Keowee Key Friday Motorcycle Group: January 2019

Wednesday, January 30, 2019

Fellow Riders,

This Friday I plan to make my way to BJ’s Restaurant in Toccoa, GA for some lunch. 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 sun was shining and the temperature was slowly creeping above 40 degrees as nine riders met at the the Key Mart parking area for a ride to BJ's. Coming along with Dan were Len, me, Ray, Neil, Gary, Terry, Kevin, and Ed. BJ's in Toccoa is located southeast of our starting location, so accordingly, Dan begins the ride by heading north. It always amazes me how big Oconee County is and how Dan finds so many interesting roads for the group to ride on. We ultimately did begin a southeasterly direction on some familiar roads such as Ramsey Creek and Unity Church. These roads have some great curves and ultimately cross the Tugaloo River as we enter Georgia. There was not a big crowd when we arrived, but we did ask if we were to go to the back room where they usually sit us. This time, they actually seated us in the main restaurant. Apparently, we were a little less intimidating than usual. Len got our waitress off to a good start by telling her she didn't look too happy, but she gave him a little grief back and equilibrium was established. Our food and drinks came out in pretty good time and was tasty as usual. For the ride home, Dan took the more direct route through Westminster and Walhalla. By the time we got home, we were in the low 50's and the skies were still blue. It was another great day on two wheels. Steve

The bikes are enjoying the sun
as we head our for the ride home.

Fellow Riders,

Friday’s forecast is calling for cool but dry conditions so I am planning a ride to the Pompous Pig in Anderson. If you would like to join me let’s plan to leave the Key Mart parking area about 10:30am. Hope to see you then. Dan

It was just a little above 40 degrees this morning when eleven riders came out to go with Dan to the Pompous Pig in Anderson. The riders joining Dan included Len, me, Rob, Neil, Kevin, Gary Bill, Pat, Ed, and OG Bob. A day with sunny skies is always better and it certainly made the ride more enjoyable as the group of bundled up and electrified riders cut through the back roads of Oconee, Pickens, and Anderson counties. Knowing the chilly air (wind chill estimated around 32 degrees) would eventually work its way through our leathers, Dan planned an interesting route, but not one that was too long. We avoided the campus and road through the Clemson Experimental Forest as we stayed on back roads to get to Anderson. We were a little early, but they did have a table ready for us thanks again to Siri and Sue. We also beat the rush. The service was pretty fast, especially since they had a big pot of chili ready and that was the big favorite for our group. It's been a while since we've been there, but the food is always pretty good. The place was getting pretty crowded as we loaded up and hit the road toward home. Dan took us through more countryside and then Pendelton to avoid the busy roads. It was still in the 40's by the time we made it home, but with the sunny skies, it was still another great day on two wheels. Steve

Yum!!!

Fellow Riders,

Friday’s forecast is calling for mid 50s so I am planning a longer ride down to the Waterfall Grille at Cateechee Golf Course near Hartwell, GA. If that sounds like fun let’s plan to leave the Key Mart parking area at 10:30 AM Friday. Hope to see you there. Dan

The weather folks overpromised on the forecast for our Friday ride, but at least it was dry. Joining Dan for the ride were Neil, Russ, Gary, Terry, me, and OG Bob. Dan came up with quite a route to get us through Oconee and Anderson Counties and into Georgia. A little sign that says "Road Ends - 6 Miles" was no deterrent on his planned ride. We all had ~~confidence~~ hope that he knew exactly where he was going, and he did. The creative route through some pretty flat and livestock filled countryside, with only the occasional dung droppings, took most of us on roads we had not previously traveled. By the time we arrived, the overcast and cool temperatures had improved and may actually have made it to the mid-50's, but that was just while we ate. The ride home on a more direct route cooled down quite a bit as we drove into Seneca. It was great to get out for a ride and hopefully, the Sisters Restaurant folks are doing okay without our business. It was another great day on two wheels. Steve

Forecast on Wednesday - not really close
at all for Friday....

Fellow Riders,

The forecast is calling for dry conditions but not very warm so I’m planning a ride that is not too long. I’m thinking of going to the and hopefully we can ease into the cold. If you can join me let’s plan to leave the Key Mart parking area about 10:30 AM this Friday. Hope to see you there. Dan

Fellow Riders,

Our Friday Rides seem to be cursed. Because of the forecast for rain I will not be planning a ride. Those wishing to ride regardless of weather should meet at the Key Mart parking area and pick a destination and ride leader at that time. Those wishing to meet at Sister’s at 9:30 am can just “reply” to this note and I’ll make sure they can seat us. I think we are keeping them in business. Dan