Friday 12/29/17 Ride

Fellow Riders,

• Even though Friday is supposed to be silly cold, it is my last chance to do a Friday Ride in 2017 so I’m planning to grit it out.  My plan is to just ride to Pendleton for some lunch at the Islander Pub and Grill.  Although the distance may not be something to brag about, we can talk about the temps.  If you’re still here and want to cause yourself a little more suffering before year end, let’s plan to leave the Key Mart parking area about 10:30 AM this Friday.  Hope Santa was good to you.    Dan

Hopefully, it won't be this cold......

Trip Advisor - Islander Pub and Grill

• Six riders came out for a short and very cool ride to Pendleton.  Dan kept the ride interesting by venturing along some familiar roads in Pickens and Anderson counties, but not so long that we started to ice up in the under 40 degree (before windchill) temperatures.  The riders along with Dan included Len, Steve G., me, Neal, and Ed. We were the only patrons when we arrived at Islander Pub and Grill.  Hot coffee, served in mugs that provided some warmth to the hands, and the soup/sandwich combination were quite popular in our group.  The service was good and so was the food.  A few more customers wandered in by the time we were ready for a somewhat direct ride home.  No one suffered frost bite from the chilly weather and overall, it was another great day on two wheels.     Steve

We passed Santa as he was heading back north after a busy Christmas.....
That might be Lesley waving from the upper level of the bus.....

Friday 12/22/17 Ride

Fellow Riders,

• Those of us still around may get a break in the weather so my holiday present to myself will be a scooter ride down to Iva, SC for some lunch at Griffs Gourmet Garage.  If you would like to join me let’s plan to leave the Key Mart parking area about 10:30 AM Friday morning.  Hope you can make it.  If not, have a safe Merry Christmas.    Dan

Have a Merry Christmas!!

Griff's Gourmet Garage - Facebook

Friday 12/15/17 Ride

Fellow Riders,

• Winter has finally caught up with us forcing a more southerly destination for those of us who think we can ride year around.  I’m going to bundle up and ride over to Nick Henry’s Restaurant in Powdersville.  If you have some old snowmobile warm stuff, it’s time to get it out and meet at the Key Mart parking area for a 10:30 AM departure.  Hope to see you there.     Dan

Trip Advisor - Nick Henry's

• It was a cool and overcast day for the ride Dan planned that would take us to Nick Henry's in Powdersville.  Along with Dan, the group of seven included Len, me, Russ, Steve G., Gary, and OG Bob with the amazing technicolor orange gloves.  It takes some creativity for a scenic ride to Powdersville, but Dan was up to the challenge.  We snaked our way through Pickens and Anderson counties, stretching the typical 35 mile trip to over an hours ride through the country.  Len and Steve G. said the temperatures never got above 45 - 46 degrees and some of us were starting to feel the chill by the time we got to our destination.  Although Siri and Sue tried, no special seating was waiting for us when we arrived.  The restaurant takes your order, you find a table, and they'll call your name when it's ready.  Having checked out the menu ahead of our ride, I knew I would have to give the "bird dog" a try.  One might think it was a chicken based hot dog, but actually, it's like a deep fried chicken finger stretched out on a hot dog bun.  It was rather tasty, and along with the slaw and french fries made for a good lunch. (If it ain't fried, it ain't food??)  After lunch, OG Bob headed off for Greenville, and Dan led the rest of us through Easley and on to home.  It never really got warm, and the sun just couldn't break through the clouds.  Overall, it was still another great day on two wheels.     Steve

Friday 12/08/17 - You're on Your Own

Fellow Riders,

• We’ve been lucky with the weather so far but now it’s time to pay the piper.  Considering the worsening forecast I’m not planning a ride this Friday, as much as I would like to.  For those riding regardless, meet at the Key Mart parking area for a 10:30 departure and pick a destination and ride leader at that time.  Ride Safe.    Dan

Highway 76 just west of Clayton on 12/08.....  Good call Dan!!

Friday 12/01/17 Ride

Fellow Riders,

• Seems Mother Nature is giving us another nice day so I’m planning to use it to scoot on up to Flat Rock, NC for some lunch at the Flat Rock Wood Room.  Hope you can join me.  If so, let’s plan to leave the Key Mart parking area about 10:30 AM this Friday.   Dan

Flat Rock Wood Room

• It certainly did not feel like December 1st for the riders that came out for a ride to Flat Rock.  The baker's dozen group included leader Dan, David D., Len, me, Gary, Steve G., Kevin, Doug (on his new ride - an HD Fat Bob (see pics below)), Bill (with newest edition of Full Throttle Magazine, including his six articles), Pat, Terry, Bob B., and OG Bob. Dan worked his magic and turned a ride of 60 miles into a nearly two hour run through the Upstate of South Carolina and into North Carolina.  On mostly familiar roads, the ride was very interesting as we traveled northward on roads we usually travel southward.  Amazing how different the road looks coming from the other direction.  Thanks to Siri and Sue, tables for 13 were set up (again in a room far away from their non-motorcycle customers) and we were greeted by our server Evangeline.  She told us about the specials for the day and took our drink orders.  After our drink orders arrived, the owner stopped by looking for Dan and thanked him for bringing the group in.  He also quizzed Bob B. about is Ducati, but declined an offer to take it for a ride, fearing he may then want to buy it.  Our group did a good job of trying out many items on the menu, including the special wings.  Bill was hungry for some coleslaw, but didn't want to pay the $3 upcharge.  The server must have felt sorry for him, because she eventually brought him a serving of the slaw and said it was on the house.  OG Bob ordered one of the tallest hamburgers most of us had ever seen and made a gallant attempt to consume it. It took a little while to settle the bills, and then we headed out.  David D. and I took the express route home due to some commitments we had and Dan led the remainder of the group on another great route home.  Overall, it was another great day on two wheels.     Steve 

Doug now has a photo of two "Fat Bobs"

OG Bob's lunch - ruler reflects actual scale......

Friday 11/24/17 Ride

Fellow Riders,

• Friday looks like it will be a good day for a ride.  I thought I would head up to Chattooga Belle Farms for lunch at Belle's Bistro.  A cool ride should help us get over any residual tryptophan from Turkey Day.  We'll plan to leave Key Mart parking area at 10:30.  Hope to see you there.    Steve

Chattooga Belle Farm

Trip Advisor - Chattanooga Belle Farm

• It was a sunny and slightly cool day for the group of motorcyclists that arrived at the Key Mart parking area for a ride to Chattooga Belle Farm (not to be confused with "Chattanooga Belle Farm" as noted in my email earlier this week. Note to self - pay attention to auto spellcheck corrections).  There were eight riders and three "cagers" that came for the ride.  The riders included me, Rob, Dan, Lesley (up from the coast for a rare visit from our former regular rider), Steve G., Bob D., Chuck G., and Kevin (the Campbell's Scottish Highlands Golf Course is closed for the season).  The cagers included Pat and wife Tamara, and Bill with copies of the November issue of Full Throttle Magazine.  He assures us he will have published articles in the December issue.  The ride to Long Creek took us through Oconee County on some familiar and scenic roads.  Chattooga Belle closes this weekend for the season, but they assured me they would be open on the day after Thanksgiving.  We arrived and were welcomed by a couple of friendly servers and they set up a table for eleven.  The server showed us where the self-serve drinks were and also took some hot coffee orders for those needing to shake off some of the chill from the ride.  After taking our orders, we were served fairly quickly with a variety of choices from their menu.  The restaurant was not crowded and we enjoyed the view of the mountains.  It was a perfectly clear day to take in the wonderful vistas.  After lunch, the cagers and a couple of riders took a more direct route home and the rest of us headed north toward Mountain Rest.  The ride north was scenic and virtually no traffic.  Although we did not stop, a quick glance at the overlook on Wigington Road was spectacular.  The lakes looked incredible.  As we headed south on Hwy 130, we made the usual cut over to gas up at Little River Road and Hwy 11.  Overall, it was another great day on two wheels.     Steve

Friday 11/17/17 Ride

Fellow Riders,

• Steve has run off to see his new grandson (can’t blame him for that) leaving us to fend for ourselves, so I’m planning to putt on up to Landrum, SC for some lunch at the Hare & Hound Pub.  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

The Hare & Hound

• I'm sure it was another great day on two wheels for the ride to the Hare & Hound.  But I couldn't resist getting to hold this guy:

I believe he's smiling because he knows he'll get to ride a Harley with his grandfather one  day......
Photo by Jennifer Riley

Friday 11/10/17 Ride

Fellow Riders,

• This ride notice is a little early, but just wanted to let you know I plan on stopping by the Vietnam Moving Wall on Friday after we have lunch.  I plan on going to the Midtown Grill in Clarkesville, GA.  We can then head back so we'll be at the Blue Ridge Cooperative office at Hwy's 123 and 11, between 1:30 and 2:00, where the Wall will be on display.  I know some riders may be going for the opening ceremony as well.  Sounds like a good day to honor our fellow veteran riders and all those that have served and are serving.  We'll leave the Key Mart parking area at 10:30, this Friday.  Hope you can make it.    Steve

Midtown Grill - Clarkesville, GA

• Once again, a perfect fall day in the Upstate of South Carolina.  Eight riders, including me, came to the Key Mart parking lot for a ride into Georgia this morning.  The other riders included Len, Dan, Doug, David D., Terry, Neil, and OG Boob.  We made our way southwest by winding through the back roads of Oconee county, avoiding downtown Walhalla, and into Georgia across the Tugaloo River.  We went around the outskirts of Toccoa and continued on the less travel roads to get into Clarkesville.  This was the first time for a visit to Midtown Grill, and thanks to a call ahead by Paulette, they knew we were coming.  They had plenty of room and it was not too crowded.  Based on their menu, hamburgers seemed to be their specialty and that is what most people ordered.  OG Bob did provide instructions to the server on how the Philly Steak should be made and there were no complaints on how it turned out.  The trip home included a stop at the Vietnam Moving Wall located at the Blue Ridge Cooperative office at Hwy's 123 and 11.  Even at half the size of the original in Washington, D.C., it is a moving tribute to those that fought and died during that war.  A lot of ROTC students were on hand from Oak High School to get understanding of the sacrifice that was made for all of us.  It was a moving tribute and we owe our veterans so much, especially being able to spend another great day on two wheels.  Veterans - thanks for your service.   Steve

Vietnam Moving Wall Memorial 11/10/17

Friday 11/03/17 Ride

Fellow Riders,

• The weather temps are looking good for a ride to Clayton for lunch at the Universal Joint on Friday.  If that sounds good to you, we'll plan to leave the Key Mart parking area at 10:30.  Hope to see you there.    Steve 

Universal Joint

• Our string of great fall days continued today and made for a very enjoyable ride to Clayton.  There were ten riders, including me, that came to Key Mart to meet up for the ride.  The other riders included Dan, Len, Gary, Bill (and the latest issue of Full Throttle Magazine), Pat, Doug, Neil, Ed, and OG Bob ( welcome back from HH).  We took some of the usual roads on our way up to Clayton.  We did veer off onto Seed Tick Road (Rob showed us this once) to add some nice twisties and come into Clayton on Main Street.  Len decided more riding was going to be better than lunch, so he continued north toward Lake Burton.  Since Siri still refuses to "call Sue" when I ask, I sent a text to Paulette to call ahead and let the Joint know we were coming.  When we arrived, we had a table outside waiting for us.  By this time, the sun was shining brightly and it was perfect for dining outside.  The service was great and so was the food.  I was glad we arrived early and had a table waiting because it was getting crowded by noon time.  The ride home was on the always great War Woman.  I believe we hit that road at precisely the peak color.  The fall colors were a little late this year, but War Woman looked like a magazine spread.  The colors continued on Hwy 28, but did gradually fade as we rode to lower elevations.  Overall, it was another great day on two wheels.      Steve

Trip Advisor - Universal Joint

OG Bob, Ed, and some of the other riders really enjoying War Woman.....

Friday 10/27/17 Ride

Fellow Riders,

• This Friday I’m planning to ride on up to Etowah, NC for some lunch at the Dutch Cupboard and maybe catch some colors along the way.  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

The Dutch Cupboard - Facebook

• It was a picture perfect day for a ride up to North Carolina.  Clear skies and fall like temperatures helped entice eight riders to come out for a trip into the mountains.  Joining Dan were Rob, Len, Gary, me, Doug, Bill, and Pat (glad to see you back).  Dan led us through the upstate counties and toward Etowah via Flat Rock, NC.  The scenery was great and we did see more color as we made our way north.  The colors are definitely coming slowly and certainly have not yet peaked. Dan enlisted the help of Siri, on his organic free-range iPhone, to send Sue a text.  Siri can be a big help, but she told Sue the time we'd arrive was 1,215.  Sue, able to translate Siri-speak, managed to arrange for a table and it was waiting for us when we arrived.  Not surprisingly, our table was in the corner of the "closed" section, but our server greeted us with a smile and took our drink and food orders.  Several riders took advantage of some of the specials on the "meat and three" menu.  The food came fairly quickly, and the only problem with the orders was that one rider was missing some pickles.  The food was good and after the leisurely lunch, we headed west on Hwy 64 to return home.  The route Dan used took us through some scenic valleys and along side an abandoned rail road.  Several of us stopped at Durham's to gas up for the next ride before making it home.  It was a perfect fall day and another great day on two wheels.    Steve

Trip Advisor - The Dutch Cupboard Restaurant

Friday 10/20/17 Ride

Fellow Riders,

• This Friday I thought I would ride on over to the Copper Pot In Clarkesville, GA for some lunch.  This ride will be on familiar roads and a familiar restaurants but a nice ride anyway.  If you would like to join me let’s plan to meet at the Key Mart parking area about 10:30 AM this Friday.  Hope you can make it.     Dan

The Copper Pot Restaurant

Friday 10/13/17 Ride

Fellow Riders,

• If we can keep the rain away this Friday my plan is to scoot on up to Brevard, NC for some lunch at Magpie Meat and Three.  We’ve been to Brevard many times but not to this place so let’s give it a shot.  Join us at the Key Mart parking area for a 10:30 AM departure.  Hope you can make it.     Dan

Magpie Meat & Three

Trip Advisor- Magpie Meat & Three

• Friday the 13th, an iffy, rainy forecast, what could go wrong?  Well, today for six riders, nothing went wrong and the worst we had was a little fog (and a couple of big rain drops) on our windshields.  This would not have counted as a bike by wash by OG Bob.  The six riders, including Dan, were Len, me, Steve G., Gary, and Ed.  Dan took us through Pickens county via Hwy 178 as we crossed into North Carolina.  The Magpie Meat & Three was a couple blocks off the main drag in Brevard.  The area looks to be in transition to become a trendy destination.  Thanks to a text to Sue by Dan, they were ready for us when we arrived.  The service started a little slow, but was good and our meal came fairly quickly.  The food was good and included some of their barbecue and smoked sausage.  They could have used a little more variety in their sauce selection, but it seemed everyone enjoyed their order.  Based on the extensive craft beer list on the large blackboard, this is someplace worth trying when not on a motorcycle.  The ride home took us down Hwy 276 to Hwy 11, and got us home in good time. With gray skies and no rain, it was another great day on two wheels.      Steve

  

Only the REALLY cool bikes got to park next to the door.....

Friday 10/06/17 Ride

Fellow Riders,

• It appears that Mother Nature is going to give us a chance to ride another day in the mountains so I’m planning to scoot on up to the Chophouse at LaPrade’s Marina on Lake Burton in Georgia.  It is a bit of a trek but the roads are a great ride, then we can make our way back through Clayton onto Warwoman.  If you can get those bikes cranked up let’s plan to leave the Key Mart parking area about 10:30 AM this Friday.  Hope you can make it.    Dan

LaPrades Chophouse on Lake Burton

• Sadly, I couldn't make the ride this week, but you can see from the pictures above, courtesy of Bob B., there was a pretty good turn out on a fabulous weather day.  I wasn't the only one that could not make the ride, however.  OG Bob sent me the photo below.  He and his lovely bride are in Hilton Head, and apparently,  he decided to rent a "bike" to ride on the beach and let her do the driving.  It had to be another great day on two wheels.     Steve

OG Bob and Marie in Hilton Head......

Friday 09/29/17 Ride

Fellow Riders,

• I'm going to be out of town this Friday.  Dan should be back, but he may not have time to plan a ride in advance.  I would recommend meeting at Key Mart and be ready for a 10:30 departure.  Also, come with a destination in mind in case Dan doesn't have one.   See you next week.      Steve

Okay, we're ready!!  Where are we going?

Friday 09/20/17 Lunch Ride

Fellow Riders,

• It seems the hurricanes just keep coming, but Friday is looking good for a ride up to Hendersonville, NC, for lunch at Mean Mr. Mustard Cafe.  If that sounds good to you, let's plan to leave the Key Mart parking area at 10:30.  Hope to see you there.     Steve

Trip Advisor - Mean Mr. Mustard Cafe

• It felt a lot like a hot August morning on this first day of fall 2017.  The high humidity wasn't enough, though, to keep seven riders from wanting to take a ride to higher elevations.  Joining me today were Len (weary traveler - welcome back), Russ, David D., Gary, Bob D., and Doug.  The route we took was on familiar roads through Pickens and Greenville counties as we wound our way north.  The air started to feel good around 2,000 feet, and the humidity was not as bad.  I took chance on not calling ahead, and it worked out just fine.  A couple of empty tables were on the shaded front porch.  With two servers taking care of us, we got our drinks and food in good time.  One of the tables must have been a little confused, thinking todays ride was a "breakfast" ride.  However, the pancakes and bacon they ordered did look quite good.  The rest of us took advantage of their Beatles themed menu and the sandwiches and soup were also quite good.  On the way south, we stopped at Sky Top Orchard and had our fill of fresh and hot cinnamon donuts and cider - JUST KIDDING! OG Bob, we couldn't be that mean to you....  The ride home got hotter and more humid as we dropped down a 1,000 feet.  Overall, it was another great day on two wheels.      Steve

Stairway to the Beatles

We missed Dan this week as he was off
to a bicycle ride.  I assumed that, he would,
you know, be riding a bicycle.......

We missed OG Bob, as well.
He sent this photo of he and
his family rehearsing for a
diversity parade in Camden....

Friday 09/15/17 Ride

Fellow Riders,

• It looks like the next hurricane, Josè, has decided to give the US a break.  So, this Friday looks like a good day to ride.  I thought we could head north to Kostas Family Restaurant in Dillsboro, NC.  If you're up for riding, and have the branches picked up in your yard (thanks a lot Irma), meet me at the Key Mart parking area for a 10:30 am departure.   Hope to see you there.    Steve

Kostas Family Restaurant

• The weather was once again great for a ride.  A total of 9 riders, including myself, came out for the trip up the mountain to Kostas.  The other riders included Dan, Neil, Bob D., Doug, Russ, Gary, David D., and of course OG Bob.  With the tropical storm force winds a few days earlier thanks to Irma, there was some concern roads may be blocked.  After a check of the NC DOT website and a phone call to confirm, the NC roads were clear and available for the ride.  However, I had seen nothing that indicated Wigington Road, the SC road between Hwy's 130 and 107, was closed.  It was nice that the county actually had signs up and we didn't have to go a couple of miles and turn around.  This changed my planned route, buy Hwy 64 and 107, are always fun to drive.  You could see a lot of evidence of the storm along the way, but the roads were in pretty good shape, except for a couple of miles of 64 that were being mowed.  We arrived on schedule and thanks to the call ahead by Paulette, they had a table set up for us.  The gyro's were quite a popular choice and they were quite good as usual.  After lunch, a few riders took a different route back that included Hwy's 441 and 76, while the rest of us followed the river along South River road, and then took the same route home we had taken to get there.  The wildlife viewed today included a couple of very luck otters that managed to make it across the very busy Hwy 107 along Lake Glenville, and a healthy looking red fox that decided to duck back in to the woods as got close to Salem.  The ride was not exactly as I had planned, but with the great weather, it was another great day on two wheels.    Steve

Friday 09/08/17 Ride

Fellow Riders,

• I'm thinking we can get a lunch ride in this Friday as long as Irma doesn't hit the gas as it heads north.  I'm planning to go to Larkin's Carolina Grill in Columbus, NC.  If you're ready for a ride, let's leave the Key Mart parking area at 10:30 am.  I appreciate all the rides Dan has planned.  It gets a little tough planning around the recent surge in hurricane activity.    Steve

Larkin's Carolina Grill

Trip Advisor - Larkin's Carolina Grill

Definitely want to avoid this one!!

• Since the weather folks are spending so much time giving all the bad weather to Texas and Florida, we were able to have a perfect day in the SC Upstate to make a lunch ride to Larkins in Columbus, NC.  Those joining me for the ride today were Dan, Bill (latest Full Throttle Mag), David  D. (guaranteeing a Tiger victory in Clemson on Saturday - could be Clemson, could be Auburn), Gary, Terry, Russ, Doug C. (new rider - welcome), Rob, and in his usual spot OG Bob.  Kind of like the fashion rule to not wear white after Labor Day, OG Bob's rule is it's time to wear the orange gloves after Labor Day, cold temps or not.  The route today took us on some familiar roads and also a couple that were new to most of us.  It was pointed out that we passed a lot of fire houses as we worked our way through Pickens and Greenville counties.  When we arrived at Larkins, they were ready for us thanks to Paulette making the reservation.  The sign board listed the daily special - home made pimento cheese with ham sandwich, and it was almost unanimously ordered.  The very hot firehouse burger (this rider must have been inspired by all the fire houses we passed) was the only exception.  The service was good and so was the food.  The sandwich special and French onion soup were definite hits.  The ride home took us to Saluda on the winding and fun Hwy 176 and then south through the Greenville Watershed area.   (Note to Len - I didn't miss the River Rd turn this time.) The scenery in the watershed is great, but it sure would be nice to see Old Hwy 25 resurfaced.  Several of the riders peeled off as we got closer to home and stopped for the post ride fill-up.  Overall, it was another great day on two wheels.     Steve

 

I received a photo of our fellow rider and retired pilot checking out a potential new ride........

Friday 09/01/17 Ride

Fellow Riders,

• Based on the precipitation forecast for Friday, I won't be planning a ride.  You don't want to "mess" with the remnant of a hurricane that "messed" with Texas.  Thoughts and prayers for all those impacted by the record storm.     Steve

Friday 08/25/17 Ride

Fellow Riders,

• My plan is to continue the breakfast rides to beat some of the heat and the possibility of rain later in the day.  Friday I’m thinking of riding on up to Cashiers for some breakfast at the Randevu restaurant.  Most of us seemed to enjoy their breakfast last time we were there so let’s try it again.  If you would like to join me let’s plan to leave the Key Mart parking area about 8:30 AM this Friday.  Hope you can make it.     Dan

Randevu Restaurant

Friday 08/18/17 Ride

Fellow Riders,

• Breakfast seems like a good way to beat some of the heat so I’m planning to ride to Tokeena, SC for some breakfast at the Farm Café and then get in some extra miles on the return.  My hope is to be back for a Noonish engagement in Seneca.   If you can join me let’s plan to leave the Key Mart parking area about 8:30 AM this Friday.    Dan

Has earned the right to have "Farm" in the name of their Café ........

Farm Café - Facebook

Friday 08/11/17 Ride

Fellow Riders,

• The current weather forecast for Friday isn't too optimistic, but we may be able to get a breakfast and short ride in before the clouds cut loose.  I was thinking we should try the Sunny Side Cafe in Clemson, and depending on how the weather looks after breakfast, ride some more or head home.  If you're optimistic and adventuresome, let's plan on leaving the Key Mart Parking area at 8:30 am on Friday.  Watch your email in case the run decides to come in sooner.  Hope it's dry and I'll see you there.   Steve

Sunny Side Cafe

• Well, at 8 am this morning, I sent out an email that said no ride because it was raining.  Then, things changed.  The fair Paulette was on her way out and came back in to tell me that it was not raining at that moment and that OG Bob just went by on his Yamaha.  She said she even saw some blue sky.  Based on her convincing me, I headed to the Key Mart parking area and sure enough, there were riders waiting to go on a ride.  Some crazy idiotic adventuresome (the 4 of us reached consensus on this adjective at breakfast) riders decided it was worth the risk to try for breakfast.  The other riders besides OG Bob and I were Gary and Terry.  The skies were quite ominous and the streets still damp as we made our way on the short ride to Clemson.  As common sense fate would have it, as we turned on to Hwy 133, it began to sprinkle.  The sprinkle, of course, quickly evolved into steady/heavy rain as we got closer to our destination. There was no problem getting a table in the restaurant as people not even riding motorcycles had determined it was not a good morning to venture out.  When we entered the restaurant, we were greeted by two obviously fair weather riders which turned out to be Pat and Bill.  Once the chuckles and comments from Pat and Bill, as well as from some other patrons died down, we placed our order and got the coffee we needed.  Breakfast is always good at Sunny Side and today was no exception.  Eventually, we finished breakfast, still with wet jeans and feet (waterproof boots can't stop rain from running down your pant leg and into the boot), and the rain stopped.  This gave us the opportunity to take a direct route home and start to dry out.  Overall, it was another adventuresome day on two wheels.   Steve

Friday 08/0417 Ride

Fellow Riders,

• Since the afternoon is still looking iffy, I’m planning to ride to breakfast at Eva’s in Westminster, SC then take the long way home.  If you would like to join me, let’s plan to leave the Key Mart parking area about 8:30 AM this Friday.  Hope you can join me.    Dan

What more could you want -
Three eggs, grits, toast, ham, coffee under six bucks

Click here to see => Eva's cook, or food tester???

• Seven riders, including Dan, met at the Key Mart parking area to ride to Westminster for breakfast. Along with Dan were Len, David D., Steve G. (sold his old Beemer - yea!!), me, Ed and OG Bob.  Bill stopped by to deliver the latest issue of Full Throttle Magazine , pointing out an article he wrote on page 30 60 about this years Honoring Their Service event for the Marines that took place at Keowee Key in June.  It's typically a straight forward route for the average driver to get to Westminster, but Dan always has a plan to see plenty of back roads, alternative paths, and the occasional driveway.  Heck, he even went to the trouble of missing a couple of turns so I wouldn't feel bad when I make my foibles while leading. (Thanks Dan.) We had no trouble getting a large table, again in the back room, and ordering coffee and breakfast.  Our server was good and noted all the subtle changes to the food as requested by several of these rough around the edges bikers. Eva's does have some conscientious customers.  One guy picking up a carry-out order,  came in looking for the rider with the yellow helmet (Ed), telling us he stopped the helmet from rolling down toward the street.  Probably, another curious customer must have looked at the helmet and dropped it.  Len was able to reattach the face shield and there was no other apparent damage.  After breakfast, a couple riders headed home and Dan took the rest of us on more Oconee County roads for the ride home.  Overall, it was another great day on two wheels.     Steve

OG Bob checking out Len's new bike.  Says he's considering
moving "down" from his Yamaha to a Harley....  Yeah, right.