Lest Ye Be Concerned

I realize a majority of my posts have been beer-related lately. (Hooray for beer!!!) However, I also realize that this blog is supposed to be about motorcycles and riding. That being said (and to alleviate any potential questions pertaining to me potentially losing my focus), here is a nice little wrap-up of the ride we went on yesterday.

The day dawned early. However, since my eyelids had only closed a mere couple of hours prior, I was not up to greet the dawning day. (There was still plenty of morning left, when the lids did finally creak open, though.)

A bit of a walk…all the way out to the couch, and then a bit of a sitdown to allow the brain to assemble enough working cells to get a plan into place. Once somewhat functionable, it was time for breakfast….a lovely breakfast that consisted of eggs, home fries, sausage, bacon, French toast and pancakes, and which was all prepared by fully-conscious people at the local breakfast joint.

From there, we eased into the day’s plan; a number of interconnected neighborhood roadways which eventually brought us out past Douglas and into Connecticut, where the roads are beautiful, and the traffic is light. Stretching the bike’s legs through the Douglas State Forest, we passed many cars on the side of the road, their owners off in the woods, exploring and enjoying. We even saw a horse trailer, emptied of its precious cargo. That was cool to see, as we knew the horses were also out in the woods, enjoying life.

From there, we avoided all major roads, preferring the twisty and turny cornering that can be found on many a CT back road. Roads that don’t even have route numbers, just names. So many great roads, but not enough time to explore them all. We eventually reached the Vanilla Bean and decided to pop in for a pee break. A couple of (non-alcoholic) refreshing drinks, some seat-time out at one of the tables, and then we were good to go again.

Exiting the parking lot, we maneuvered a tight u-turn around a rather confused woman who was standing in the middle of the road. But she had a purpose; she (and others, posted on all the connecting roads at the intersection) were doing a boot drive, collecting money for the local fire dept charities. My u-turn was necessary so that we could come alongside her and hand off our contribution to their cause. With a hearty Thank You from her, we rolled on into the distance, leaving civilization fading in the side mirrors.

A myriad of additional side roads (accompanied by road signs announcing “Scenic Road” – man, I love seeing those signs), and we were kicking back and enjoying the day. All this time, the skies had been a mix of light and dark clouds. No sunshine for us, despite rumors that that bright yellow disc would eventually make an appearance. And judging from the lightening ceiling above our heads, we didn’t have long to wait.

Sure enough, no sooner had we pulled into the Bach Door café’s parking lot, than the sun did indeed begin to shove the clouds out of the way. It was as if our arrival was being heralded for all to note. Alas, the heathens already in attendance gave little attention, nor appreciation, for the cool blue, yet bone-stock bike that disgorged us. No matter, we were here to enjoy our own company, and we needed no validation from those around us.

Inside the welcoming, darkened watering hole, we bellied up to the bar. Setting aside the morning’s non-alcoholic theme, we lightly (and gently!) eased ourselves into the frosty beerevage category, as well as laid down our hard-earned cash for a couple of their pricey roast beef dinners. Now when I say pricey, I mean it; a whopping $3 for a plate stacked high with roast beef, corn, and mashed taters. All around us, folks were arriving, ordering their own pricey meals, wolfing them down, and then either heading off to the roadways again, or kicking back outside in the now-strengthening sunshine. We took our time and savored the flavors entering our system, and then casually made our way out back to take up residence at one of the patio tables. Easing into the chairs, leaning back to let the sunshine wash our faces, and letting our lungs breathe in the fresh air….yep, it was indeed a great day.

After a short spell, we decided to hit the road again and make toward home. The day was getting long in the tooth, and there were still a couple of hours standing between here and home. We wrangled many more side roads (some familiar, some not) and were soon back in familiar territory. Despite our lack of physical exercise for the day, our bellies were telling us once again that they desired attention. We kicked around the idea of cooking back at the house, but the idea of nachos from the Toby Keith Bar and Grille won out easily.

Bellying up to yet another watering hole, we continued the theme of “light and easy” pace. We were fully content to just have one, but then a bartender I knew from Clyde’s came over and said hello, and bought us more. Oy! (Far be it from us to decline hospitality of that nature, though!)

All too soon, it was time to make a break for it and hit the road for home. I say “all too soon”, but in reality, it was none too soon! I was exhausted! Once home, it was all I could do to keep my eyes open (right up until it was time for bed, at which time I couldn’t seem to drop off. Stupid brain.)

So there you have it; a nice leisurely Sunday ride, full of leaning corners and laid-back straightaways. Long stretches of open fields, as well as windy sections with tight-knit trees. The scents of wildflowers accompanied us for many a mile as we meandered our way along. A truly great day!

But as calming and rejuvenating as the day was, the relaxation shall be short-lived; there have been reports of rumbles from the West. Olean is preparing to ride! They will be heading this way soon, and we shall welcome them with open arms! Drink shall flow, laughter will be heard long into the evening, and we'll create more great memories to be added to our already-long list of two wheeled tales.

I can't wait.

Ride Hard, Take Chances