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Mail Conversation
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Subject: Romeo lunch 10-1-08
To:
Date: Thursday, October 2, 2008, 10:35 AM
A Wednesday come and gone, a good ride in the flint hills or at least
the edge of the flint hills, a few hours away from the doom and gloom
of the political world. I think it's because we don't try to do
anything other than to relax and enjoy is what makes the Romeo rides so
good. We could use our association to try to better someones life, but
like most of you I belong to groups that do that. It's good to have something
that is fun and fun only. So I thank you my friends for joining me on
these gatherings that relax, fulfill, and provide things to think about
that have no answers.
Things I sometimes think about:
How many miles do we average from lunch to desert.
Who really does have the best Coconut Meringue pie.
Why does Harry jump up and run in circles when he tells a joke
How many miles did it take to turn Jeff's riding jacket from red to dusty
pink.
How old is Jeff's riding jacket, He's wore it since I first met him and
it was dusty pink then.
Why do I prefer quiet motorcycles but love the Tom Tom beat of the Triumph
so much.
Why is it that riding down a two lane road on a fall day makes you feel
like you have accomplished so much. When all you have done is gone from
point A to point B and you really didn't need to be at either point.
The luxury of having thoughts like these and being able to get on a motorcycle
just to meet with friends for lunch, makes us a pretty lucky bunch.
Thanks for tolerating my musings and I hope we can enjoy days like yesterday
for years to come.
Yesterday was Belvue and we had a nice turnout, but no one counted.
I know some of you like to know how many came and I do to. Mostly
for me it's just to be able to help the cafes to better prepare. I heard
someone say 50 bikes, but I don't think it was that high. Some had
left before I finished eating and I didn't count when I came out so we
will leave it with a good turnout and a good time. Always
remember anytime you want to give me feedback on if a place was good or
bad do so. It's helps me in setting up the ride and also in some
cases I give the feedback to the business so they know how to improve.
Some of these places are old hand at having groups come in and some go
into shock.
Two groups of us made it over to Dover for a piece of pie. I think the
route Harry took might have been more twisty, but the route we took was
very nice I thought. I think the first time I had ridden the Keene
road. It's a good thing when a normal route gets torn up and you
need to find alternate ways of getting nowhere. As always we got a very
nice slice, very consistent at Dover. If you live in this area you need
to have supper at Dover on a Friday night. It is a buffet, all you
can eat, salad and whatever the meal is for the night. Sometimes fried
chicken, or roast beef, smothered steak, that sort of think. Only one
choice of meat, potatoes, a veggie, roll all at a reasonable price.
The neat thing about it is they have those big tables and you come in
and sit where you can. So you usually sit with someone you don't
know, or they sit with you, whoever gets there first. So you end
up with a conversation, a new friend for the evening.
I tend to be rambling today so I had better get on with next weeks ride.
This little place is called the Miracle because the owner said it took
years to get it going and with all the problems she had it was a miracle
it ever opened up. We have been there before and enjoyed it every
time. It's in a little house and is a little limited on seating.
So I will suggest that those that get there early go on in and eat so
we can get everyone through in good shape. The normal size group
we have been having will fill it between 1 to 1 1/2 times. This
isn't a problem we have had this size group there before and it worked
fine. So come one, come all, this is one of those places that can
use a shot in the arm, and the weather man is saying it's going to be
a perfect day. Not many of those left on the calendar this year.
The Miracle Cafe
103 Franklin St.
Reading Ks. 66868
620-699-3009
Cindy Wilson owner
Reading is about 15 miles northeast of Emporia, or about seven miles north
and a few miles west of Lebo, if you are coming I35 from the K.C. area.
Hope to see you all there.
Ride safe
Don
Subject: Romeo lunch 9-24-08
To:
Date: Thursday, September 25, 2008, 6:33 PM
The only thing I've got to say is I'm sure glad I don't live in K.C.
This makes twice the city folks got rained out on what was a beautiful
day for the rest of us. I woke up Wed. morning to a thunderstorm
that was shaking the rafters. Old Jim the dog jumped up on the bed
and put all 150 lbs of his quivering body next to me and was determined
I was there for the day. Of course at our age nature dictates a
different program for what happens when we first wake up. It poured
for a couple of hours and then started to break up. I opened the
barn and it was still cloudy so I figured I would suit up, but I hate
that, so I jumped on the old Hogely Ferguson figuring I would need to
stop and suit up later. Made it the whole trip in my shirtsleeves.
Caught up with Larry on highway 4 and we stayed together the rest of the
way to Winchester. Make a note that my stand was the first to hit
the pavement. Larry's other brother Larry was third and properly
shamed that this made twice this month that I beat him to lunch.
Larry I checked and the place we are going to this week opens for breakfast
but doesn't serve lunch until 1100, so be patient or eat eggs.
The rest of the day was a nice ride and also proved that I am not the
person that should be followed. I was relying on my gps since I
hadn't ridden those roads in ages. For some reason it seemed to
contradict it self. It would give me the little arrow to turn but
then tell me I shouldn't. And yes it is true that I might not have
been reading it right, but the first time I had that problem with it.
Anyway the first pie place locked the doors as we stopped in front so
we had to ride on down to Holton and found a very nice slice of Coconut
pie. It was a nice ride and I didn't get lost once on the second leg of
the trip, of course there was only one turn.
28 was the count for Winchester, I felt a little bad but the owner was
delighted. I thought the food was good, service was a little slow,
but that I think was because they were trying to serve the table at one
time instead of bringing as it was done. I had a bbq sandwich thinking
the meatloaf might be a bit much, and seeing the plates around me it was.
Remember to stop in these places that have been good to us when you are
out on a ride with your buds. Some of these places go to quite a
bit of extra effort to make us happy and also take a bit of a risk on
the turnout. All in all a great day for a ride, a good meal, ah life is
good.
This week we are going to a place we hit about this time last year..
It was kind of a last min. pick. I had thought we should try a pizza place
in Leroy. Paul and I had stopped in and talked to the lady when
we were coming back from Colony. Seemed like it would be a good place
and she wanted us to come. When I called today the girl I talked
to was giving me a little mixed signal on the menu from what I had talked
with the owner. They have Pizza, sandwiches, salad bar and spaghetti.
That seems like enough but I thought maybe some wouldn't find something
they like so I'll wait until I get some feedback. It took a few
tries to get the place we are going on the phone, (that happens a lot
on these places) but at last we connected. The owner remembered
us from last year and was more than happy to have us come back.
So over Terry's favorite bridge we will go. Short ride for some
of us, but we can make up for that after lunch.
Lunch 10/1/08
Cottage Inn
507 3rd St.
Belvue Ks. 66407
785-456-8332
Rick Vanderbelt owner.
Hope to see you all there; we have a 53-rider turnout to break.
So get out and ride.
Ride safe
Don
Subject: Romeo lunch 9-24-08
To: Date: Thursday, September 18, 2008, 4:53 PM
Here we go again. Still struggling with Mac, but learning. It's enough
the same that you think you know what you are doing, but enough different
that you don't.
Can you believe the day we had to ride yesterday? Just about as perfect
as you could get. I didn't get a count from Richard yet but Paul said
he counted 80 bikes. That is a lot of old farts in one place. I was disappointed
that Marvin didn't show after he suggested the place, he was right, good
food and service.
I don't know about the rest of you be I had a hard time going home. Little
detour here, little detour there, just a nice ride. It's been at least
a year since I had been on 57 highway, what a nice road. Then there was
the skyline going east instead of west, 209 was interesting but a little
rough. Highways 4,40, 99,31,56 and maybe a few that had names instead
of numbers. Nice day. It was interesting to watch Harry and group going
up and down the main street of Alta Vista. Maybe someone changed his gps
from north up to track up and he didn't know he was going back and forth.
It was nice seeing the central bunch of guys. Been ages since I've seen
Bob, Paul and some of the others. I must admit that sometimes it is nice
to spend all day riding to lunch and back. Not every week, but a few times
a year is good.
Moving on to next week. This has been in the works for about three weeks.
John found this one and we have never been disappointed in John's discoveries.
When I first called this place he wanted us to show but said he didn't
want us to come until he could prepare. This is a one man, one woman show
and he said he needed some extra help so no one would be unhappy. Lunch
8-24-08Smokey Skillet204 3rd st.Winchester Ks. 66097913-774-2074Gary Grosko
ownerThis is a new business, started this summer, and the guy is proud
of what he does. Should be a good place to go There's 20 or 30 of you
I haven't seen in months. The weather is good, get those scoots out and
enjoy while we can. As always, looking for input on places to go or if
you would like changes. Nothing is written in stone with this group, in
fact nothing is written. I used to make it to lunch about 1230, now Larry
and Larry has me getting up at 0530 just to get there before they leave.
Of course as the weather cools, I wouldn't mind making lunch a little
later. Ride safe Don
Subject: Romeo lunch 9-17-08
Date: Thursday, September 11, 2008, 9:07 AM
Hello Guys:Once again you will need to put up with the small print. I'm
making progress on learning the Imac, but it's a struggle.. Left to do
is change from the Safari browser to one that is more compatible with
my email, Change emails, or find a way to get safari and msn to play nice.
A second computer project is to start either a web site or a blog so the
riders can have more input and also separate the bull from the info. But
being a little slow with computers that might take awhile. What I was
thinking was something both groups could use so we would have a little
more of a united feel.I think the ride this week was a great one. The
weatherman had his head in a dark place, but nothing unusual about that.
Paul and I rode up highway 4 and even though it wasn't raining some of
the bugs were actually getting washed off the windshield. In a few places
it was plain old foggy. But to me that just added to the beauty of the
flint hills. Here it is almost fall and everything is still green as spring.
With the morning mist to soften the landscape, I don't think even Ireland
could have been more beautiful. I must now apologize to Corwin, Bucky,
and John, I know I'm a granny and you would have liked to test your tires
on Highway 99 a little more, but as Jeff says "Why hurry through
paradise".I thought the food and service was as good as we could
hope for. I think this was a winner in everything but weather and that
really wasn't so bad if you didn't dally about too long getting home.
I know several of you went on ove rto Alta Vista on the Skyline. Wasn't
that a nice little ride for being in Kansas? It does present a problem
for me, The road is fun so I like to ride a little harder, but the view
is so nice I like to ease back and enjoy it. For me I like riding it from
Alta Vista to Alma better, it seems like you can see things better.I am
adding a couple of pictures that Larry took and sent to me. I think the
first was to prove how early he does arrive. However his other brother
Larry didn't get there until almost 30 min after we did. Bet that doesn't
happen again. The second is proof that some people just can't be happy.
Just look at Stan with little girls arm around him and him still looking
like the Grinch. Maybe he's worried Janie will see the picture.We did
have an unhappy incident. A few minutes after I got home the phone rang
and one of our group tried to occupy the same space as a UPS truck. Becky
helped me dig the truck out and hook up the trailer to go fetch the scoot.
Neither rider or mount seriously damaged, rider a little grumpy but nothing
new there.All this brings to mind that if you notice the phone number
of the restaurant is always added. If you copy that and have trouble on
the way to lunch, it gives a chance for getting some help. Let's see,
lunch-- riding out to help some oldgeezer that forgot to put gas in his
scoot. Chance may not be as good as Ithought but that's why the number
is there.I forgot numbers. I think the best count we came up with was
27 bikes and 28riders. We didn't get to park in a group and with a little
coming and going,never an exact science. I think for the weather not a
bad turnout.Speaking of turnouts, this coming week we need to raise to
the occasion. We are going to mosey out to Chapman Ks. and have a joint
lunch with the Central Romeos. I know this is going to stretch out some
of the riders from K.C. areaand of course Chanute. This place was suggested
by one of the Topeka riders, sohopefully we can have a good showing. We
have the potential of having 100 riders show, I know not very likely,
but it would be kind of neat one time. I mistakenly told a rider it was
farther west than it is. As I was told by a person shorter than I am,
in a very Harry like animated manner, it is a few miles west and one mile
south of Junction City. So here's the place
Lunch 9-17-08
Shamrock
114 E.4th. St.Chapman Ks. 67431 785-922-6700
Kent Eveleth owner
Subject: Romeo lunch 9-10-08To: Date: Thursday, September 4, 2008, 2:08
PMFirst I am sorry that the print is small. Hopefully I'll get that workedout
by next week. The old computer got a terminal cold, and the six month
old one had a nervous breakdown that I hope can be cured. In the meantime
we bought a Imac and although the computer works well it seems like Bill
Gates doesn't want his products (hotmail) to get along with apple. One
of the results of this is my not having or at least found colour change
and font variations. The ride to Colony last week was wet except for three
of us that opted for four instead of two wheels. Thirteen total showed
up with Larry getting the long rider award. In the past I haven't kept
track of long rider etc, but he insisted that 91 miles in the rain needed
to be mentioned. However knowing where Terry lives and taking in consideration
she was following Harry, she probably had about 120 on her baby Hogely.
If you've ever ridden with Harry you know he doesn't take the direct way
to anywhere and sometimes actually can get to somewhere he didn't want
to be on the journey. Harry always knows where he is and where he wants
to be, it's the route that gets a little fuzzy. But it usually makes for
a fun ride and after all we're retired and not on a schedule anyway. Corwin
brought his wife Bonnie and I hope she joins us more often. It's always
nice to have the fair sex join in. This week things haven't gone smooth
in finding a place. John found a nice place up in the north east corner
and I thought it would be perfect. The owner wants us to come but wanted
to wait to get some extra help to take care of us. He just wasn't able
to do that and I did assure him we were low maintenance but he said he
wanted things to be right. We are going to try in a couple of weeks, giving
him the time to arrange for the help. I started to go to a place we hit
every year in the same area and opted instead to go west to a place we
haven't been. We will have two in a row going west now but enough different
I hope it won't offend.
Lunch 9-10-08
Deb's Restaurant
327 Missouri Ave.Alma Ks. 66401785-765-2527
Debbie Westhoff owner
This place is on the main north south street in Alma. It has changed
hands since a group of us have been there but they sounded confident they
can handle us. Usually the place we go to is around the corner behind
the grocery store. It has changed hands and I've heard it isn't as good
as it was. So until I get the chance to try it or get a feedback from
someone I know, I'll leave it off our ride list.For those of you that
aren't familiar with this area, it offers nice riding. Highway 4 and Highway
99 are both great. But the best of all is the Skyline drive. It is a 17
mile stretch of blacktop from Alma to Alta Vista. The entire stretch is
45 mph, and Ken tells me it is well watched by those that frown on excessive
fun. But the Stone Houses, barns and fences, the almost endless views
make taking it easy not a bad thing. Bob Hess say's he is going to explain
to the weather people that Wed. gets good weather, so we know it will
be a nice day. For a heads up. The 17th will be a long one for us. Chapman
ks. and a joint lunch with the central boys. Also I may not make it to
Alma. A Crew is comingto work on the outside of the house, which I'm not
needed for. The problem comes with the 300 lbs of puppies that get aggravated
when people start poundingon the house. So if I don't want folks working
on the inside of the house the following week I kind of need to be here
to keep things settled down.
Have a good ride Don
Subject: Romeo Lunch 9-3-08
To:
Date: Thursday, August 28, 2008, 2:33 PM
A few of you might know that I used to be a sailor. I was in the
Navy but also a real sailor in sailboats. In fact my last one will
be going to a new home soon. A fine Magazine I read was the Small
Boat Journal. One of the often repeated phrases was "nothing is more
worthwhile than messing around with small boats". I have always
felt the same about motorcycles. Some like old ones, others new
ones. Some like to ride, others like to tinker. But most of us like
all that thrown in together and then spend a lot of time shooting the
bull about it. That's what makes the Romeo rides so much fun, diverse
people with a common bond.
I would like to add a new saying, "There is nothing more frustrating
than dealing with a screwed up computer." I have two, a new
one that doesn't work at all and an old one that is occupied with real
live gremlins. Actually the gremlins have a name, it's called Norton
anti virus. That is of course the computor peoples story.
It seems the Norton program has somehow blended it's self with most of
the programs in the computer, causing them to do erratic things at inappropriate
times. All that said I'm sending this out with the hope that most
of you will get it.
Breakfast at Four Corners was good. There were 44 bikes and Terry in her
car. I didn't see any couples but I might have missed someone. Food and
service was good. Harry knows the owner, which might explain why he was
the last to be fed. The last three have been great with record numbers.
If any of you are interested there are about 115 on the list I send out
each week and it grows on the average of two a week. The numbers
that show up both make it fun and a little harder to find a place to go.
We need to remember to show patience and also make room for locals when
needed. Our turnout gives these little places a nice little shot
in the arm but we don't want to harm their bread and butter customers.
Due to the sun coming up a little later every day, and some of the guys
having to leave in the dark to make it to breakfast, we will start lunch
this week. This won't make much difference for Larry and Larry,
they will still be standing outside telling us whether it's good or not.
I told the lady this week that most of us shoot for around 1100-1130 with
a few earlier (Larry and Larry) and some later (me). Most of the
places like us to filter in as they call it. It gives them a chance
to keep up without adding help for the day. If anyone thinks we
need to make and adjustment on time let me know. Some of the restaurants
have asked us to come at 1300 or later and I really don't want to start
that. Whatever most of you want is what I'll try to work out.
For the next few weeks I think we will be stretching ourselves out a little
more, of course that depends on where you live. I think a few of
the ones I have in mind Walt won't get his oil warm. This week
however is for Corwin and John. Yes those faithful riders from Chanute
are going to get to sleep in this week. My plan was for them not
to sleep in this much, but I just couldn't find a place that was good,
in that direction and a shorter ride.
Lunch Lunch Lunch
9-03-08 lunch
Country Diner
214 W Broad St.
Colony Ks 66015
620-852-3007
Nancy Ellington owner.
This was a place we hit last year with Richard. As I recall the
food was good and they are determined to keep us there for pie.
I guess we could always stop for tea somewhere. They know what they
are in for and wanted us back. Hope to see all of you there, (wouldn't
that be a hoot)
Ride safe
Don
Subject: Romeo Breakfast 8-27-08
To:
Date: Thursday, August 21, 2008, 3:07 PM
First a couple of messages;
Harry and Terry-- John Brown road has been repaired and part of it repaved.
Bob-- The pie at Green Acres was a real treat.
Larry-- So was the Hostess.
Guys we had a wonderful turnout at Linwood and I thought the food was
good. Service was doing well for most of us. We know when we hit
with this large a group that it's hard for them, and some places just
deal with it better.
The count that was given to me was 51 bikes and that made 53 riders,
which included Butch that had his bike in a truck for some reason. We
were also treated with a couple of Guzzis that were ridable works of art.
The Daytona that I would guess around 1990 and the '48 500cc with the
exposed flywheel. You just can't help but admire bikes
like those.
Next I need to apologize for falling back on a "Standby" this
week. It started with deciding not to go up north this week.
Combining the breakfast ride with going to the Indian Caves park was just
getting too much at one time. I would still like to do the Indian
Caves run, but I think on a separate day, later in the fall when the leaves
start to turn. I think that will just work better.
That left me with no idea on where to go so I hit the trusty computer
to find a place and it broke. Something about it won't open windows. The
AC is on I don't need the window open. Not to panic state yet, I
have almost a spare computer. I took part of the new one and part
of the old one and got one that works most of the time. By
now it's getting later that I like to have this done. In fact I like to
have it done by Tuesday. So I start going through the email suggestions
that you send,( yes I do really use them) and found one for Effingham.
I knew the restaurant wasn't open there as I had been through Effingham
since I had received the info on it. But the phone no. was the same
as a catering business. I called and a nice grandmotherly voice
told me she was indeed is in business but just catered small events.
She did tell me that there was a restaurant just opened in Effingham a
couple of weeks ago and they really needed the business. More conversation
and no she did not have the phone no., neither did the yellow page directory
in the computer. I did however find a Farm Advisory no., our
government at work. I called that and had a wonderful chat with
what sounded like a lovely lady. She was fascinated to learn
there were old farts wandering the roads of Kansas in search for a meal.
She verified there was a new restaurant in town, they served breakfast
and lunch, it was good and they really did need the business. However
she didn't know the number, but her friend did. I called the place
and talked with a young lady that was just ecstatic about the possibility
of us coming, but she could only seat 30 max and she did have some regular
business to handle also. However in a month or two she will have a second
bathroom working so the state will let her add more table and then she
can serve us. Great, we have an October lunch place.
I still hadn't given up the search so I'm looking at the GPS maps in the
computer and spot Circleville. Yes we have been there this year
but for lunch. It was very good, a nice ride and they treated us
well. Unfortunately they didn't have much business after lunch so
they closed early. I could wait until tomorrow, but I want to get
this done. After all, the computer I'm using, was set aside because
it had became unreliable. So the standby>>
Breakfast 8-27-08
Club Four Corners
15745 Topeka Ave.
Scranton Ks. 66537
785-793-2800
Lisa Jolly owner
Don't let the address fool you. This is on the Southwest Corner
of Highway 56 and Old highway 75.
Now I can go to the barn and try to find out why my old Hogely is eating
fuses and headlights.
Hope to see you all there. That includes Terry, Marvin, Dan, Carol,
Johnnie, Jeff, and the list goes on. You think I don't notice, but
I do.
Ride safe
Don
Subject: Romeo Breakfast 8-20-08
To:
Date: Thursday, August 14, 2008, 10:11 AM
I think Sybil or something similar was the name of a movie about a girl
with 16 different personalities. That's what I need, maybe then
I could get around and chat with everyone. I enjoyed the little
ride over to Jeanne's (only 17 miles for me) and strangely enough I didn't
go anywhere else. I was going to go with Corwin, John, and Larry to Green
Acres but I was still chatting when they rode down the street. In
fact we stood so long talking about bikes we went back inside and had
a fresh out of the over coconut meringue pie. Jody and Jeanne make pretty
good pies, but this one was just a notch up from normal.
We had at best count 39 bikes with 41 riders at Burlingame and I didn't
hear anyone unhappy with the choice. The wide brick street with parking
in the center works will for all the scoots. If anyone was wondering,
the streets were made like that to be able to turn the covered wagons
that were heading out on the Santa Fe Trail a century and a half ago.
I did notice our K.C. friends and many from the Topeka area didn't make
it.
I have talked with several of you about going to either Fairview or Sabetha
for breakfast and then those that wanted would ride on up to Indian Caves
Park (about 30 miles max) for an hour or two, or however long it takes
to look around. I think I will wait a week, the weather looks iffy
(which means it will be perfect by then) so I think a ride toward the
K.C area and hope the weather many changes his mind by Wed.
The place we are heading for has been recommended, and not by several
riders. It seems to have been opened, closed, good food, and bad
over the last year or so. I have never been there but the last I
heard it was good food. It is open, or at least when I called their number
I got an answer. The guy said he would be glad to have us and would
have a place reserved. I did forget to tell him about Larry and Larry,
but I'm sure he'll be open and ready for them also.
Breakfast 0900 8-20-08
The New Linwood Cafe
11700 Linwood Rd. (32 highway)
Linwood ks 66052
Jeff Kirby owner
Corwin I haven't forgotten I promised we would go south and still have
that on the agenda. My plan now is the ride north for the 27th and
then change back to lunch and head south for the first one in September.
I think I enjoy the breakfast rides better than the lunch, but for some
reason they take a little more to set up, and daylight is really slow
getting here that for rider safety I think we should switch back to lunch.
As always feedback is welcome and needed. I heard someone saying
I was in charge at the restaurant yesterday. I'm not in charge of
anything other than finding a place for us all to eat, and I need your
help doing that. I think that is what makes the Romeo rides work.
No one in charge, no agenda other than having a good time. Don't forget
to check the KRHA website for Richard's rides also. I hope the guys
from the central area check and make it up for some of ours ride.
Ride Safe And Often
Don
P.S. I forgot to tell you, Jeanne was so happy about the good turnout
I got a big hug from her. Job does have benefits.
Subject: Romeo Breakfast 8-13-08
To:
Date: Thursday, August 7, 2008, 8:37 AM
Breakfast at Wellsville proved to be a winner, and I'm sure we will make
it back for BBQ. I was thinking we were going to have a poor turnout,
as there were about 20 bikes when I got there. But someone gave
me a count of 33 before it was over. I find it interesting how we maintain
a mid thirties count with such a big difference in who comes. I
think AJ and I were the only ones from Topeka and for the second week
Corwin made the trip up from Chanute by himself. Someday everyone
is going to show and it will be something to see. I think the notice
is going out to about 120 riders. I am sure there are a few on the
list that have never made a ride with us. Many that join us when they
can but have other things to do in their lives. Then sadly there
are the ones that show every week. You know the poor old retired
guys that just don't have anything better to fill their day than a ride
and a meal. Well maybe an hour or two of BS. I'm sure those of you
that can't make it weekly feel very sad that we have such undemanding
lives.
Moving on, we had a couple of new members this week which is the norm.
Logan and Ron joined in, and to all of you that introduce yourself to
me. If I have a pained look on my face it's because I'm trying to
remember your name for the next time we meet. It usually doesn't
work but I try, and eventually after time it soaks in.
This week we are going to a "standby place" That's one
of those places that I know we can drop in on with little effort on my
part. For weeks like this one when even the retired life gets busy.
Also Jeanne has be asking us to come back. The last time we were there
was in cooler weather and she was breaking in a new cook. Well she
thought he was doing better than he was and many were not pleased with
the meal. I waited a week or so and then told her and she lit off like
a Roman candle on the fourth. She said if she doesn't know she can't
fix it. Breakfast is kind of a bad test, it's one of those meals
that there is only so much you can do. But knowing Jeanne I think
we will be satisfied.
Breakfast 0900 8-13-08
Santa Fe Cafe
108 E. Santa Fe Ave
Burlingame Ave.
Burlingame Ks. 66413
785-654-3555
Jeanne Riggs owner
I should have said that is 0900 except for Larry and Larry who will probably
be sitting on the step waiting for he to unlock the door.
Coming up soon will be a little longer ride south. Not sure where
too yet. Corwin and John have been covering the ride up from Chanute
on a regular basis. It seem only fair we meet them halfway at least
once.
As usual, any suggestions on places, to go to eat, or to go to after we
eat are welcome. I was planning on going to Rantoul after breafast
at Wellsville and forgot. They have this huge airplane junkyard
there. If you know a nice little loop or road to ride in an area
we are going to vist, chat it up and lead some around on it.
John took us on a nice little ride near Potter, made the day just a little
more fun.
I'm letting this get to long. I enjoy meeting and riding with you
all. I think we are about the luckiest people in Kansas. We
have something we really enjoy, people to enjoy it with, enough time and
money to be able to do it. Can't get any better than that.
Don
Subject: Romeo Breakfast 8-6-08
To:
Date: Wednesday, July 30, 2008, 10:29 PM
Well folks, I was going to make some wise cracks about our poor turnout
at Vassar. But I understand the weather moved just a little east
of us and settled in. There were a dozen bikes and a passenger
at Lamont Hill. I don't think any of us got wet. Maybe the
Larrys as they of course were a little early. Half of us went on
over to Madison to join Richard and his group. Was really surprised
to see 30 or so bikes there. There was a couple in a side hack with
two dogs, I don't know if they count or not. Any my day went something
like leave the house at 0730 or a little later. Vassar for breakfast,
a little chat time. Mosey over to Madison just in time for lunch,
a little chat time. Ease back over to Burlingame for a piece of
really good peach pie, a little chat time. Got home about 1630 wife was
upset because she didn't want to get wet this morning and found out she
wouldn't have. Put the Harley away, get out the Triumph and Suzuki,
go for a ride and have supper, go for more ride, stop and chat with Jan
for a while. Home about 2000. Just can't figure out why I don't
get more done, I'm busy from dawn to dark. Should have figured out
this retirement thing a few years earlier.
For those of you that didn't make the ride today, you missed about the
best day of the year. But it did look like we were going to get
wet from the beginning to end.
Moving on to next week. I've been going to give the KC group a break
and this is going to be an easy one for them. We are going to wear
56 highway out the next couple of weeks but that's ok. I have not been
to this place but have been told by reliable sources that it's good.
Breakfast 0900 8-6-08
Smokey's Bar B Que & Cafe
510 Main ST.
Wellsville ks. 66092
785-883-4119
Darin Maples owner
I hope Larry S. has a key for the place. As close as it is to his
house he will beat the staff there. There has been a lot of faces
got used to seeing that haven't been around lately. Those of you
that have been missing, we talk about you and it's not nice..
hope to see you all there ride safe
Don
--- On Thu, 7/17/08, Klem Kadiddlehopper <sourdough40@hotmail.com>
wrote:
From: Klem Kadiddlehopper <sourdough40@hotmail.com>
Subject: Romeo Breakfast
To:
Date: Thursday, July 17, 2008, 8:36 AM
The first breakfast of the season has came and gone. The food was mostly
good. It seems like those that didn't get a traditional breakfast weren't
as happy. Service was disappointing or at least the speed of it.. But
as Bob said, we are retired and not in a hurry so it really doesn't matter
that much. I think that breakfast will be a little slower as we won't
have prepared specials to choose from.
The morning ride was nice. I thought that Melvern was a little more of
a ride that it turned out, but then we took the quick way there and a
more interesting route home. For those that didn't partake, the pie was
good at Green Acres.
The place for next week I almost wish I had called and cancelled. We ate
lunch there a few years ago and as I recall it was very good. I have had
a couple of suggestions to go there this year and think that the food
will be very good. The reason I had thought of changing is that there
just isn't a good road there, or that I know of. So if you know a good
route in pass it on. For most of us it will be highway 75 and that is
boring. But then it has us in an area of some really good riding and maybe
an easy way there and an interesting way home or somewhere else isn't
bad.
Breakfast
7-23-08 0900 give or take a little.
Melba's Diner
104 E. Main St.
Mayetta, Ks 66509
785-966-3034
Melba Nicol owner.
I hope to see you all there and have a good ride. As usual any feed back
that you offer is helpful and keep the suggestions coming on where we
can go.
Something as a thought and it has been passed around before. Would anyone
be interested in a long lunch ride. I think maybe doing it on a different
day so the regular lunch ride wouldn't be disrupted. Finding somewhere
150 or so miles in an area we don't normally go. Have been getting some
good restaurant suggestions in the southeast area. Some on the edge of
our 100 mile range and some beyond. Email me or chat at breakfast.
Something I haven't heard a date on yet but I am sure Jr. from Oxford
is planning his fall Romeo ride in the Ozarks. He does a great job on
these and from what I hear everyone that goes has a good time.
I had better get off the computer and doing something a little more constructive..
See you for Breakfast, the special will be omelets, I think Denver but
not sure.
Don
Subject: Romeo Breakfast.
To:
Date: Wednesday, July 9, 2008, 8:17 PM
Was today about perfect or what? Tempeture just right, a little cloud
cover so the sun didn't burn, couldn't have ordered one up any better.
Just wasn't much of anything that could have been better. The count was
about 35 bikes and two passengers and 20 made it to Soldier for Pie. Yes
Bob it was indeed Meringue on the Coconut pie with Tosted coconut on top.
That peach with ice cream looked awfully good too.
For the next few weeks we will have a problem to Pie or not to Pie. Should
a person really have a piece of pie on the way home from breakfast or
is that just wrong. Maybe ride a little longer and it could be considered
part of lunch. We'll figure it out.
Now for this week.
Breakfast Breakfast Breakfast.
At 0900 7-16-08 The first Breakfast ride of the season.
The Whistle Stop Cafe
117 SW Main St.
Melvern Ks. 66510
Kathy Young owner.
Last couple of weeks we have been talking about this. Serveral of the
guys ask for breakfast instead of lunch, (we did this last year also).
Some ask for the time to be moved from 0800 to 0900 so not to be on the
road too early and of course the reason for going to breakfast is to beat
the heat. The plan is to get a nice morning ride in, eat and then judge
for yourself how much riding you want to get in the rest of the day.
Last year some of the riders went to both the eastern breakfast and the
central lunch. Also for those that don't already know, Richard posts both
rides on the Kansas Resturant and Hospitality Assosiation web site. Go
to Calender of events.
This will last durning the hot part of the summer, six to eight weeks
or so. I figure when the temp gets below 90 degrees for the high. I don't
want to change back and forth from week to week so we will have some cooler
mornings.
If anyone has any comments or suggestions I am always willing to hear
them. As you know this isn't a business for me, just giving folks a place
to ride to and enjoy a bit of conversation, (and pie).
Thanks and hope to see you all at Melvern
Don
Date: Thursday, June 26, 2008, 6:55 PM
Trying to keep up with the lunch rides sure make the week go fast. We
had a great but a little warm ride to Paxico. The count was 35 bikes with
38 riders. Pam did a nice job and she was sure excited to have us. She
reminded me that Sept 20 they have a jazz festival sponsored by the town.
I've heard it's a pretty good show.
This week we have a mission of mercy to take care of. John has been traveling
the state searching for good places to eat and I would say finding them.
I think maybe ol John just might be being a little more that friendly
with some of the girls but that's just a rumor. Anyway the owner if this
place said she was going to "get ol John" because we went down
the road from her first. Now both John and her were smiling when they
told me this so I don't know for sure what kind of trouble John is in.
All that said we did stop by there for pie a couple of months ago and
if the rest of the food is good we have no worries. In fact she said that
she had been told that she serves the best "Hand battered Pork Tender
" in the state. I think Harry, Terry, and Bob may want to judge that
themselves.
July 2, 2008
Hilltop Market
21315 Easton Road
Easton Ks. 66020
913-773-5710
Cindy Koch Owner
This place is actually a couple of miles east of Easton, (wasn't that
a movie) and is a gas station, store, restaurant and I guess that's all.
They have ask me twice if there is anything special that anyone wants.
They make all kinds of pie there.
One last thing. It is getting to the time of year the temps really get
up there. Last year we changed to breakfast instead of lunch. I think
we are still a couple of weeks or so away from doing that, but if any
of you have any serious pros or cons about it let me know. Richard stays
with lunch and some of the guys made both rides the same day last year.
If there is enough of you that really want to stay with lunch I can try
to set up two rides to accommodate. Just let me know.
Hope to see you all at Easton. Ride safe
Don.
Date: Thursday, June 19, 2008, 9:15 PM
Well folks the turnout for the combined group wasn't what I expected,
but the food was good and the weather was perfect. It was good to see
Bob, Avin and some of the others from the west. I have to admit that sometimes
it would be nice to have just one group, but the rides get too long too
often and we would overflow many places now. I thought Bev did a nice
job setting things up for us and again she invited us back.
This coming week will be a place opening on Wed. just for us. She did
say if anyone else comes she won't kick them out, but she normally won't
be open Wed. She is excited to have us visit and this would be a good
place to bring your wife if so inclined as the little town is mostly antique
stores. Being on a bike they can look but not buy. Pam plans on sitting
up a buffet with meatloaf and a second meat, with all the fixings similar
to what we had in Lebo. The grill will be open so Jeff can have his hamburger
or anyone else for that matter.
She also mentioned that she will have several pamphlets for upcoming events.
Paxico has a free blues concert in the fall and various other events to
keep people coming by.
Wed. June 25, 2008
The Ramblin Rose Cafe
118 Newbury Ave
Paxico Ks. 66528
Pam Geisler owner.
I have heard that this place has good food form a person that looks like
he knows food. This time I'm picking on Bill instead of John. Pam also
said she is wanting to try a Sunday ride, so if any of you have ideas
on how she could get started on that I'm sure she would like to talk with
you.
Also I have the T shirts in and will stuff them in the Hogley Ferguson's
saddle bags.
I will also try to remember to bring a notebook to take orders if anyone
else wants some. I know of couple of you told me what you wanted and my
memory just isn't what it used to be, or maybe it is if we go back far
enough.
Have a good ride and be safe.
Don
Date: Friday, June 13, 2008, 9:12 AM
Lunch on June 18th
Well folks our ride to Greeley was very nice I thought. We matched the
31 riders that showed at the west ride. Food was good, service was pretty
good, and we do have to consider what we do to these small places. I was
disappointed to discover we lost a very good place to eat in that area.
The Brand N Iron at Princeton now opens at 4:00 pm so in less we want
a late lunch that will drop from the list. However If you are ever through
there that time of day they do have good food and I have heard a nice
slice of pie also. I really wouldn't know about such things myself.
On to this week. The fair city of Lebo was one of our stops early this
year and the owner chased me out the door, saying "Please Come Back
Soon". Well normally this time of year we don't make it back this
soon but Richard and I talked and wanted a central place to meet again
and this is about as central as you can get. I just got off the phone
with Bev, the owner and she said she is closing to the public from 1030
to when we leave. Also to help make things flow better she is having smothered
pork chops served buffet style so we can dig in ourselves. I am sure we
can still order off the menu if wanted. Jen (Walts favorite waitress)
will be there to serve cold drinks and quick banter. Here's the place.
June 18 2008
The End of The Trail Steak House
2740 Fauna Road NW
Lebo Ks. 66856
620-256-5900
Bev Masters owner
This is an easy one to find. Lebo exit off I35 Just behind the Petticoat
Junction gas station.
Ride safe
Don
Subject: Lunch 6-11-08
To:
Date: Friday, June 6, 2008, 8:43 PM
These weeks just go by too fast. Anyway we had a nice ride to Everest
last week and I thought the food was very good. I didn't get my usually
return call in to ask if they liked us being there, but the waitress seemed
very happy and I didn't get a brief word in with the owner and she said
it was great. Some of us went on to Whiting for a piece of homemade pie,
I know you didn't think I touched the stuff, anyway it was great and at
$1.25 the deal of the century.
This week will be a place I haven't been to. Been doing that a lot lately.
I think this was one John gave me, and we know John can pick them. If
it wasn't John it really doesn't matter, I haven't been led to a bad place
more than once or twice in the last couple of years. I've been told there
is no good way to get to this place. Looks pretty simple coming out of
K.C. but simple isn't always the best way. It's on 169 highway between
Garnett and Osowatime.
Cafe
103 W Brown St.
Greely Ks. 66033
785-867-2331
Stephanie Katzer owner.
Date: Thursday, June 26, 2008, 6:55 PM
Trying to keep up with the lunch rides sure make the week go fast. We
had a great but a little warm ride to Paxico. The count was 35 bikes with
38 riders. Pam did a nice job and she was sure excited to have us. She
reminded me that Sept 20 they have a jazz festival sponsored by the town.
I've heard it's a pretty good show.
This week we have a mission of mercy to take care of. John has been traveling
the state searching for good places to eat and I would say finding them.
I think maybe ol John just might be being a little more that friendly
with some of the girls but that's just a rumor. Anyway the owner if this
place said she was going to "get ol John" because we went down
the road from her first. Now both John and her were smiling when they
told me this so I don't know for sure what kind of trouble John is in.
All that said we did stop by there for pie a couple of months ago and
if the rest of the food is good we have no worries. In fact she said that
she had been told that she serves the best "Hand battered Pork Tender
" in the state. I think Harry, Terry, and Bob may want to judge that
themselves.
July 2, 2008
Hilltop Market
21315 Easton Road
Easton Ks. 66020
913-773-5710
Cindy Koch Owner
This place is actually a couple of miles east of Easton, (wasn't that
a movie) and is a gas station, store, restaurant and I guess that's all.
They have ask me twice if there is anything special that anyone wants.
They make all kinds of pie there.
One last thing. It is getting to the time of year the temps really get
up there. Last year we changed to breakfast instead of lunch. I think
we are still a couple of weeks or so away from doing that, but if any
of you have any serious pros or cons about it let me know. Richard stays
with lunch and some of the guys made both rides the same day last year.
If there is enough of you that really want to stay with lunch I can try
to set up two rides to accommodate. Just let me know.
Hope to see you all at Easton. Ride safe
Don.
Date: Thursday, June 19, 2008, 9:15 PM
Well folks the turnout for the combined group wasn't what I expected,
but the food was good and the weather was perfect. It was good to see
Bob, Avin and some of the others from the west. I have to admit that sometimes
it would be nice to have just one group, but the rides get too long too
often and we would overflow many places now. I thought Bev did a nice
job setting things up for us and again she invited us back.
This coming week will be a place opening on Wed. just for us. She did
say if anyone else comes she won't kick them out, but she normally won't
be open Wed. She is excited to have us visit and this would be a good
place to bring your wife if so inclined as the little town is mostly antique
stores. Being on a bike they can look but not buy. Pam plans on sitting
up a buffet with meatloaf and a second meat, with all the fixings similar
to what we had in Lebo. The grill will be open so Jeff can have his hamburger
or anyone else for that matter.
She also mentioned that she will have several pamphlets for upcoming events.
Paxico has a free blues concert in the fall and various other events to
keep people coming by.
Wed. June 25, 2008
The Ramblin Rose Cafe
118 Newbury Ave
Paxico Ks. 66528
Pam Geisler owner.
I have heard that this place has good food form a person that looks like
he knows food. This time I'm picking on Bill instead of John. Pam also
said she is wanting to try a Sunday ride, so if any of you have ideas
on how she could get started on that I'm sure she would like to talk with
you.
Also I have the T shirts in and will stuff them in the Hogley Ferguson's
saddle bags.
I will also try to remember to bring a notebook to take orders if anyone
else wants some. I know of couple of you told me what you wanted and my
memory just isn't what it used to be, or maybe it is if we go back far
enough.
Have a good ride and be safe.
Don
Date: Friday, June 13, 2008, 9:12 AM
Lunch on June 18th
Well folks our ride to Greeley was very nice I thought. We matched the
31 riders that showed at the west ride. Food was good, service was pretty
good, and we do have to consider what we do to these small places. I was
disappointed to discover we lost a very good place to eat in that area.
The Brand N Iron at Princeton now opens at 4:00 pm so in less we want
a late lunch that will drop from the list. However If you are ever through
there that time of day they do have good food and I have heard a nice
slice of pie also. I really wouldn't know about such things myself.
On to this week. The fair city of Lebo was one of our stops early this
year and the owner chased me out the door, saying "Please Come Back
Soon". Well normally this time of year we don't make it back this
soon but Richard and I talked and wanted a central place to meet again
and this is about as central as you can get. I just got off the phone
with Bev, the owner and she said she is closing to the public from 1030
to when we leave. Also to help make things flow better she is having smothered
pork chops served buffet style so we can dig in ourselves. I am sure we
can still order off the menu if wanted. Jen (Walts favorite waitress)
will be there to serve cold drinks and quick banter. Here's the place.
June 18 2008
The End of The Trail Steak House
2740 Fauna Road NW
Lebo Ks. 66856
620-256-5900
Bev Masters owner
This is an easy one to find. Lebo exit off I35 Just behind the Petticoat
Junction gas station.
Ride safe
Don
Subject: Lunch 6-11-08
To:
Date: Friday, June 6, 2008, 8:43 PM
These weeks just go by too fast. Anyway we had a nice ride to Everest
last week and I thought the food was very good. I didn't get my usually
return call in to ask if they liked us being there, but the waitress seemed
very happy and I didn't get a brief word in with the owner and she said
it was great. Some of us went on to Whiting for a piece of homemade pie,
I know you didn't think I touched the stuff, anyway it was great and at
$1.25 the deal of the century.
This week will be a place I haven't been to. Been doing that a lot lately.
I think this was one John gave me, and we know John can pick them. If
it wasn't John it really doesn't matter, I haven't been led to a bad place
more than once or twice in the last couple of years. I've been told there
is no good way to get to this place. Looks pretty simple coming out of
K.C. but simple isn't always the best way. It's on 169 highway between
Garnett and Osowatime.
Cafe
103 W Brown St.
Greely Ks. 66033
785-867-2331
Stephanie Katzer owner.
The ride the 18th will be to Lebo both east and west groups
The ride the 25th will be to Paxico
I am thinking about Wetmore for July 2.
If anyone has pros or cons about these or any other place let me know.
I think we need to try Linnwood soon. I try to keep this to small towns,
but then need a place big enough to hold us.. If you have opinions about
slightly larger towns let me know also. Baldwin has been mentioned and
a few others that have some size to them. I like the little towns but
it's hard not to repeat places. Always welcome any feedback.
Larry S. Sure was quiet without you there see you in Greeley.
Ride Safe
Don
05/22/2008, Thursday
Well folks Yesterday was a good one. Paul and I got lucky and rode around
the rain on the way home and had a nice piece of Coconut Cream in the
process. John Boyer sent me some pics to send along but my computer skills
just isn't getting that done this time. My best count was about 42 at
Eudora and I didn't hear a single complaint about the food. It is helping
a lot that more of you are coming up with places to go to.
This week I'm cheating, the lunch will be about 15 miles from my barn
door. The reason is my wife invited her church group over for BBQ wed
evening and she doesn't cook BBQ, (not much of anything really but don't
tell her I said that.) Anyway I will spend much of the day tending the
fires on the cookers. I do think I can slip away for a lunch though.
The rainy morning let me get ahead on some scheduling.
May 28 -- Dover
June 04 -- Everest-- not confirmed
June 11 -- Greeley
June 18 -- Lebo. The reason we are going back to Lebo so soon is it will
be a combined ride with the west group. I know some of you might have
thought it was so Walt could chase the waitress again, but we'll just
have to keep him on a short leash this time.
I will send you out a notice for each of these as they come up. Here's
this weeks ride.
Wed May 28
Sommerset Hall Cafe.
5701 SW Douglas Rd.
Dover Kansas.
785-256-6223
If you can find Dover on Highway 4 west of Topeka you can find the cafe.
It's on the corner and since there is only one corner in Dover, it's kind
of a no brainer.
Ride safe and hope to see you all there.
Don.
--- On Fri, 5/16/08, Klem Kadiddlehopper wrote:
From: Klem Kadiddlehopper
Subject: Lunch Wed-5-21-08
To:
Date: Friday, May 16, 2008, 11:58 AM
He we go again. Steve gave me the name for this place and maybe the town
isn't small enough to qualify but this is where it will be. It really
helps when you tell me about different places and even more when I get
a business card or menu to call place. Last week Richard said we had a
66 for the turnout. I didn't count but the parking lot looked real good.
I think we come close to causing a couple of wrecks as people were rubber
necking our scoots instead of driving. Here's the place for next week.
Wed. 5-21-08
Cutter's Smokehouse
726 Main Eudora, ks.
66025
785-542-1100
Dan Strimple owner.
Yes Larry I confirmed we are going to be there this time.
At Olpe a group said they wanted Romeo shirts and enough that I will be
able to have some printed up.
I can't give you the exact price, The last two times I had shirts printed
he told me the price was going up and didn't, but I think we've run our
luck on that one.
I try to price them rounded up to the nearest dollar for what I pay after
tax. The same with shipping if I mail them to you. I don't haul them around
like I used to and I only order enough to fill the request.
If you want a shirt email me with size, type and colour. I can get short
sleeve, long sleeve, or sweat shirts. About any colour is available that
black ink will show, I tell the guy what you ask for and he picks out
what he thinks it is. The bright ones that a lot wear is Safety Green.
Shirts are printed on the front with our motto, the back with the cartoon
that Jim Wimmer provided and if several want we can have the bikes in
front of Potwin on the back instead. However we have very few request
for that design.
Email work best, my memory isn't any better than yours.
See you Wed. Ride safe.
Don
Well here we go for the first meeting of the entire Romeo riders this
year. Last week we had a total of over 90 riders between the two groups.
I talked with the lady at the Chicken House and she said they had 120
from a car club and handled them with ease. I think we should try to get
enough there to give them a few problems.
Wed 5-14-08
The Chicken House Cafe
8 east Highway 99
Olpe Kansas
620-475-3386
Easy to find,10 miles south of Emporia on Highway 99. Lets break a few
records and have a good time doing it.
Hope to see you all there Ride safe
Don
Guys - As many of you are already aware, the numerical
size of the ROMEO's has outgrown the size of many of the little places
we are dedicated to helping. Don and I have worked out a system that began
last week and will spit the full group into a Central contingent and an
Eastern contingent of the full ROMEO membership. I will be listing both
lunches on the Calendar of Events section of the KRHA website for everyone
to check to determine which destination is preferable for your own time
or interest. You are free to choose which destination suits your fancy,
be it a short ride or a long day out.
We do plan to get together periodically for a large group gathering and
this week is such a ride. This will obviously call for much consultation
between Don and I and coordination of the locations befitting the considerable
size that the group has grown into but I feel this is necessary considering
our recent growth in numbers.
This weeks lunch will be the first of such group gatherings so as I know
you will, be patient and use the time to get acquainted with another ROMEO.
I might again mention for the benefit of new members, to call up the ride
locations just key in the letters KRHA (Kansas Restaurant and Hospitality
Association) and click on the calendar of events when the site pops up
and walla, there we are in all our glory.
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