Week 4: Crowley's Restaurant (Girard, PA)

Kind of last minute but Rick and I had high hopes for this evening, but as I write this the clouds are moving in fast and things do not look pleasant.  Regardless some riders still want to meet for dinner, so if you still want to join us we are meeting at Crowley's at 6:30 (obviously by car).

Hope to see you there.

Week 3: Freeport Restaurant (Northeast, PA)

Is The Glass Half Full or Half Empty?

I will explain later how my mind perceived this question and how it relates to riding on two wheels.  But first want to say we had a great turn out for the ride this week.  The parking lot began to fill at 5:20 and we even had a few new faces in the group.

With the thermometer peaking out at 53 we figured we would get rolling as close to 6:00 as possible and as normal I held the group up as everything seems to happen at 5:30 on Wednesday for me.  Once we did get going we rolled out onto Peach Street and ventured the back roads (click for map) through the farming communities until we hit Route 6 and eventually Route 89.

It was this stretch of road where I was searching for a topic to write about this week, when all of a sudden a mileage marker stood out like a black bear in a herd of albino sheep.  The marker said 14 miles to Northeast… Simple enough but to someone driving in a car they would say “Oh Man, another 14 miles, 15 more minutes of this and I will finally be there”.  But for me, I thought “Wow, that’s it? Only 14 miles, man I could go for another 30”.  It is hard to explain to those who have not had the fortune to ride on 2 wheels the freedom and change of mindset it can put you in.  And as the daily grind awaited me Thursday morning I knew I had a choice to look at things as though I was driving in a car (glass half empty) or motoring along on 2 wheels (glass half full).  I hope others share their experiences and how every ride can be a mini vacation.

The effects of the lake are remarkable, as we hit Colt Station the temperature had to have dropped 15 degrees instantly.  The group rolled into one of our favorite stops of the year, Freeport Restaurant in Northeast.  We were greeted by some past riders, who must like our company as they drove out to the restaurant to meet us.

Again the waitress had her hands full and of course our group likes to have a good time so hope we didn’t annoy her too much.  Freeport has always been the small lake side place where you knew no matter what you ordered off the menu it was going to satisfy your tastes and fulfill your appetite.

The specials stood out and so Rick had one and I had the other.  Whisky Walnut Chicken with fresh cut fires reminded me of an unusual combination I use to loath when I lived in the south, waffles and deep fried chicken. I know it sounds strange but once you have either of these dishes your mouth will water the next time you even think about having them again.

Rick went top shelf with the Surf-N-Turf and was handed a plate that had no short cuts on it. Everything was fresh and hot and plentiful.  As the group waddled away from another great Wednesday night dinner we mounted our chariots and rolled out back home.  As riders peeled off the group to go their respective ways it came down to two, Rick & I.  And for the balance of the ride back to the shop to park the iron horses we enjoyed the friendship and freedom of riding together.

Look forward to rolling out with another great group as we venture to Crowley’s in Girard, and if the cards play out right we might even see the guy who gives Rick and I the opportunity to do this every week, of course I am talking about Gary and his wife Christine.

Sunset Bay Beach Party Announcement

This is what being in the Ride N Dine is all about guys (and gals).  Got word from Kelly, the manager at Sunset Bay Beach Club that the year end boat burning party on the beach will be September 26th.  This is one of the best ways to relax and reflect on another year.  I will post hotel information in the following weeks if anyone is interested in staying the evening.

Also we are slated to make it up there July 1st and Kelly has offered our group a reserved parking space, 10% OFF all food and 1/2 OFF drinks.  Thanks Kelly.

DONATION SEARCH:  Just in case you know any where we can get our hands on a 25' to 35' Wood cabin cruiser boat, drop me a line.  The club is still looking for one for the summer end party.

Week 2: Two Friends Pizza Cancelled

Don't let the rain or snow discourage you, even though we have cancelled the ride this week due to weather Rick and I will hold true and reschedule this ride later in the year and most importantly I will still pick the tab up.  So all you will have to do is bring a healthy appetite.  Look forward to seeing every one next Wednesday.

Week 1: The Sandbar

Ok, everyone read along with me, Ahhhhhhhhhh.....

  

That sigh of relief was months of stress coming off.  Why, well because for the first time in 2009 the Ride N Dine Club headed out on its first ride.  For some of us, it was our first ride of the year.  Riding on two wheels confirms I have multiple personalities... Personality 'A' is all work and focused on every little detail during the day, but when I get to ride I switch to personality 'B' and there is no solid thought in my mind.   Only thing I can relate it to, is a dog sticking his head out a car window.

Our 2009 inaugural ride brought a fair crowd of riders despite the looming chill after the setting of the sun.  Before embarking Big Rick gave the bike blessing and we made no hesitation to getting on the throttle.

As you will see from the map (click here) our first ride was close to home, but yet the time on the back country roads riding into the sun was breathtaking.  Our fearless leader led us down to Presque Isle Park where we motored along (keep in mind Rick was leading, so being tale gunner I got asked by a few cyclist if they could pass - inside joke).

Our destination was the same as last year's first ride, however this time around the service and food was stepped up a notch and the while our waitress was serving the entire dining area she provided perfect service.  The Sandbar provides more than just your basic bar food, the group sampled a little of everything, from pizza, loaded nachos, chicken wings, sandwiches, etc.

I experienced this first night out with the Cycle City Ride N Dine Club on a rocket ship.  The Suzuki Boulevard M109R is undoubtedly one of the fastest production cruisers on the market.  It not only has the styling and aggressive looks but the power to back it up.  The best part is, this 1800 cc bike handles like a 750 cc model.  Great balance and control, but hit the throttle and it will put you back in the seat and start peeling layers of stress and anxiety away.

Great riding and a great group of friends tonight, look forward to some new faces this year.  Randy received the extra points for guessing 8+ on the poll for how many riders we would have the first ride.  So now here is another chance to gain some extra points to cash in at the end of the year.  Click here to send me the answer to the following;

"What year did Cycle City open for business?"

P.s.  Another NEW feature this year is the ability to leave comments, we can only make things better if we hear back from the riders and restaurants.

Gary Pustelak is on the rebound!!!

Just want to pass along a 'Thank You' from the Pustelak family on all those who have been concerned about Gary's health and have had him in their prayers.

Gary has experienced a life changing experience, his health issues compounded over the last several weeks but with the modern marvels of medicine Hamot was able to get the Pollock fixed in an 8 hour surgery.  He is now home and enjoying the support from his family.  His recovery will take time but we know he will come out of this in great form.

As we get progress reports, we will keep you up to speed.

Who's All Paying Attention?

OK group lets see who is paying attention to the new blog.  We have a week until the first club ride of the year.  Ya, I know there is snow on the ground but that is not going to hold back the diehards.

Please take time to check our events calendar as we have listed a few upcoming events for charities and CMA rides.

So are you paying attention??? Did you catch the part about us holding a points system for the new year?  If so, then you will value this.... Take the poll and who ever gets it right will receive 5 points to start the new year off.

2009 Schedule & New Features

You would think putting a simple list of rides together would be easy. Let me tell you, I had to put my bon-bons down and put some thought into this. Rick and I chipped away at a list of 40 great locations to what we feel will be a very eventful year.

In previous years we've tried to keep locations close to home at the beginning and end of the year as temperatures tend to drop. There will be no rain dates. This year we've added a list of Saturday rides for the Club. These rides will leave form the store at 3PM.

If there are any special arrangements, please let me know a week in advance and I will make accommodation with the restaurant(s).

NEW for 2009 Ride N Dine Club will be a new reward system.
This is a fun, yet simple program... the best part is you can cash your points in at the Annual Banquet for goodies.
- 1 Point for joining us on a regularly scheduled Wednesday ride.
- 3 Points if you bring a new rider to a Wednesday Ride along with yourself.
- 10 Points if you make all the Wednesday Rides
- 5 Points if you make more than half of the Wednesday Rides
- 2 Points to the person that can answer the Quiz from the previous weeks blog.

So here's the list everyone has been waiting for (some dates are to be determined);

4/15/09 The Sandbar (Presque Isle Tour)
4/22/09 Two Friends Pizzeria (Oh ya! The tab is on me for this one)
4/29/09 Freeport Restaurant
5/06/09 Crowley’s Restaurant
5/13/09 Creekside Tavern
5/20/09 The Frog Pond
5/23/09 Mucci’s Italian Restaurant SAT RIDE***
5/27/09 Davidson’s Fish House***
6/03/09 White Turkey (1 Year Anniversary Ride)
6/10/09 Hoagie Hut***
6/13/09 Ribs & Bones Grill SAT RIDE
6/17/09 See Zurh House***
6/24/09 Steak-N-Shake (Ashtabula)
7/01/09 Sunset Bay Beach***
7/08/09 Z’s On The Lake*** (Findley Lake)
7/15/09 Mucci’s Italian Restaurant
7/18/09 Foxburg Winery SAT RIDE
7/22/09 Bootleggers Bar & Grill***
7/29/09 Zebro’s Harbour House***
8/06/09 All Aboard Dinor
8/08/09 The Family Tradition Restaurant SAT RIDE
8/12/09 Royal Family Kids Camp Charity Ride
8/19/09 The CrayZ Parrot***
8/26/09 Dutch Treat
9/02/09 Beef & Beer in Ohio
9/09/09 Avonia Tavern
9/16/09 French Creek Tavern***
10/09 Allegheny Fall Foliage Picnic Ride*** SAT RIDE (est. date 17th or 24th)
TBD Closing Summer Down Ride – Sunset Bay Beach*** SAT RIDE
This is a great overnight ride, Will work on group rate.

*** Indicates rides that are in New York state or where we may pass through, so don’t forget your helmet on these ride.

Taking the Gang to Cleveland IMS Show

For the last few years Big Rick has invited the Ride N Dine riders to join us in a trek to Cleveland for the annual Cycle World International Motorcycle Show. We have free entry tickets while supplies last, after that we have $3.00 OFF coupons for admission fee.

This show is perfect for getting to see the all the new 2009 models. You get to sit on them and figure out what machine might be best for your new ride. We will be meeting at the Burger King on the Sterrettania Exit off of I90 Saturday January 31st, at 8:00 AM. The group will be heading out at 8:30 AM. There will be a few open seats for those who want to car pool with us.

Call the shop at (814) 864-BIKE and ask for Brian or Big Rick to let us know you are interested in joining us.