South Central Lunch Ride: Wednesday, May 20, 11:00 AM

[roginoz]

It looks like things have calmed down a bit, some businesses are starting to reopen. I'm going to restart the South Central lunch rides, for those who wish to participate. If you're not feeling well, stay home. If you're concerned about underlying health issues that put you at increased risk, make your best decision based on your individual circumstances.

The Latham Saloon is more of a restaurant than a bar. They have a daily special, burgers and other sandwiches, and salads. The food is good, and they appreciate our business. The kitchen is kind of small, so if the daily special looks good to you, it'll get you fed more quickly. (Wednesday's special is an excellent chicken fried steak.) Most of the places we visit can't afford to add extra help just for our visit, especially when we're not sure how many riders will show up. So, kick back and be patient; they'll be working at full speed to serve our group. You've got time, and it's a good chance to catch up with people you may not have seen in a while.

Latham is less than fifty miles, and about fifty minutes, from Wichita. If it's a particularly good riding day, the long way home via Cambridge might be in order.

It's always touch and go for small mom and pop restaurants, and some of the places we're used to visiting probably didn't survice the Covid-19 pandemic, due to being without normal business for an extended time. I suggest that we help the ones that are re-opening regain a little bit of ground when we show up. Be sure to order a drink, as they represent a good profit margin. Get an appetizer, if offered, to share with your table; you'll be even more popular with your buddies, and it means a little more for the restaurant's bottom line. Consider ordering dessert if it's available; you can always take it home to eat later. Tell them to keep the change when you pay, or round the tab up to the next buck or two. Finally, be extra generous with your tip; wait staff employees aren't paid much, and many have been without work during the recent difficulties. We're lucky to be able to ride to good destinations run by good people, and most of us can spare a few extra bucks to show our appreciation.

TIME:
11:00 AM, Wednesday, May 20

PLACE:

Latham Saloon
226 W Blaine St.
Latham, KS
(620) 965-2340

MAP:
Gary has, or will soon have, a map up at the following (new) link:

https://tinyurl.com/wd4hsez

[roginoz]

A quick update:

For those who would like to ride, but prefer to not gather inside for lunch, Brian has volunteered to lead a group from Latham to Cambridge (one of his favorite roads) a bit after 11:00.

I'll run part of the way after lunch, heading west at the turnoff to Atlanta, to check out the cafe that is now reportedly open there.

[etaoin]

As longtime Wichita weatherman Bill McLean (and later Jim O'Donnell) used to say, "It was a Beeeautiful day in KAKEland" for a break-out-of-lockdown ROMEO ride! Cloudy skies, slight breeze and temps in the 60s. So while Charlie & Co. were roasting (100+ degree temps!) on the roads of Texas this week, 11 ROMEOS rode to the hustling, bustling metropolis of Latham to enjoy fabulous chicken fried steaks and excellent burgers at the Latham Saloon. Saw Brian breeze by on a skip-lunch scenic tour.

Social-Distancing Spy Drone