Wednesday North Central ROMEO Lunch Ride for 8-08-12

Richard · Post by **Richard** » Thu Aug 02, 2012 9:50 pm

Guys I was provided a tip by Jean Boyd from Chapman at last weeks breakfast ride to a new place that recently reopened and just for something to do this afternoon as it cooled a bit, I ventured over to check it out. Originally it didn't ring a bell because ther name had changed but as I rode up to view the place it hit me......we've been here before. Unfortunately it has been so far back that I haven't uncovered it yet but I remembered the cute little place right off.
It's a short 61.1 miles from my house and depending upon the way you choose to go, you can either hit a curve or two....or not. I chose the curves!
They open at 11:00am and are delighted we are coming. Their mainstay business shows up at noon so we're a perfect fit!

Here's the place..............................Reece's Cafe'
202 N. Pioneer St.
Alden, Kansas 67512
620-534-2500
Sharyna Reece, Owner

As always......................ride careful, ride safe and I'll see you in Alden. Richard
http://tinyurl.com/Romeo-Rides-This-Week

http://www.therepublic.com/view/story/b ... unity-Cafe
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Guys - I'll have to get back with you on the story to accompany the photos later when I cool down. My cat just stepped on the ESC button and I lost an hour worth of pulitzer work. Maybe tomorrow! Oh what the heck, what else do I have to do.
I do owe you guys an appology. First and probably the least serious was forgetting my chip in my camera phone. I took tons of pictures and when I got home after practically tearing my phone apart trying to find it, I noticed it sitting right up atop my computer where I had apparently left it after the last loading of photos last week. Oooops! I had pried into the innards of thephone thinking it had eaten the chip before finding it. Thankfully, the little thing i pulled out with tweeers after prying loose with my knife must not have been important anyway.
The serious thing was the lack of advance preparation I should have helped the cafe with prior to our arrival. We have enough history now to know what works and what doesn't work for a group our size dropping in on a place, particularly a brand new place with not a clue. I should have worked with them in suggesting a menu special that is quick and easy to serve such as a simple burger basket or similar fare. Rapidly cooked and served. In and out rather than the personalized order situation we found so cumbersome today. I appologize. It was my responsibility and I completely went blank and blew it. My Bad!
An old timer in the business would have known and in most places it would have been a no brainer but for a brand new place, newly opened and with new staff......I did both them and you guys a disservice and will try to never let this happen again. Don't hold today's experience against the cafe. It wasn't their fault, it was mine and I should have known better. I'll be beating myself up for some time over this. Hopefully I haven't turned you guys off by my lack of situational awareness.
Again, it wasn't the fault of the cafe today. They did the best they knew how under the circumstances.
Now, after all that, I almost forgot to let ya know how many were here today. By official count on the sign in sheet, we had forty two at lunch today. Here's another problem that I contributed to. I estimated we would have maybe twenty five. I should have known better since Hutchinson is located so close but again.....brain fart! You guys are just going to have to trade me in for a new model.
It was good seeing so many of you come out today. The morning was tolerable but things did begin heating up again in the afternoon. I had to be back at the house by 2:00pm to meet up with my son from Ponca City as he came thru on his way to Denver for a Bankers meeting and I made it with fifteen minutes to spare. He was late! Randy took off just ahead of me at Alden on his Savage 650 and that was the last I saw of him. I heard him up ahead a time or two but never caught up. He had to be really speeding!
Congratulations go to Nick Day, today for earning the coveted Long distance award. Nick got up at 0700 and beat a path straight to Alden. 154 miles one way and then had to leave prior to eating. He said he promised his Missus he would take her out to eat that evening. He should have ordered before he left, it might have been ready by the time they got back. Oh, that was terrible of me to say that, may the Lord have mercy on my Soul.
I was fresh out of new washers and dryers that go with this award so Nick only got a ROMEO sticker. I may have to give one to 'Big' Jim Langford as well for being 'The Most Patient' today (see Patrick's photos below)