20 Jan 07

Ride Leaders: Curt and Sue Pratt

Destination: Aiken, SC

 
The first Chapter 124 club ride for 2007 started out as a cold but sunny January morning and the start time of 8:30 barely gave the sun a chance raise the temperature.  Undaunted, eleven motorcycles arrived in Pontiac and were ready for kicks up at 9:00.  The riders today included some new members and some good friends we had not seen in a long time.  The magic was there already.
 
Our first stop was just a chance to let the sun warm us a bit.  Several of the Yankees in the group were treated to boiled P-nuts and found them to be very tasty (amazing!).  After P-nuts and slight warming we headed down the road for Gaston.
 
Our ride to Gaston featured some roads untraveled by most in the group and we saw trees shrouded in Spanish Moss as we circled around the Congaree Swamp area.  The sun was bright in a blue sky so the morning ride was beautiful.  Our line of bikes stretched beautifully along the road.
 
We arrived in Gaston for a break and by now the sun's heat could be felt.  We picked up another rider here, making a total of 12 bikes and 15 members.  We then headed out for the ride to sleepy Aiken. 
 
Heads turned as our string of bikes motored thru the quiet tree-lined streets of Aiken, finally pulling up in front of Arri's Grill.  A small restaurant, we completely filled the place with Starriders and we were treated to their deluxe (and famous) cheeseburgers.
 
After the cheeseburgers we stopped at Hopeland Gardens for a walking tour of the gardens, fountains, and flowers.  Serenity and relaxation were the main course here.
 
Now we were ready for Tea and Scones!  We pulled 12 motorcycles in front of the Aiken Tea House for what must have been a photographic moment for Aiken residents.  One car even stopped to catch the scene on a cell phone camera.  We were graciously welcomed into the tea house.  Imagine Chapter 124, dressed in leathers and riding boots, walking into the parlor where tables were impeccably set, including fine linen napkins in oversized brass rings and fine china on the table.  We were given the full course here, scones and biscuits with Devon cream and Raspberry curd, even honey placed especially for the tea. 
 
The choices for tea were almost without limit and two pots of tea were set for each table.  At first there was some joking and a slight giddiness from it all but the group settled into great conversations and the enjoyment of tea.  As if to compliment the Yankees wolfing boiled P-nuts in the morning, the rednecks were now enjoying hot tea.
 
We left Aiken in time to get home before the dark and cold temps returned. 
Ride total was 186 miles.