on its way.  It was another great day on two wheels.   Steve

Wow!! Highlands is tough on traffic violators.....

Friday 09/23/16 Ride

Fellow Riders,

• Friday is projected to be a fine day for a ride in the mountains so I am planning to chug on up to Franklin, NC for some lunch at the Gazebo Creekside Café.  We’ve been there before and I thought it was worth another try.  Hope you can join me.    Dan

Gazebo Creekside Café

Trip Advisor - Gazebo Creekside Café

• Eight riders came to ride along with Dan today.  It was another fine fall summer day in South Carolina.  Those joining Dan were Gadget, Jim H (road king), Rob, Pat, me, Bill, OG Bob, and Bob B, who, based on his LL Bean wardrobe, might have thought we were going to do some hunting as well as riding today. After circling Salem, we made our way up Bear Tooth Pass, also known as Hwy 130, and headed for Hwy 64 in Cashiers. Dan took the very scenic route by turning onto Buck Creek Road.  This awesome winding mountain road took us within a few miles of our destination.  Parking is always a problem at Gazebo Creekside Café, but the food and service are quite good, so it's worth the trip.  Our server Brittany, was super.  She moved tables together, took our drink and food orders right away, and kept checking on us to make sure we were all set.  After lunch, we took the express, Hwy 441, from Franklin to Clayton, and of course, got onto War Woman for another great road to get us back home.  The calendar says fall, and while we were in the mountains, it felt like it, but by the time we got home, it was more like a summer day.  Overall, it was another great day on two wheels.    Steve

Click on link below...
Where Bears go when not harassing motorcyclists

Friday 09/16/16 Ride

Fellow Riders,

• Leading the Friday Ride group has its “Pros” & “Cons”.  On the “Con” side the leader occasionally is the first to encounter any road hazards.  On the “Pro” side the leader gets to pick the restaurant.  Yea!!!  So, I’m thinking I would like to ride up to Saluda, NC for some lunch at the Green River BBQ  Hope you can join me for this one.     Dan

Trip Advisor - Green River BBQ

Friday 09/09/16 Ride

Fellow Riders,

• Take 2 -   Since unpredictable weather forced us off in a different direction, I would like to try our Blue Ridge Parkway ride again this week and plan on eating at LuLu’s on Main in Sylva, NC.  Hope you can join me.    Dan

Lulu's on Main

Trip Advisor - Lulu's on Main

• It was a hot morning, so a ride on the much cooler Parkway sounded like a great idea. Those that ventured out to ride along with Dan were Gadget, Len, David D., me, Russ, Pat, Bill, and OG Bob. Dan opted to hit the Parkway before lunch, so we made our way to Hwy 215 and scooted up the mountain.  As we rode along, we were passed by 4 other riders that zoomed by us like we were a bunch of old retirees.  I guess they were in a hurry to get on the Blue Ridge.  The temps were refreshingly cooler at the higher elevation.  We stopped at the Richland Overlook, elevation 6,053 feet, and took in the spectacular view.  Russ took some great photos, including the one below.  We got back on the bikes and drove into Sylva where Sue had called ahead to LuLu's and a table was waiting.  Dan led us down Hwy 107 toward home and that's when the real excitement occurred.  After crossing over on Wigginton and turning south on Hwy 130, Dan (aka - Running Bear??) encountered a juvenile bear in his lane.  The bear decided to bolt on across the road just as Dan started to move around him and was greeted by Dan's front tire.  Dan kept control of the bike and the bear kept running across the road.  It took the bear a couple tries to get up the embankment, but he did disappear into the woods.  I know Dan had mentioned he had never seen a bear in the area, but this is definitely not how you want to see your first bear. Fortunately, because this group is made up of good, safe riders, there were no serious consequences.  Wow!! What a ride, and still another great day on two wheels.   Steve

Photo by Russ

A larger version of the actual bear Dan hit......

This is how Dan describes the bear he encountered......

Friday 09/02/16 Ride

Fellow Riders,

• It seems I missed a good ride last Friday.  Fortunately, a member of the wedding party was a Harley rider, so I had someone to commiserate with.  Definitely not the same as riding one’s cycle.  This Friday I figured it would be OK to get back to our traditional lunch schedule.  Speaking of traditions, we usually do a jaunt on the Blue Ridge Parkway so I would like to try that again by going to LuLu’s on Main in Sylva, NC.  Hope you can join me for this one.    Dan

Lulu's on Main

Trip Advisor - Lulu's on Main

• Six riders came to Key Mart for a ride to Sylva, NC today.  However, Dan called an "audible" and we headed to Clayton, GA instead.  Although the upstate, north of I85, seemed to be outside the projected cone of the storm track, I believe Dan was looking at the skies and radar, guessing the storm may be headed our way in spite of the forecasts.  There was no disagreement among the other riders which included Gadget, Lesley (great to have her back after many weeks away, and many miles away from her home on the coast), Len, me, Bob B., and OG Bob.  Rumor Hazit is always a good choice and gives us an opportunity to take a ride on War Woman.  Sue had called in and a table was waiting for us when we arrived.  They have great sandwiches and the grouper ruben is always my favorite.   Lesley made an early exit to get back home, and Bob B. went to visit a friend in the area after we finished lunch.  The remaining four of us left Clayton and worked our way through the flashing red light at Hwy 441 (no fun when trying to cross a 4 lane highway this busy).  There was some mist on the windshield as we rode east on Hwy 76, but no other rain was encountered.  It was a good call to not get on the Parkway which certainly would have cloudy vistas that are not that impressive.  Even with the gray skies, it was another great day on two wheels.     Steve

http://www.rumorhazit.us/