Wednesday North Central ROMEO Lunch Ride for 8-22-12

[Richard]

Guys - You'll remember this one. After I mention it's history, you'll know just exactly which one I'm talking about and probably when we were there last though it's been a spell. The place was devistated by a tornado back on 6/11/08 and was shut down for quite a long time.
When we were there last, they had just reopened but things still were a bit unsettled. We had a joint ride there with the Eastern group and if memory serves, we had one of our largest all time turnouts. I don't know if it was from curiosity or from a desire to just do something to help them out in this time of need. Whatever the reason, I'm sure they perceived out attendance in a positive light which was how it was certainly intended. It hit kinda close to home for me because my friend Roger Bekley's daughter lived there during this event and Roger lived directly behind me in the adjoining condo. She thankfully came through unharmed.
Now, I just happened to notice that the other groups have elected to set up breakfast rides on this day so wouldn't it be a real hoot if some of them decided to hop back on their bikes and venture on up to lunch with us. We could maybe give 'em another shot from our roving stimulus package. We've actually been doing that from even prior to it becoming popular. The town by the way really looks great with little left to reflect how devistating the situation was.
Here's a little sight that I thought interesting and well done.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9J9cCj4Ffsg

Here's the place...............................The SHAMROCK Cafe
114 E. 4th.
Chapman, Kansas 67431
785-922-6700
Ken Eveleth, Owner

Ken remembered us from our last visit and is excited to have us return and is looking forward seeing us once again under much better circumstances than the temporary situation he was in before.

Here's the time.............................11:00 am

As always..........ride careful, ride safe and I'll see you in Chapman. Richard
http://tinyurl.com/Romeo-Rides-This-Week
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Guys - Did we have a time today! I put on my air jacket and couldn't have been more comfortable. It did heat up early afternoon but then a few clouds floated over and then things cooled right down to back in the comfort aone.
We arrived from Salina as a group and was surprised to see a good group already inside. Right off the bat I spoted a new bike I didn't recognize and began inquiring as to ownership. Turns out it was Bill Wilson's brand new Ural Sidecar Rig. He said the dealer in ElDorado got it in and he got word somehow that it was there and went over and bought it. The dealer had it for two days. Bill said that he thinks the dealer really thinks he hit the jackpot by ordering this so he turned right around and ordered more. How many? Bill doesn't know but he said that the next lot may not move as fast as this one did and hopes the dealer didn't make a mistake. I hope not too but the bikeis a honey and I picked it as our 'Bike of the Week'. Check out the photo below. It's gorgeous! Joyce was asking questions about it. She thinks I;m getting too old to be doing this on two wheels!
The suggestion about coming on over to Chapman after breakfast at the other rides today must have struck a chord because guys were pulling in from all over after having already had breakfast. It was good to see everyone today that I hadn't seen for months. Hope to see you all over in Arkansas again next month.
Oh yes, Junior was there having come all the way up from Oxford to deliver flyers for the ROMEO Rendezvous. Always good to see Junior over in Arkansas even if it's from a distance. I say that because he covers the corners so much quicker than I do. If I can just keep him in sight, I think I've really done something! Remember Arkansas is just a short 4 weeks away!
Headcount today was 42 and with all the coming and going, it's a possibility that we may have even missed someone.
Check out the photos of the day below..........

[Patrick]

More Pictures of Chapman Ride