“Keep The Rubber Side Down”

Departure Time:  8:30 a.m.

Destination:  Richmond, Indiana

Purpose:  Breakfast at any Greasy Spoon 

With temperatures forecasted for the 70’s today, I headed to Indiana in search of the biggest, greasiest, most unhealthy breakfast I could find.  I began the ride heading west on Interstate 70, eventually heading north in order to pick up the Old National Road, then follow it into Richmond. 

The scenery was dotted with freshly harvested corn fields, dilapidated barns, hundreds of cows, and many small towns sporting names such as; Clayton, Lewisburg, Shiloh, Eldorado, and Braffetsville.

Entering one of these small towns, I noticed a diner with a crowded parking lot, that can only mean one thing!  Great food!  (If the locals like it, you know it’s good!)  I pulled in and began taking off my gear, when I was warmly greeting by a few good ole boys on their way out.  The place was full of friends and neighbors, discussing everything from log splitters, Aunt Edna’s arthritis, to that “Damn Obama”.

I quickly perused the hand written menu and decided on the “Ultimate Breakfast”…

• 3 eggs
• Bacon and Sausage
• Fried taters
• Biscuits and sausage gravy
• Strong black coffee

I enjoyed the conversation and the delicious food, but soon it was time to continue on.  I moved to the cashier and handed her my debit card, “Oh we don’t have one of them machines here” she replied.  Stunned, I looked in my wallet and realized I only had three, one dollar bills!  “I better get the owner Sir” she retorted.  Soon the owner came over, and to make a long story short; I will be putting a check in the mail on Monday for $7.83.  Folks, this is why I ride!

here’s a few more pics of the day…

Tags: breakfast, touring

For three weeks my bride has been in Virginia opening a new office for her company.  She is soon to return, so last night I pulled out my trusty atlas to determine her best route home.  As I began looking at the many unexplored roads in Virginia, and West Virginia, I had the sudden urge to don my riding gear and take off.  (Dream sequence begins here…)  I was touring the twisties through the Alleghenies, in and out of small towns like Mt. Hope, Piney View,  Briar Knob, and Shady Springs.  Stopping for coffee and pie at Sally Mae’s cafe while listening to the locals tell the stories they have told a thousand times before.  My trip was suddenly interrupted by my cell phone ringing but be assured it won’t be long before I am taking this trip.

Tags: , touring, West Virginia

• I may be buying another bike today.  The owner is to bring it by Dealership for me to look at.  This would be a great time for such a purchase since my wife is in Virginia for a month.

• Sundays ride was full of lessons for me.  Every-time I get on the bike I want to learn something that will make me a better rider, be it mentally or in execution.  I will post some of the things I have been learning soon.

• On a recent ride I was decked out in my winter garb, but was still chilled after an hour or so.  Perhaps it is time to invest in the ole’ heated vest, pants, and gloves.  With Spring here maybe I can catch a sale!

• Hey, any advice on a V-Strom for touring?

Tags: heated vests, touring, v-strom