27-28 Jan Ride 07

This weekend produced something extra, TWO RIDES:

Saturday 1/27/07: Destination, Yoder's Dutch Kitchen at Abbeville, SC

Ride leader: Mike Griswold 219 miles

This was a big one! We had 15 bikes and 21 riders. Only a few of the regulars were absent,,,,, But what's happening here is,, WE ARE GETTING BACK TO A LOT OF REGULARS!

We met at the Flying J,,,, right where we left off last weekend.

It started out in the 30's but with our flexible start time of 10:30 it wasn't bad at all. By the afternoon it was in the mid 60's (El Niño again?).

Carrie led the first mile because I didn't know how to get out of the parking lot. With Patrick as tail gunner and Craig as wingman, our fair size troupe was in good shape.

Then, it was old hat for me, up 215 to 34 to a stretch break at Newberry (I-26).

We found out Greenwood has longer stop lights than anywhere else in the state.

(Clutch hand get a little warn?) We made it to Yoder's around 1 or so.

There was a large line,,,,,,, IT WAS US!!

They were able to give us plenty of table space in the back room. We sat down to some of the best food in the state. Service was great and friendly.

After that, we took Carrie's friends advice and found the "National Historic Site at 96".

This is a revolutionary war battlefield and town site that now looks a bit like a par 3 course.

THE FORT IS STAR SHAPED! Kind of looks like the troops back then were Starriders too.

We took the one mile walk (to walk out the Shoo Fly Pie from Yoder's).

From there we headed south through Saluda to find I-20 to drop off a few.

We almost hit a 30-40# bob cat just south of the Saluda traffic circle. What an awesome creature and fast too.

The group really did great, looking in the mirror between hills it was a perfect formation. I think the waves and honks from on coming traffic and locals said it looked pretty cool.

As advertised, I don't know squat about Lexington, so I did some quick lane maneuvers to find my way. All followed like they knew where I was headed.

We stopped at I-20, US#1 near Lexington to coffee up and shake hands (and hugs to some), then the last of the group split up at exit 82.

That added another 219 miles to the 6th ride this month.

WOW...............

But wait,,,,,,,,, there then was a SUNDAY, 1/28/07 ride too!

Destination: Barnyard Flea market to St. Mathews to Elgin

Ride leader Patrick Valentine 81 miles

We had posted for any takers for Sunday but it kind of looked like most everyone had chores or plans. Well, Sunday morning, between Paul and Patrick we decided to meet at the Barnyard Flea Market (Leather Shop). I did a last minute web post and also called Ken and Debbie.

We ended up with 4 bikes and 5 riders. After a few leather goods purchased, we followed new ride leader Patrick down Hwy 176 to look for a fine dining experience in St. Mathews. When we found the finest food establishment in town, Paul said "My treat, the sky is the limit". Oh, forgot to tell you the only thing open in town is the Piggly Wiggly and Hardees'. As we like our food cooked,,, it was Hardees'. We were treated like visiting royalty.

Before we were to loose the sun (the temp was supposed to drop quick, it did, high winds too) we headed north on 601 to end up at,,,,,, you guessed it, exit 82 Shell station.

Another fine time. This one was 81 miles, 4 bikes and 5 riders.

SO, IF YOU ADD ALL 7 RIDES DONE THIS MONTH I THINK IT IS AROUND 1363 MILES.

THAT'S WHAT I'M TALKING ABOUT. WE ARE HERE TO RIDE!

MIKE GRISWOLD